2024 Co-Op Report

Sejingkat Power Corporation

Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Energy)

BEV 2003 COOPERATIVE PLACEMENT REPORT

Melvin Kho Ying Fan
1302058185

A report submitted to the

Department of Engineering
UCSI University

02/09/2024-22/11/2024
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TITLE PAGE
CO-OPERATIVE PLACEMENT / INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
REPORT: INTERNSHIP IN SARAWAK ENERGY

Melvin Kho Ying Fan

1302058185

BEV3003 Industrial Training

Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours
Department of Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

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APPROVAL PAGE
This page signifies that the content and materials concerning company information presented in
this report have been reviewed and endorsed by the company supervisor. It is imperative that all
reports undergo verification by the respective company before submission to the academic
institution.

Verification Protocol:
The employer is required to affix their signature and official stamp upon verifying the written
content.

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DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this report is my own work and that it contains, to the best of my knowledge
and belief, no material previously published or written by another person nor material which to
a substantial extent has been submitted for other course, except where due acknowledgement is
made in the report.

___________________
Melvin Kho Ying Fan

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Hereby, the intern would like to express his sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted him
throughout his internship.
First and foremost, the intern would like to express his appreciation to Sarawak Energy Berhad,
specifically the Sejingkat Power Corporation Sdn Bhd for offering an intern position. He
appreciates his immediate supervisor, Senior Engineer Ms Joyce Goh Poi Hung, manager of
Hydro Project Development, Ir Jimmy Anak Awel and other colleagues from Project Delivery
Department for the guidance.
The intern would also like to acknowledge and appreciate to the UCSI University, lecturers from
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering who provided technical and mental support to
the intern in his internship. Special thanks to Assistant Professor Ir Dr Lee Jin Chai for being the
internship coordinator and Ms Salihah binti Surol for being the internship evaluator.
Special appreciation also goes to the intern’s parents for mental support and accompanying him
throughout the internship.
The internship was indeed a great experience which widen the intern’s industrial insight and he
felt grateful to everyone who offered assistance to him in his internship.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The intern worked in Sejingkat Power Corporation, which is a subsidiary under Sarawak Energy
Berhad located at Jalan Kampung Goebilt, Kampung Coal Fired Power Station, 93010 Kuching,
Sarawak, playing the role in power generation.
This report is aimed to act as a reflection paper of the intern beside concluding the work done by
the intern throughout his internship period (Industrial Training 2, 1 of his core courses). The
reader of this report is expected to gain a holistic understanding regarding the company
background, the work done by the intern, working environment and industry trend reflected by
the mentioned company.
In the further chapter, the reader would be able to understand the business structure in details, the
detail job scope of the intern attached with relevant documents, his progress of internship as
shown in the Microsoft Project schedule (Gantt Chart).
The job scope of the intern is variant, including but not limited to attend trainings covering
various topics, assisting senior engineer in project management and preparing relevant project
documents, assisting other colleagues in their research (geotechnical and hydrology), preparing
presentation on the results, involved in project scheduling and tendering documents, attend
weekly and monthly technical update meeting and so on.
In the conclusion section, the intern concluded his key learnings and skill sets learned. For
example, he gained industry insight by witnessing the progress of a project at initiation phase and
the details of each phase listed. He also learned a lot of knowledge from trainings attended in the
company. He even received verbal compliment from environmental scientist for being observant
in certain topics. While the recommendations section discussed some of the possible
recommendations to both parties (The employer, the university and future internship candidate),
including suggested policy for the employer in order to engage the intern with more tasks to
widen his view, technical support from university and longer internship period than the suggested
12 weeks for the intern to learn more.

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Contents
TITLE PAGE.............................................................................................................................................ii
APPROVAL PAGE...................................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................................................v
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................vi
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................................ix
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS....................................................................................................................x
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1
1.0 Introduction...............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Objectives.........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Scope and limitation........................................................................................................................1
1.3 Significance......................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2 COMPANY PROFILE.......................................................................................................4
2.0 Company Background.....................................................................................................................4
2.1 Location of the company.................................................................................................................5
2.2 Main Products and Services............................................................................................................6
2.3 Company Achievements and Improvement...................................................................................7
CHAPTER 3: TASK, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................................9
3.0 Tasks assigned and completed.........................................................................................................9
3.1 Identification of Problems.......................................................................................................15
3.2 Design of Solutions...................................................................................................................16
3.3 Safety & Health Awareness.....................................................................................................20
3.3.1 Safety related issues..........................................................................................................20
3.3.2 Health related issues.........................................................................................................22
3.4 Environment and Sustainability.............................................................................................24
3.5 Lifelong Learning....................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS........................................28
4.0 Conclusion......................................................................................................................................28
4.1 Recommendations..........................................................................................................................29
4.1.1 Recommendations to the company..........................................................................................29
4.1.2 Recommendations to the university.........................................................................................29

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4.1.3 Recommendations to the interns..............................................................................................29

