11th Bangkok, Thailand

The Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia (REAAA) was established in 1973 to foster collaboration and advancement in road engineering across the region. The organization’s primary goals included developing professional and commercial links, promoting regional cooperation, and ensuring technical harmony among its member countries. To achieve these objectives, REAAA regularly organized events such as Council Meetings, Heads of Road Authorities (HORA) meetings, and the REAAA Conference.

The Recent REAAA Business Forum: A Focus on AI in Road Engineering
One of the key events on REAAA’s calendar was the Business Forum, which served as a platform for facilitating business-to-business collaboration within the road sector. The 11th REAAA Business Forum, themed “AI Application in Road Engineering & Management – The Potentials, Challenges, and Future Directions,” took place in Thailand.

The forum was part of a series of events organized by the Department of Highways, Ministry of Transport, Thailand, to coincide with the greatest season for all gatherings in the country. The other major event was The 5th International Conference on Highway Engineering 2024 (iCHE2024), themed “Future-Proofing Roads for Asia and Beyond.”

The 122nd REAAA Council Meeting and the 11th REAAA Business Forum were both part of this series of events, providing a valuable opportunity for participants to network, exchange knowledge, and explore the latest developments in road engineering.

Key Highlights of the REAAA Business Forum:

AI’s Potential in Road Engineering: The forum explored how AI can be used to address various challenges in road engineering, such as traffic congestion, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental impact.
Challenges and Opportunities: Participants discussed the potential challenges associated with AI implementation, including data privacy, ethical considerations, and technical limitations. They also explored opportunities for collaboration and innovation in this field.
Future Directions: The forum looked ahead to the future of AI in road engineering, considering potential advancements and their implications for the industry.

Overall, the 11th REAAA Business Forum was a successful event that provided valuable insights into the potential of AI to transform road engineering and management. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the forum contributed to the advancement of the field and the development of sustainable transportation solutions for the region.

Comprehensive Report on the 11th REAAA Business Forum: AI Applications in Road Engineering and Management

The 11th REAAA (Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia) Business Forum, held on September 4, 2024, at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), was a key milestone for the road engineering sector. The forum, themed “AI Application in Road Engineering & Management – The Potentials, Challenges, and Future Directions,” brought together global leaders, industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the road infrastructure landscape.

Organized by the Roads Association of Thailand (RATh) and coordinated by Ms. Lydwina Marchiella Wardhani from Indonesia, the forum was designed to facilitate collaboration among businesses, institutions, and government entities, aiming to create new synergies and innovative solutions for road engineering projects.

Key Participants and Speakers

The forum featured a distinguished panel of eight expert speakers from six different countries, each representing their respective organizations and sharing unique insights into the practical applications of AI in road engineering:

Dr. Jia-Ruey Chang – Professor at the Graduate Institute of Architecture and Sustainable Planning, National Ilan University, Taiwan.
Kunihiro Takahashi – Senior Manager, International Projects Division, Infrastructure Business, Metropolitan Expressway Company Limited, Japan.
Tong Kum Kong – Deputy Director, Road & Commuter Infrastructure Development, Land Transport Authority, Singapore.
Dr. Inbae Kim – Principal Researcher, Korea Expressway Corporation, South Korea.
Dr. Thanasak Wongtanakitcharoen – Director of Inter-city Motorway, Department of Highways, Thailand.
Dr. Ponlathep Lertworawanich – Bureau Director, Road Research and Development, Department of Highways, Thailand.
Dr. Ekarin Lueangvillai — General Manager, Asiam Infra Company Limited, Thailand
Dr. Richard Ye – CEO, National Transport Research Organization (NTRO), Australian Road Research Board, Australia.

These speakers provided invaluable contributions by discussing AI-driven advancements in their countries, sharing technological breakthroughs, and presenting practical case studies that illustrated AI’s impact on infrastructure development.

