12th Melbourne, Australia

The 12th REAAA Business forum NTRO, Melbourne, Australia

Advancing Pavement Engineering: Innovations in Asphalt Materials and Mixes

The 12th REAAA Business Forum was held on May 5, 2025, at the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) in Melbourne, Australia. This forum focused on the theme: “Assessment and Performance of Asphalt Materials.” It brought together experts, industry leaders, and policymakers from REAAA member countries to discuss advancements in pavement engineering.

Key Highlights:

Innovative Materials: Discussions on the assessment and adoption of biomaterials and other innovative materials and mixes.
Data-Driven Planning: Exploration of data-driven asset management planning and decision-making processes.
Climate Resilience: Insights into understanding asphalt materials and mix requirements for climate resilience.

Pavement Preservation: Techniques and designs aimed at enhancing pavement longevity.

The forum featured distinguished speakers from REAAA country members such as Australia, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and New Zealand, and concluded with an engaging panel discussion.

Looking Ahead:

The REAAA Business Forum continues to be a pivotal platform for fostering business-to-business collaboration in the road engineering sector. Future forums aim to:

Enhance private sector participation in infrastructure projects.
Encourage sponsorships to support fellowship programs and bring in speakers from developing countries.
Facilitate further cooperation among REAAA members on infrastructure projects.

We welcome all initiatives that drive collaboration and innovation in road engineering across the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Participant & Speakers

The forum featured a distinguished panel of six expert speakers from six different countries, each representing their respective organizations and sharing unique insights into the Advancing Pavement Engineering: Innovations in Asphalt Materials and Mixes:

Dr Suthakaran Sivagnanasuntharam (NTRO, Australia) – Previous Pavement Systems For Flooding Resilience
2. Prof. Chang Jia-Ruey (National Ilan Universlity, Taiwan) – The Foresight And Development of Pavement Engineering In Taiwan To Achieve Net Zero By 2025
Mr. Peter Davcev (NTRO, Australia) – Use Of Recycled Fibers In Innovative Pavement Mixes
Mr. Tony Tang (King Ho Tai International Co, China) – Research And Development On Innovative Energy-Saving And Carbon-Reducing Road Materials: Resin-Added Cold Mix Concrete Pavement And Resin-Added Cold Mix Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
Dr. Richard Yeo (NTRO, Australia) – Use Of ALF And IM Technologies For The Use, Adoption And Assessment Of New And Innovative Asphalt Materials And Mixes
Mr. Abdul Hamis bin Othman (Malaysia) – Super Fiber Mixes: Pushing The Limit

REAAA Activities

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

Conclusion

The 12th REAAA Business Forum reaffirmed REAAA’s commitment to advancing innovation, climate readiness, and international collaboration in road engineering. With renewed purpose and shared knowledge, participants departed the event prepared to lead the charge toward more adaptive, high-performing, and future-proof road infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region.

As the coordinator of the REAAA Business Forum, we should prioritize infrastructure-related industries to strengthen B2B collaboration among member countries.

Profile

Lydwina Marchiela Wardhani

REAAA Business Forum Coordinator

Profile

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

Ms. Nonon commitment to infrastructure development is evidenced by 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, was appointed REAAA Honorary Treasurer General.

In 2020, she 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 also an advisor at ASDP Indonesia Ferry since March 2021, specializing in infrastructure development at Bakauheni Harbor City. Her role is instrumental in advancing the harbor’s development initiatives. She firmly believe that in a rapidly changing world, professional organizations like REAAA must evolve to continue contributing effectively to the region. She advocate for innovative ideas and programs, encouraging immediate action to foster progress and implementation.

Starting on November 2024, she took a new role in the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia) as Chairman of Standing Committee II for Regional Infrastructure Development (2024 – 2029). Her role is to collaborating with stakeholders to advance sustainable infrastructure, drive regional growth, and create equitable opportunities across Indonesia. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected nation for Indonesia Emas 2045.