APPENDIX..............................................................................................................................................31
Appendix A Offer Letter.....................................................................................................................31
Appendix B Co-op Confirmation Letter............................................................................................32
Appendix C Covid-19 Prevention Measure at Workplace................................................................34
Appendix D Employer Testimonial....................................................................................................35
Appendix E Student Co-Op Experience Survey & Feedback Form................................................36
Appendix F Photos with lecturer during his/her coop visit or any photos relevant to the assigned
tasks......................................................................................................................................................38
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................40

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LIST OF FIGURES
Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Appendices Appendix A Offer Letter

Appendix B Co-op Confirmation Letter

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Appendix C Covid-19 Prevention Measure at Workplace

Appendix D Employer Testimonial

Appendix E Student Co-Op Experience Survey & Feedback Form

Appendix F

LIST OF FIGURES
Chapter 3 Table 3.5.1: List of workshops/trainings
attended

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ASEAN - Association of Southeast Asian Nations
BBM - Building Block Methodology
CCGT - Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine
CFRD - Concrete Face Rockfill Dam
Co-Op - Co-Operative Education Programme
DEI - Diversity, equity, and inclusion
DG – Decision Gate
EFA - Environmental Flow Assessments
EFR – Environmental Flow Rate
ESP – Electrostatic Precipitator
FEL- Front End-Loading
HEC-HMS - Hydrologic Modeling System
HEP – Hydro Electric Plant
HPD - Hydro Project Development
HSSE – Health, Security, Safety and Environment
HVAC - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
ICOLD - International Commission on Large Dams
IHA - International Hydropower Association
LLO – Low Level Outlet
MIHEP - Mentarang Induk Hydropower Project
MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MyDAMS - Malaysia Dam Safety Management Guidelines
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
P.Geol -Professional Geologist
PCCS - Plant Control Computer System
PD – Project Delivery
QS Ranking - Quacquarelli Symonds Ranking
RCC - Roller-Compacted Concrete

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SCORE - Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy

TLP - Transmission Line Project
TNB – Tenaga Nasional Berhad
UM - Universiti Malaya
UNIMAS - University Malaysia Sarawak
UPM - Universiti Putra Malaysia
USM - Universiti Sains Malaysia
UTS - University Technology of Sarawak

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
Co-Operative Education Programme (Co-Op), is also known as internship or industrial training,
which is already widely implemented as a core or compulsory course to complete in
undergraduate programme.
The Co-Op aims to enhance the student’s hands on skills and widen their industry insight by
providing them a formal experience to apply their knowledge learned from lecture. It also served
as an opportunity or platform between students, university and industries to keep updates on all
the parties mentioned regarding the current trend or market trend in the industries, so that the
students and university are able to work together to produce competent personnel in industries by
adjustment in syllabus.
Nationally, the co-op or internship is very common in well-known universities, including public
universities such as Universiti Malaya (UM, Ranked 60 in QS Ranking 2025 ), Universiti Sains
Malaysia (USM, Ranked 146 in QS Ranking 2025), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM, Ranked
148 in QS Ranking 2025) and also private university such as Taylor’s University (Ranked 251 in
QS Ranking 2025) and also UCSI University (Ranked 265 in QS Ranking 2025).
Nevertheless, many of the globally recognized university such as Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT, ranked 1 in QS Ranking 2025), University of Oxford (Ranked 3 in QS
Ranking 2025), Harvard University (Ranked 3 in QS Ranking 2025) also included internship
programme in their undergraduate programme, which ensure the competency of their students.
In shorts, the co-op plays a vital role in tertiary education, especially undergraduate programme
as it allowed the student to gain hands on experience, increasing their competency and prepare
them to contribute in their respective industry before graduation. However, proper regulations
should be taken in regulating the co-op education as some of the students in some company
lacking off proper co-op regulations tends to work as cheap labor doing repetitive and irrelevant
job, which they could not achieve expected outcome from co-op.
1.1 Objectives
 To gain exposure and understand the role of civil engineer in the energy industry of
Sarawak
 To gain knowledge in coal power station operation and maintenance as civil engineer
 To enhance organizational, project and time management skills

1.2 Scope and limitation

The job scopes of the student working as intern in Facilities, Maintenance Department, Sejingkat
Power Corporation Sdn Bhd, a company under Sarawak Energy Berhad is summarized as follow:

1. Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental processes involved in operating a power

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station, covering essential procedures, protocols, and operational complexities.

2. Monitor maintenance tasks, testing, and troubleshooting procedures to ensure compliance with
safety protocols and best practices, including accurate documentation of procedures and findings.
3. Become acquainted with the inventory of mechanical spare parts and consumables necessary
for
maintenance tasks.
4. Acquire knowledge of safety compliance measures, including adherence to safety protocols
and
regulations, and the implementation of safety measures during maintenance operations.
5. Learn the essentials of report writing, including proper documentation, and filing procedures.
The limitations of this internship experience include that the student only work within the Hydro
Project Development section so student mainly focus in the construction of hydroelectric plant
(HEP). Due to the constraints that the student has limited technical knowledge in industry
(including hydrology, Geotechnical engineering, structural engineering) to analyze, and also the
company policy on confidential documents for interns, the student does not have access to some
sensitive confidential and technical data.
In addition, the nature of the business is mainly focusing on construction of dam to serve as HEP
in Sarawak, and hence the business nature and projects involved are said to be highly specific
and unique, in which the student might not be able to gain a holistic view of construction
industry from different perspectives. This could be a potential limitation factor in student’s
overall career development in future, which limit or narrow the student’s career path in civil
engineering after graduation.
Last but not least, due to the fact that the project student involved is still in initiation phase which
will be inland area of Lawas, far away from the office where student working in Kuching, the
student was not able to involve in the construction of project to gain on site experience but rather
paperwork. As a result, student may not have enough exposure for on-site experience and
participation in the project construction.