Forum Highlights: Addressing Key Issues in AI and Road Engineering

The forum’s main objective was to explore how AI can be utilized to tackle the most pressing challenges in road engineering, particularly in areas like traffic management, safety enhancements, predictive maintenance, and construction efficiency. The discussions outlined several challenges and potential issues:

Data Quality and Availability:
One of the primary hurdles in AI adoption is ensuring access to high-quality, reliable data. AI systems rely heavily on accurate and consistent data inputs, which are often lacking or fragmented across different jurisdictions.
Technical and Ethical Concerns:
The forum emphasized the need to address technical challenges in AI integration, including software limitations and machine learning reliability. Ethical concerns, particularly regarding data privacy, transparency, and accountability, were also discussed.
Regulatory Frameworks:
Adopting AI on a large scale requires updated regulations and policies that support innovation while maintaining public safety and trust. Speakers highlighted the importance of upskilling professionals to operate within this evolving AI environment.

Despite these challenges, the forum demonstrated a strong consensus on AI’s positive potential to improve road management by enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. AI’s use in autonomous vehicles, infrastructure monitoring, and advanced data analytics was recognized as a game-changer for the industry.

The Role of Networking and Collaboration

A notable aspect of the forum was its emphasis on networking opportunities. Participants were provided with several platforms to engage in meaningful discussions, including conference sessions, one-on-one meetings, and group activities. These interactions were pivotal in fostering business-to-business collaborations, creating new partnerships, and enhancing cross-border cooperation in road engineering and management.

The forum provided a comprehensive platform for attendees to exchange knowledge, discuss AI implementation strategies, and explore potential collaborations in road engineering projects. It was clear that forums like these are crucial for fostering international cooperation, enabling road engineering professionals to address common challenges, promote standardization, and advocate for increased investment in cutting-edge technologies.

The Impact and Future Directions for AI in Road Engineering

The ideas and innovations discussed during the 11th REAAA Business Forum will undoubtedly influence the future of road infrastructure in member countries. AI applications, particularly in predictive maintenance, traffic optimization, and infrastructure development, will likely see increased adoption across the Asia-Pacific region. However, the implementation of these ideas will vary depending on each country’s economic conditions, government policies, and institutional capacities. Looking forward, key implementation strategies will likely include policy development, pilot projects, public-private partnerships, and international collaboration. With government support and a willingness from stakeholders to embrace new technologies, the potential for AI to transform the road engineering industry is immense.

Conclusion

The 11th REAAA Business Forum marked a significant milestone for the road engineering sector, bringing AI to the forefront of discussions on the future of infrastructure development. The forum successfully showcased how AI can revolutionize road management by improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. With strong international cooperation, as demonstrated by the newly signed PIARC-REAAA partnership, the forum has set the stage for further advancements in road engineering, ensuring that AI technologies are harnessed for the benefit of all. Participants left the forum inspired and empowered, with new strategies and ideas that will shape the future of road infrastructure. With continued efforts, AI’s integration into road engineering will drive progress and innovation across the region, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for road transport and infrastructure.

Objective

To foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among road engineering professionals in the Asia-Pacific region on the application of AI in road engineering and management.

Vision

A region with advanced and sustainable road infrastructure enabled by the effective application of AI technologies.

Mission

To promote the adoption of AI-driven solutions in road engineering and management to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

REAAA Activities

REAAA is the Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia. The REAAA, established in 1973, is a regional body set up to promote and advance the science and practice of road engineering and related professions in the Asia Pacific region through developing professional and commercial links within and between countries in the region. Regional co-operation and technical harmony are the underlying principles of the Association. For over 12 member countries, the REAAA holds regular events including a Council Meeting (twice a year), Heads of Road Authorities (HORA) meeting (annual) and the REAAA Conference (four years) to promote regional cooperation and technical exchange.

The iCHE2024, Thailand will host the following REAAA events:

122nd REAAA Governing Council Meeting
The Management of the Association is vested in a Council which holds regular meetings to make policy decisions and set directions for the Association. On 5 September 2024, it will be on its 122nd Governing Council Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand after the 94th REAAA Council Meeting between the 20th and 21st of April 2012 at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
26th REAAA Young Engineers and Professionals (YEP) Meeting
Another important initiative of REAAA is the Young Engineers and Professionals or YEP Meeting. It reaches young members of REAAA to actively involve in multi-national cooperation made possible by the Association. Each year the YEP meets to discuss ideas or promote activities to improve the capacity of young its members. The 26th REAAA YEP Meeting will be held in Bangkok, Thailand for its first time.
11th REAAA Business Forum
REAAA Business Forum is designed to facilitate road sector business to business collaboration. The objectives are to create business to business collaborations in road engineering projects or related sectors and to enhance membership from business persons, institutions or companies.

