Representatives from ACEM joined a dialogue session on 11 September 2026 between the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), centred on plans to build a dedicated Flood Adaptation Portal catering to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Chairing the session was BEM Board Member and Director-General of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS), Datuk Ir. Mohamad Radzi bin Abdul Talib. The discussion also brought together officials from JPS and members of BEM’s Practice Committee, alongside ACEM’s delegation.

The proposed digital platform is intended to help SME operators better understand their exposure to flood risk and identify practical adaptation measures. It could also connect businesses with suitably qualified engineering firms and help SMEs explore potential financing support through financial institutions.

Much of the conversation turned on how best to categorise participating engineering firms, by technical discipline, track record and specialisation, so that SMEs can be matched with practitioners suited to their flood risk challenges. On this point, ACEM raised the idea of an opt-in registration system for interested firms, alongside closer coordination between BEM and ACEM on appropriate information-sharing.

The discussion also considered how liability, professional accountability and contractual terms should be structured when engineers provide flood risk assessments and adaptation advice. Participants recognised the need for any eventual framework to address professional, contractual and liability implications, so that SMEs are appropriately protected while qualified engineers can provide services within a clear and proportionate risk environment.

ACEM contributed the perspective of practising consulting engineering firms and indicated its intention to remain engaged with BEM, BNM and JPS as the initiative develops, with the shared aim of improving flood resilience among SMEs.