1.3 Significance
The industrial training 2 or the co-op experience in Syarikat SESCO Berhad under Sarawak
Energy Berhad have benefits the student a lot in many aspects. In terms of hands-on experience,
the student obtained invaluable industry exposure in different discipline by working together
with different experts from different background, including electrical engineer, geologist,
hydrologist and environmental scientist. The student worked under senior engineer’s supervision
are exposed to a wide variety of job scope, mainly focusing on project management and
some technical job.

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For example, the student was required to review the concept phase report regarding the
construction of Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) and prepare presentation on the summary of report to
geologist, hydrologist and engineers. He was also assigned to collect, organize, cross check and
tabulate the necessary data or information, including project schedule, dimensions of dump truck
in Malaysia, volume of waste and so on. Last but not least, a series of technical and non-
technical trainings or workshop, covering topics includes dam design, health, security, safety and
environment (HSSE) , which widen the student’s view and knowledge in different area.
The student is satisfied with the healthy and balanced working environment where there is no
strict punch in and out system, as long as the student is able to complete assigned work by the
deadline. Other benefits rewarded to the student include the company encourage employee to
participate in sport event, and hence every Thursday is known as Healthy Living Thursday or
known as “sport day”, in which the employees are allowed to punch out at 4 p.m. and attend the
arranged sport event or going for workout themselves based on their preference. In addition to
the work-life balanced working environment, the intern is also satisfied with the allowance given
which is RM1000 per month, which is considered to be very high within Sarawak as an intern.
In shorts, the student satisfied with the internship experience as the company provided a lot of
benefits which assisted and enabled the student to achieve and excel in many aspects, including
career development, financial and wealth planning, health and wellbeing and so on.

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CHAPTER 2 COMPANY PROFILE

2.0 Company Background
Sarawak Energy Berhad or SEB in short, is an energy development company which aims to
supply electrical energy to meet the demand of 3 million Sarawakians from renewable and
reliable sources, mainly from HEP in order to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for
Sarawak. It is committed in providing 24/7 electricity service and access, harnessing the natural
resource to catalyze the economic progress development via the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable
Energy (SCORE). (Sarawak Energy, n.d.)
According to the information from their virtual gallery, the company started in 1921 as an
Electrical Section within Public Works Department, the public electricity supply has begun when
the Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke acquired 2 coal-fired steam engines from gold miners in Bau
and install them in Kuching. Over 100 years of evolution and reformation, from the Sarawak
Electricity Supply Corporation (SESCO) in 1932 to Sarawak Energy Berhad (Current) has
become the largest energy supplier in Malaysia.
Sarawak Energy Berhad is currently working hard in expanding their business and ambitious in
becoming the regional powerhouse in south east Asia. Beside working on rural electrifications in
Sarawak inland area, they are also progressing the Borneo Grid to export the power generated to
West Kalimantan, Indonesia since 2016 and also planning to expand the interconnections with
Sabah and Brunei. (Sarawak Energy, n.d.)
The student worked in Sejingkat Power Corporation, which is a company owned by Sarawak
Energy Berhad, under SEB Power as shown in the diagram below:

Diagram 2.0.1: Structure of Sarawak Energy Berhad

On the other hand, the Sejingkat Power Corporation Sdn Bhd is founded in the year 1993, with 2
phases of generators, 2 units for each phase with a power rating of 50MW for each unit in phase
1, 55MW for each unit in phase 2. (Total 4 units). The power station is one of the significant coal
power plants in Sarawak, with a power rating of 210MW. Other coal power plants in Sarawak

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owned by Sarawak Energy Berhad includes Mukah coal-fired power plant and Balingian coal-
fired power plant.

2.1 Location of the company

The student work in the Sejingkat coal-fired power plant, which is also known as Sejingkat
Power Corporation (SPC) Sdn Bhd based in Kuching, Sarawak.
Address: Jalan Kampung Goebilt, Kampung Coal Fired Power Station, 93010 Kuching, Sarawak

Diagram 2.1.1: Overview of Sejingkat Power Corporation

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Diagram 2.1.2: Location of Sejingkat Power Corporation on Google Map

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2.2 Main Products and Services

According to the official website of Sarawak Energy (n.d.), serving as a company wholly owned
by Sarawak Government, their business covers electrical power generation, transmission,
distribution and retails of electricity, playing a similar role with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
in peninsular Malaysia.
By harvesting and utilizing the natural resources of Sarawak, including hydro due to sufficient
rainfall, coal and gas as fuel, they generate the electrical energy by Hydro Electric Plant (HEP),
gas turbine, coal plant, micro hydro plant and solar panel.
To cope with the increasing demand of electricity, realize their aim of electrification in Sarawak
and serving as the powerhouse in South East Asia, Sarawak Energy also involved in major
projects, especially construction of power plant, including the Baleh HEP, Tanjung Kidurong
Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT), 500KV Second Backbone Transmission Line, Northern
Grid Development and so on.
On the other hand, SPC as a subsidiary owned by Sarawak Energy oversees power generation by
coal, and managing the Sejingkat Power Station. The electricity generated from SPC will be then
connected to the grid for further transmission and distribution which will be done by Syarikat
SESCO Berhad, another subsidiary of Sarawak Energy.