Date & Time: 4 September 2024, 13:00 – 16:00
Venue: MR 220
Chairman: Executive Committee
Coordinator: Ms. Lydwina Marchiela Wardhani (Indonesia) Honorary Treasurer General of REAAA President Director of PT Karunia Adhi Pradana
Topic: AI for Pavement Inspection: a Rapid Response After Flood
Description :
In various countries worldwide, road project commonly faces challenges such as engineer shortages, escalating costs, and project delays. We believe that leveraging AI presents a new opportunity to address these issues. Examples of AI applications include Traffic Management, Predictive Maintenance, Infrastructure Design & Construction, Asset Management, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Public Transportation Optimization, and Environmental Impact Assessment. Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize road engineering and management by enabling more efficient resource utilization, enhancing safety, and improving the overall quality of transportation infrastructure and services. AI applications, however, will also pose challenges to regulators and engineers. AI APPLICATION IN ROAD ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT – The Potentials, Challenges and Future Directions, encompasses the technical issues of AI application in road engineering and management, exploring its immense potential value and its challenges to policies, engineering, management as well as to individual engineers.

Remarks

WELCOME SPEECH REAAA BUSINESS FORUM COORDINATOR

LYDWINA MARCHIELA WARDHANI

Good afternoon, and a very warm welcome to each and every one of you to the 11th REAAA Business Forum, held here at BITEC, Bangkok. It is a profound honor to stand before such an esteemed gathering of professionals, industry leaders, and young innovators from across Asia and beyond. Your presence here today speaks volumes about your commitment to the advancement of road engineering and management, and it is this collective dedication that makes the REAAA Business Forum a cornerstone event in our industry.

As we gather under the theme “AI Application in Road Engineering & Management – The Potentials, Challenges, and Future Directions,” we are not just participating in a forum; we are embarking on a journey into the future. This theme is not only timely but also vital, as it encompasses the most pressing and exciting developments in our field. The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence has already begun to transform various industries, and road engineering and management are no exceptions. The potentials that AI holds for our field are immense, promising to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in ways we could only imagine a few years ago.

However, as we delve into the potentials of AI, we must also acknowledge the challenges that come with it. The integration of AI into road engineering and management is not without its hurdles. From policy and regulatory issues to the need for new skills and knowledge among our professionals, we are faced with a landscape that is as challenging as it is promising. Yet, it is through forums like this that we can collectively address these challenges, share our experiences, and work towards solutions that will benefit not just our respective countries but the entire global community. The objective of this 11th Business Forum is clear: to provide a platform that is future-proof, one that brings together road authorities, academia, industry professionals, and young talents to share and exchange their knowledge, insights, and expertise in AI technology applications. This forum is an excellent opportunity for all of us to learn, to explore, and to collaborate. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can uncover the true potential of AI in our field and pave the way for a future that is innovative, efficient, and sustainable.

This gathering is not just a meeting of minds; it is a continuation of a tradition that has been nurtured over the years. The REAAA Business Forum has a rich history, starting with our first forum in Bali in April 2014, followed by subsequent forums in Sydney, Tokyo, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Seoul, and most recently in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Each of these forums has played a critical role in shaping the direction of our industry, providing a platform for strategic discussions and collaborations that have had a lasting impact. The early years of the REAAA Business Forum demonstrated its potential and strategic value, not just for the REAAA organization but for the broader industry. The first two forums, held in Bali and Sydney in 2014, set the stage for what has become one of the most significant events in our calendar. The 3rd forum in Tokyo in 2016, and the 4th in Bali in 2017, continued to build on this foundation, expanding the scope and impact of our discussions. The 5th forum in Manila, also in 2017, and the 6th in Kuala Lumpur in 2018, further solidified the forum’s reputation as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