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Diagram 2.2.1: Overview of Sarawak Energy’s business displayed in visitor galleria of Menara
Sarawak Energy

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2.3 Company Achievements and Improvement

As a well-known company in Sarawak, Sarawak Energy has received a long list of national and
international awards, including Asian Power Awards 2019, First runner up under the Off-Grid –
Power Category of the ASEAN Energy Awards 2019, Sustainable Business Awards Malaysia
2019 and etc. (Sarawak Energy, n.d.)
Comparing to other similar firms from same industrial background nationally and internationally,
Sarawak Energy has a few advantages such that it is owned by the state government of Sarawak,
having the access directly to the power plants, connected and recognized with professional
bodies such as International Hydropower Association (IHA). Most importantly, it is a company
located in Sarawak whereby there is a geographical advantage for energy industries for the
massive natural resources, such as sufficient rainfall, oil and gas, coals as fuels.
In addition, the key differences of Sarawak Energy with other engineering firms in industries
also includes such that it focuses a lot in talent development of Sarawak by offering internship
programme, scholarships, allowing it to attract many of the talented candidates to serve in
Sarawak Energy, besides having strong connection with Sarawak local universities such as
University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin
University, University Technology of Sarawak (UTS). This has enabled the good collaboration
and sharing of skills/technology with the universities especially in Research and Development
field beside cultivating talented future generation to serve in Sarawak Energy.
Also, it looks into the well-being of employees both physically and mentally by organizing a lot
of wellbeing programme and healthcare benefits, having flexible policy and culture on working,
which maximize the productivity of employees beside creating both a win-win situation between
employees and company.
From the perspective of the intern, more collaboration with other well-known firms such as
Shell, Petronas, TNB or even other state governments, countries such as Brunei Darussalam and
Indonesia could be a key to expand their business internationally by sharing of resources,
including but not limited to human resources, financial resources and technology. Beside
collaboration between neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei,
collaboration with European countries that are well-known for their advanced and mature
technology in renewable energy would also help to expand the business.

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CHAPTER 3: TASK, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.0 Tasks assigned and completed
The Gantt Chart of the intern:

Diagram 3.0.1.1, Diagram 3.0.1.2, Diagram 3.0.1.3: Gantt Chart Produced by Microsoft
Project
The intern was assigned various jobs, including but not limited to:
1. To prepare presentation to senior engineers and other team members after studying the
concept phase report of the project given.
2. To assist the senior engineer to prepare any necessary documents and data in the form of
presentation, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Projects and so on.
3. To attend technical and non-technical workshops and trainings organized by the company
For part 1, the intern was given the concept phase report on the Trusan 2 HEP Project with 16
Chapters covering introduction, hydrological studies, topographic survey, geology and
geotechnical investigations, power and energy optimization studies, project layout and structures,
transmission line, infrastructure and so on.
The presentation was conducted average once per 2 weeks by the intern together with another
intern from Politeknik Kuching Sarawak named Nazrul. The presentation is aimed to provide a
quick summary for the senior engineer and the team members and expose the intern to the
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engineering works done by the consultant. The presentation covered up to Chapter 8, as the
intern completed their internship at first of December. Kindly refer to the appendix for more
details on the content of the presentation.

Diagram 3.0.2: The concept phase report

The intern did some notes on the report and research on the technical terms /principles from
online resource. The diagram below shows some of the examples of summary on the report in the
form of Microsoft PowerPoint (a basic office application for presentation slideshow preparation)

Diagram 3.0.3: Examples of presentation on the concept phase report

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For part 2, the intern was assigned to prepare various documents and data required by the senior
engineer and the other team members using software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
Microsoft Projects and in the form of presentation.
For example, the intern was assigned by the geologist to do a summary on the usable and non-
usable rocks as quarry from the given geotechnical boreholes log in the form of Microsoft Excel
(a basic office application to prepare and works on tables). The diagram below shows the
geotechnical log given by the geologist for analysis.

Diagram 3.0.4: Geotechnical log given by the geologist

Diagram 3.0.5: Summary of usable and non-usable rocks as quarry in Microsoft Excel
The intern also worked together with environmental scientist cum hydrologist to prepare the
presentation on Environmental Flow Assessments (EFA). The intern was given some materials
such as research paper and manual on the Building Block Methodology (BBM) for study and
present to the environmental scientist. The following diagram shows the example of presentation
slideshow:

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Diagram 3.0.6: Examples of slideshow used for the presentation on EFA

The intern was also assigned to prepare documents such as visualized project schedule in the
form of Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel to the senior engineer.

Diagram 3.0.7: Visualized Project Schedule in Microsoft Excel

In the second last week before the internship ended, the intern was assigned by the senior
engineer to prepare the visualized summary on the contracting packages in Microsoft Excel.

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Diagram 3.0.8: Examples of contracting packages

In the process of studying the 243 paged-concept phase report, some of the technical formulas
were introduced to the intern, which some have been learnt from the lecture in UCSI University
and some have not yet. The examples of commonly used formula were shown below.
For example, the formula used to estimate the water level of reservoir backwater, is very similar
and believed that it is derived from what the intern have learnt from the Hydraulics lecture
(BEV2043).

Diagram 3.0.9: Examples of formula used in the concept phase report

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Diagram 3.0.10: Examples of formula used in the concept phase report

Diagram 3.0.11: Examples of formula used in the concept phase report

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3.1 Identification of Problems

The intern had come across with a few technical problems within the 13 weeks internship
period, due to the nature of the intern’s job scope which is more to project overall
management in initiation phase of Trusan 2 HEP project.
Some of the technical problems which are more discussion worthy are then discussed in this
section. (Some immediately solved technical problems requiring less efforts and less
discussion worthy were excluded in this section)
First and foremost, the technical problem encountered was that we were assigned to study if
the dam needs a permanent Low-Level Outlet (LLO) for discharge of water at a lower section
of dam other than the other water discharging structure such as spillway and diversion tunnel.
(mainly to minimize the impact to the downstream ecosystem)
According to the supervisor of intern, Joyce Goh Poi Hung (Senior Engineer), this is because
the dam project would always require a Low-Level Outlet, either temporary or permanent,
and a temporary LLO would be blocked at 1 end after the completion of project, which is
irreversible process due to the technical and budget constraints. So, it is always a challenge
for technical team to figure out if the LLO should be temporary or permanent.
The solutions would be discussed in detail in the later chapter, in shorts, an online workshop
is prepared by an experienced consultant, taking another project, Baleh Dam as an example
and he shared his opinions based on the available data and experience.
Secondly, it was about the ecological release or also known as the Environmental Flow Rate
(EFR) which is the minimal flow rate at downstream to conserve the downstream ecosystem.
To assess the exact value of EFR, there are some frameworks for the Environmental Flow
Assessment (EFA). And which framework are to be implemented was an issue and discussed
among the intern and also the environmental scientist cum hydrologist, Ms Joan Alicia
Joseph Blandoi.
Thirdly, the usable rocks and non-usable rock as the quarry sources was a technical problem
to be analyzed by the intern. The intern was given a geotechnical log sheet was given by the
professional geologist P.Geol Dibbie Mama and the intern was required to summarize and
analyze the usable rock sources. Some assumptions were made by the intern after discussion
with P.Geol Dibbie Mama and the results are tabulated in the form of Microsoft Excel.
Besides, the supervisor assigned the intern to find out the location of rainfall gauges around
the site and their respective name. The intern collaborated with his partner, consulting
hydrologist regarding the issue.
Last but not least, the intern was also exposed to the design of dam. In the training provided,
the intern learned that there are a lot of dam failure happening around the world and the
intern had learned what are the surveillance measures at dam to mitigate the dam failure.

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3.2 Design of Solutions

The consultant proposed that the permanent LLO is normally for a dam with smaller
reservoir, or for Roller-Compacted Concrete Dam (RCC Dam). Considering the dam in our
project is very similar to the Baleh Dam, which is having a big reservoir and also it is a
Concrete Face Rockfill Dam (CFRD), so most likely it would not require a permanent LLO.
Further discussion and study should be conducted on this matter by the team members of
HPD and other teams.
Furthermore, he elaborated such that taking the Baleh Dam as an example, the reasons why it
does not require a permanent LLO are:
1. It has big reservoir so it is not necessary to control the rate of rise of reservoir during first
impoundment.
2. It is categorized as extreme hazard, low risk dam
3. The power station is located close to the CFRD, so it does not require downstream
compensation flow.

Diagram 3.2.1: Slideshow prepared by the consultant concluding Baleh dam does not require
permanent LLO
Secondly, about the EFA, the intern found out that there are several categories of framework,
generally they are categorized into 4 groups which are: Hydrological data, hydraulic ratings,
habitat simulations and holistic methodologies, which is essential for the further research to
conserve the downstream ecosystem by maintaining a minimum EFR. (King et al., 2008)
The explanation and comparison of the following methods are summarized in the diagram
attached below (from the slideshow presented to Ms Joan regarding EFA) :

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Diagram 3.2.2: Comparisons of each EFA methodologies groups

The intern proposed that at current stage, Sarawak Energy Berhad only implemented the
hydraulic rating and hydrological data methodologies, which are relatively faster and easier
to conduct, that can provide a very quick overview on the EFR at the site. However, it does
not provide a holistic view on the EFR required due to its general analysis. Hence, the intern
proposed that the holistic methodology, specifically the Building Block Methodology (BBM)
should be implemented as it is already a matured framework which is widely implemented in
many countries. Ms Joan agreed with the intern’s perspective.
Regarding the usable and non-usable rock, the intern had made some assumptions based on
the Geotechnical Boreholes, such that:
1. Usable rock type: Sandstone, Shale, Siltstone
2. Non-Usable rock type: No-Core
3. Level of weathering: Fresh-rocks to moderately weathered are acceptable.
The assumptions are accepted by P.Geol Dibbie Mama and the data are presented in the form
of Microsoft Excel.