In 2019, the 7th forum in Taipei, Taiwan, marked a turning point as we began to explore more advanced topics, reflecting the rapid technological advancements in our field. The 8th forum in Manila in 2021, and the 9th in Seoul in 2022, were particularly significant as they were held during the transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to endemic status. The hybrid format of the Seoul forum demonstrated our ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our discussions could continue even in challenging circumstances. Last year, the 10th forum in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, was our first offline event after the pandemic, and it was a testament to our resilience and commitment to moving forward. Today, as we gather for the 11th REAAA Business Forum, we are fortunate to have eight distinguished speakers from six REAAA member countries. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and their insights will undoubtedly enrich our discussions. I encourage all of you to engage actively with their presentations, to ask questions, and to share your own experiences. It is through this active participation that we can truly benefit from the wealth of knowledge and expertise in this room.

As we move forward, let us keep in mind that the success of this forum depends on our collective efforts. We are here to learn from each other, to explore new ideas, and to collaborate on solutions that will shape the future of road engineering and management. The discussions we have today will not only influence our own work but will also have a broader impact on the industry as a whole. At this juncture, I would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the Chairman of the 11th REAAA Business Forum and his dedicated team, whose efforts have made this event possible. Organizing a forum of this scale is no small feat, and their commitment to excellence has ensured that everything runs smoothly today.

I would also like to thank you to our sponsors. Your generous support has been instrumental in bringing this forum to life, providing us with the resources needed to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and for your continued commitment to the advancement of our industry. On behalf of the REAAA Business Forum, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the participants for your dedication and commitment to advancing our industry. Your presence here is a testament to your passion for innovation and your desire to contribute to a better future. I am confident that the discussions and collaborations that take place here today will have a lasting impact on the future of road engineering and management. In closing, I would like to once again welcome you to the 11th REAAA Business Forum. Let us make this a day of insightful dialogue, meaningful connections, and shared success. Together, we can explore the immense potential of AI, address the challenges it presents, and chart a course for the future that benefits all.

Thank you!

Profile

Lydwina Marchiela Wardhani

REAAA Business Forum Coordinator

Ms. Lydwina Marchiela Wardhani, affectionately known as Ms. Nonon, is a distinguished professional whose career journey is marked by remarkable achievements and a unique blend of passion for the arts and engineering services. She began her illustrious career at Mott MacDonald International Ltd., a global engineering and management consultancy. Her dedication and expertise propelled her to the position of Business Director in Jakarta. She later transitioned to PT Jababeka Tbk, the largest industrial estate in Southeast Asia and a leading property development company. At Jababeka, she served as Infrastructure Director and Director of Business Investment for the Tanjung Lesung Tourism Development Area.

Ms. Nonon’s commitment to infrastructure development is evidenced by her long-standing membership in the Indonesia Road Development Association (IRDA) since 2003. She joined the Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia (REAAA) in 2009 and was appointed Co-opted Council Member in 2014. As one of the initiators of the REAAA Business Forum, she has played a pivotal role in making it a routine agenda alongside the REAAA Council Meetings and international conferences. Her leadership and vision earned her the position of REAAA Business Forum Coordinator in 2015, and in 2017, she was appointed REAAA Honorary Treasurer General.

In 2020, Ms. Nonon founded PT Karunia Adhi Pradana, a highly specialized consulting firm offering advisory services to government bodies, state-owned enterprises, and private businesses. The firm’s focus on area and infrastructure development supports investment and regional growth. Under her leadership, PT Karunia Adhi Pradana formed a joint venture with Minconsult Sdn. Bhd. of Malaysia, creating PT Karunia Minconsult Indonesia in February 2023, where she serves as a director, further expanding her influence in engineering consultancy.

Ms. Nonon has also been an advisor at ASDP Indonesia Ferry since March 2021, specializing in infrastructure development at Bakauheni Harbor City. Her role has been instrumental in advancing the harbor’s development initiatives. She firmly believes that in a rapidly changing world, professional organizations like REAAA must evolve to continue contributing effectively to the region. She advocates for innovative ideas and programs, encouraging immediate action to foster progress and implementation.