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Diagram 3.2.3: Example of Geotechnical Log

Diagram 3.2.4: Example of data summarized in Microsoft Excel

The hydrologist Ms Nur Diyana Syahirah Rosdi recommended the intern to check the
location of rainfall gauge by using the website of iHydro:
https://ihydro.sarawak.gov.my/iHydro/en/map/rainfall-map.jsp
The locations are then roughly marked on Google Map as reference for Ms Joyce to conduct
presentation and discussion with other team members.

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Diagram 3.2.5: Location of rainfall gauges in Sarawak and their respective rainfall in iHydro
Last but not least, talking about the surveillance of dam, the surveillance included the visual
inspection which follows the ICOLD 158, MyDams standard as followed:

Diagram 3.2.6: Guidelines of Visual Inspection of dam

The pore water pressure around the dam site is also always monitored by the piezometer. Other
monitored parameters also include the seepage at the dam as shown in the diagram below:

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Diagram 3.2.7: Seepage data monitored in Bakun Dam

3.3 Safety & Health Awareness
In this section, the intern will discuss and share some of the safety and health regulations in
Menara Sarawak Energy.
The Sarawak Energy Berhad take safety and health, or the concept of Health, Safety, Security
and Environment very seriously, even in the office.
3.3.1 Safety related issues
First and foremost, SPC always emphasize such that the user must hold the handrails while
using the staircase to avoid any accident such as falling on the staircase.
Secondly, since there are a lot of machineries and equipment SPC, smoking inside the
premises are strictly prohibited as many materials and machineries in SPC are considered to
be flammable. Smokers are only allowed to smoke at designated area outside of the premise.
All of the emergency exit signage and the signs such as “Do not use the lift in case of fire”
are also found in the office, which allow immediate evacuation in emergency cases.

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Diagram 3.3.1: The safety rules are displayed in the office

In addition, the Sarawak Energy Berhad often provide training related to HSSE, including the
Coal Power station HSSE Excellence Week of 2024 hosted by SPC, and also the workshop
introducing the Sarawak Energy Life Saving Rules. These workshops provide the employees
an insight in various topics including the OSHA Act.
Last but not least, safety briefings are to be conducted at the first week of intern’s onboarding
and intern is given personal protection equipment (PPE) including helmet, gloves, earplugs
and safety shoes. Safety reminders are attached everywhere at site, including reminder on do
not work under loaded crane, and signage while operating crane (body language).

3.3.2 Health related issues

The Sarawak Energy Berhad also look very into employee’s health, mentally and physically.
For example, every Thursday is known as Healthy Living Thursday whereby the employee
may opt to stay back at 4.15pm to 5.15pm for a workout session or leave the office at 4pm if
they have their own work out plan.

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Diagram 3.3.3: Physical exercise schedule and theme of every Thursday in Sarawak Energy
From the perspective of intern, it is a very good program to promote employee’s health by
encouraging them to work out. However, this program does not attract too much employee to
join, beside the limited space in the atrium. In addition, there might be a risk to get infected by
the Covid-19 for those employees who join the workout session. In the intern’s perspective, there
should be a wider space for the work out session and more attractive workout content.
From the perspective of the intern, it was indeed a very good event that benefits the employee by
providing them an insight on health, beside raising the awareness of the significance of the health
to the employee. However, due to the large size of the company, not every employee has the
chance to join the workshop which only take place in the headquarters (Menara Sarawak
Energy), especially those frontline employees working in Sarawak inland area for project
construction or machinery operation. Although the session was recorded and the recording is
available, not every employee is interested to watch back the recording.
Hence, it is recommended such that the knowledge should be spread in another form instead of a
2-hour long lecture video, which might be boring for most employee, for example in the form of
poster delivered via company email, or workshops which will be held frequently. (for example,
once a month).
3.4 Environment and Sustainability
Sarawak Energy is a company which looks into the matter of environment and sustainability,
which is often emphasized in their business introduction and products.
The nature of the business itself is already focusing on the sustainability, seeking balance
between social aspects, economical aspects and environmental aspects. For example, the

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generation of electrical energy are mainly from hydropower as mentioned in the previous
chapter, aided with alternative energy sources such as solar energy, micro hydropower and so
on. At the customer end, Sarawak Energy Berhad is also going paperless by launching their
digital application named SEB Cares where you can pay your electricity bill online, which
saved a lot of paper for documentation purpose beside digitalizing their business at customer
end.

Diagram 3.4.1: The SEB Cares application launched by Sarawak Energy Berhad
Sarawak Energy Berhad generate the electrical power mainly by HEPs, utilizing the
geographical advantage of Sarawak having sufficient rainfall. The HEPs are namely Batang
Ai (108MW), Bakun HEP (2,400MW), Murum HEP (944MW) and Baleh HEP under
constructions (1,285MW). (Sarawak Energy Berhad, n.d.).
From the environmental aspect, hydropower is indeed a cleaner energy source causing less
impact to the environment beside its higher reliability to the consumers. The expand of their
business such as the Baleh HEP project and other projects such as the Trusan 2 HEP project
also created job opportunities for Sarawakian, as long as generating the construction
economy in Sarawak. According to Jonathan Chia, his article posted in the Borneo Post
(2017) stated that the construction of the Baleh HEP is expected to be around RM8 Billion,
which is believed to be a very significant investment in generating the local economy,
fulfilling the sustainability in terms of economy.
In addition, the hydropower generated is also a reliable energy source for the consumer,
which is fulfilling the sustainability in terms of social aspect. Some of the electrical energy
generated is also exported to the west Kalimantan via the Sarawak–West Kalimantan
Interconnection. It is a cross-border HVAC link connecting 2 systems at the Mambong
substation (Sarawak, Malaysia) to the Bengkayang substation (West Kalimantan, Indonesia).

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This is indeed a great move to achieve the sustainability in terms of social and economy
aspect, which is by fostering the collaboration with Indonesia, improving the diplomacy with
neighboring country and generating local economy.
3.5 Lifelong Learning
As mentioned in the previous chapter, the intern actively participated in a lot of
workshop/trainings offered by the company, which is also stated in his job scope, although
not compulsory.
The trainings and workshops organized enable the intern to widen his view in the industry,
especially when the intern was exposed to some of the other workshop organized for other
discipline, such as workshop for electrical engineer and finance department. This had enabled
the intern to understand the job scope of other departments, which smoothen the process of
communication, enable better team collaboration while working with colleagues from
different background.
The examples of the workshop participated is listed below:
Civil Engineering Other Engineering Management Others
Related Discipline
Hydro Electric Plant: E-learning: Intro to Sarawak Energy DEI Awareness
Dam Design and Power Station Project Model workshop
Surveillance Mechanical workshop
Equipment at Dam
Stability Analysis of Batang Ai HEP Stakeholder & The power of
Limbang 1 Gravity Synchronous Permitting training gratitude
Dam during Condenser
Feasibility Study Operation
Stage
Construction Mitigation of Lesson Learnt for Electric Mobility
Methodology for Lightning Surge in Marudi Junction – Public EV Charging
Diversion Substations Bunut 275kV TLP Station Deployment
Tunnels/Waterway
Case Studies Electrostatic Project Risk HSSE Excellence
Integrating Precipitator: Management Week 2023
Sustainability into Improvise the ESP
Sarawak Energy operational Flying
Projects Ash Handling
System

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Hydrometric Boiler Water ISO 9001 2015 An insight into HSE

Network System - Chemical Dosing requirement Generative Culture
Data Collection & Generation workshop and Security Golden
Data Management Skillpool Rules
Low Level Outlet Design and Introduction to Hearts & Minds
Design, Baleh HEP Installation of Capital Management
Pumping System for Framework & Group
BPG's Run off Pond Investment
Water Recycling Committee
back to Slurry Pump
Sustainable Plant Control Implementation of Overview of New
Hydropower: Computer System Project Document Sarawak Energy
Integrated Catchment (PCCS) Management Plan Life-Saving Rules
Management & for Project Portfolios Consequence
Wildlife Management and
Connectivity Project OSHA
(Amendment) 2022
Sustainability in Bakun Generator Schedule Risk
Sarawak Energy & Circuit Breaker Analysis
Integration into Overhaul
Projects
Hydro Basic Civil Low Voltage
Electrical System
Boiler 3 Element
Control
Optical Current
Transformer
Table 3.5.1: List of workshops/trainings attended
Beside the following workshop organized by the company, the intern also realized that life
long learning in engineering industry is very important, especially on technical skill and
office applications. The supervisor encouraged the intern to be more familiar with Microsoft
Excel as well, and hence the intern had also completed a Microsoft Excel training via third
party website (e-latih).

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Diagram 3.5.1: Certificate of Completion of Microsoft Excel Workshop

The intern learned that the continual improvement and self-learning is very important to
increase the competency as an engineer in industry. During the internship, the intern realized
that his knowledge is insufficient to perform as a competent engineer, especially in technical
task involving design of the dam, as well as limited knowledge in engineering software such
as Primavera, The Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) and Google Earth. Hence, the
intern had found his path on which software skill to enhance in order to perform his role as
an engineer in Sarawak Energy Berhad.
In addition, the intern understands that the best way to learn is by experience and involving
in works. Hence, he actively asked for task from the supervisor whenever he is free. An
example would be the study of EFA with Ms Joan, which was a result of the intern seeking
task from Ms Joan, the environmental scientist cum hydrologist.
The intern also learned some knowledge from his internship partner, Mohammad Nazrul
Luqhman Bin Majuri from Polikteknik Kuching Sarawak. For example, he had learned about
the design of rainfall harvesting system, which is Nazrul’s final year project as a student of
Diploma in Civil Engineering. And as an extend of the topic, the intern also consulted
another hydrologist Ms Nur Diyana Syahirah Rosdi regarding the issue and design of rainfall
harvesting system although it is not in the job scope or task assigned by the supervisor.

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CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

4.0 Conclusion
Throughout the intern’s internship period, the intern is very satisfied and learned a lot from
the internship. He had received verbal compliments from the environmental scientist Ms Joan
for being observant in the study of EFA, and satisfied comments from his supervisor, which
are written in the report.
As mentioned above, there are a lot of trainings and workshop organized in the company,
which suits the way of the intern learned as it is very similar to a lecture in university. By
actively attending workshop and trainings, the intern gained knowledges in different fields,
holistically developed the intern’s competency. The intern gained his knowledge in
hydrology and able to understand the design of a dam, gained his insight in the energy
industry as a future civil engineer.
The intern also had the opportunities to witness the progress of a project at the initiation
phase moving to concept phase, although he could not directly participate in it as an
established staff. The intern realized and learned the complexity of the project and there are a
lot of variables deciding the progress, including but not limited to human factors and
objective factors. Hence, it is very important to control the variables and ensure the progress
is up to date by proper project management skill.
Beside construction project, the intern was honored to work together with hydrologists,
environmental scientists and experts from different discipline. The intern gained compliment
from environmental scientist for his performance in the task assigned, which is regarding the
EFA. The intern gained knowledge in environmental engineering aspect from the task and
material given for study, which is very helpful for him in future career development as an
environmental engineer, or a civil engineer equipped with environmental engineering
knowledge.
The intern also got exposed to some of the law and regulations throughout the internship,
thereby he learned about existing law and regulations related to his career, including but not
limited to Factories and Machineries Act (Repeal) 2022, Occupational Safety and Health
(Amendment) Act 2022 and other relevant law and regulations involved for the project
construction, especially when involving the permitting, land and wayleave.
Last but not least, the intern had the chance to work together with senior engineers and
managers in the feasibility studies of the project. In the process of preparing the relevant
material, the intern had improved his Microsoft Excel skill in organizing and visualizing the
data required.

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4.1 Recommendations
4.1.1 Recommendations to the company
The company itself is already doing very good in training the intern and benefit the intern a
lot. Some of the recommendation for a better performance and benefits for both intern and
company would be:
The intern would recommend that the company may decide the amount of task depending on
the intern’s ability. More tasks could be assigned to the intern or let the intern involved more
in the decision making, when possible, which is very essential for the intern’s learning
progress and training his critical thinking.
The intern would also recommend the company may arrange the intern to switch team or a
short-term exchange of interns within department with relevant skills and background where
applicable, which allow the intern to learn more within the internship period.
4.1.2 Recommendations to the university
The university is recommended to include more case studies in the lecture syllabus and more
scenario-based learning, which allowed the students to perform better and picking up faster
in his internship. This is because although not all, but some students may have difficulty in
applying the theory and knowledge learned from lecture directly throughout the internship.
Hence, it is recommended that the university include scenario-based learning other than the
traditional theory-based learning.
The university is also recommended to organize relevant workshop such as internship
training workshops, and make it compulsory for the students to attend prior to their
internship, teaching the student dos and don’ts, as well as all the tips or things to take note
throughout his internship period.
More career fair is also recommended to be held involving more companies for matching,
allowing the students to find an internship employer, creating a win-win situation for both the
employer and student.
4.1.3 Recommendations to the interns
The intern is encouraged to apply his internship as long as possible according to individual’s
ability. This is because that although the minimum duration would be a 12-week internship,
the intern would be able to learn more from the internship if he has a longer internship
period, especially for those who involved in a construction project.
The intern is also recommended to enhance his office application skills, such as Microsoft
Excel, Microsoft Project and Microsoft PowerPoint for best performance. This is due to the
fact that these office applications will play a significant role for the intern to present his
findings to the employers, as well as the university after he completed any technical works or
research/findings.

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Last but not least, the intern is also encouraged to be proactively asking for task whenever he
is free. Throughout the 3 to 4 months internship period, the best way for the intern to learn
and master a new skillset is to get involved with the task, either directly or indirectly. So, the
intern would be recommended to actively contribute to the organization which creates a win-
win situation for both parties, including the university, the company and the intern himself.

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APPENDIX
Appendix A Offer Letter

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Appendix B Signed & Stamped Coop Job Confirmation Form

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Appendix C Covid-19 Prevention Measure at Workplace

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Appendix D Employer Testimonial

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Appendix E Student Co-Op Experience Survey & Feedback Form

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Appendix F Photos with lecturer during his/her coop visit or any photos relevant to the
assigned tasks

Presentation during the Co-Op visit

Intern Attending Training Photo taken with manager and teammate

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Photo taken with teammate and supervisor

Photo taken with teammate, senior technician and geologist

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REFERENCES

QSRanking (Ed.). (2024). QS universities rankings - top global universities & colleges. Top
Universities. https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings

Sarawak Energy. (n.d.-a). Our Organization. https://www.sarawakenergy.com/about-us/our-

organisation

Sarawak Energy. (n.d.-b). Power to grow. https://www.sarawakenergy.com/what-we-do/power-

generation#expandThumb

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