19–20 January 2024, organised by the National Groups of Rep. of Korea, China, Japanese and Hong Kong S.A.R. China
YEC event participants
The 3rd South East Asian Young Engineers Colloquium (YEC) event took place from 19–20 January 2024, which was successfully organised by the National Groups: Rep. of Korea (host for the event), China, Japan and Hong Kong, S.A.R. China. This YEC event not only showcased a collective desire for knowledge and innovation, but also celebrated the diverse yet cohesive spirit of the engineering community from this region. The colloquium saw an encouraging level of participation, with a total of 149 registered attendees. There were 82 participants from the Rep. of Korea, 43 from China, 20 from Japan, and 4 from Hong Kong, S.A.R, China. The official hosts were: KIBSE (Korean Institute of Bridge and Structural Engineers), ICEE (Institute of Construction and Environmental Engineering), SNU, and FLORA (Floating Infrastructure Research Center) SNU.
The Organising Committee was co-chaired by: Prof. Ho-Kyung Kim, Seoul National University, Korea; Prof. Limin Sun, Tongji University, China; Prof. Shunichi Nakamura, Tokai University, Japan; Mr. Naeem Ullah Hussain, Ove Arup & Partners, Hong Kong; Prof. Hyun-Moo Koh, Seoul National University, Korea; Yozo Fujino, Josai University, Japan; and the Secretaries for this YEC event were Prof. Wonsuk Park, Mokpo National University, Korea; Prof. Ming Song, Tongji University, China; Prof. Tomonori Nagayama, University of Tokyo, Japan; and Mr. Steve Kite, Ove Arup & Partners, Hong Kong.
At the heart of the colloquium was the design competition, a dynamic platform where participants exhibited their creativity and problem-solving prowess. With 17 teams participating and four teams receiving awards, the competition emphasised the practical application of theoretical knowledge, promoting a culture of innovation and competitive spirit among the young engineers.
The colloquium also recognised excellence in presentation skills through awards, with five awards for outstanding oral presentations and one award for the best poster presentation. These awards celebrated the participants’ ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and research findings, further enhancing the event's focus on fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation.
Technical sessions offered an immersive exploration into the current challenges and advancements in structural engineering. Facilitated by young engineers and students, these sessions were not merely educational but also interactive, fostering a culture of inquiry, debate, and collaboration. This emphasis on active participation highlighted the critical importance of lifelong learning and adaptability within the rapidly changing landscape of structural engineering.
Social programs included a campus tour and the colloquium dinner. These informal gatherings allowed participants to relax, network, and form new friendships, proving invaluable for breaking down cultural barriers and cultivating a community spirit among engineers from diverse backgrounds.
In summary, the colloquium transcended the conventional academic conference format to become a vibrant arena for learning, sharing, and networking. It afforded young engineers from the Rep. of Korea, China, Japan, and Hong Kong S.A.R China, a unique platform to connect with fellow peers, exchange ideas, and foster a network of friends and collaborators. Programs included (I) Team design competition, (2) Presentation of research and projects, and (3) Social activities. The campus tour included the: Extreme Performance Testing Center (ETPC), the SNU Museum of Art, and the SNU Library. The design competition sessions showcased the innovative talents of young engineers and fostered a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration. Additionally, a guided tour of the Seoul National University campus, which included the SNU museum, the Gwangeoung Library, and the Extreme Performance Testing Center, was organised as part of the social programme.
Opening Ceremony
The colloquium officially commenced with an opening address by Prof. Ho-Kyung Kim, Chair of the IABSE Group of Rep. of Korea. Representing the organising committee, he extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Prof. Yunbyeong Chae from Seoul National University oversaw the opening ceremony and subsequent sessions, in his role as the master of ceremonies.
Keynote Lecture
The Keynote Lecture titled “Growing from Beginner to Expert,” was delivered by Prof. Jae-Hoon Lee, the President of the Korean Institute of Bridge and Structural Engineers. Specifically aimed at young structural engineers, the lecture focused on the evolution of structural engineering knowledge. Prof. Lee emphasised the significance of continuous learning, studying, and gaining practical experience in the field.
Technical Sessions
The purpose of technical sessions was to give young engineers the opportunity to present and interact with self-directed research. Young engineers presented their research papers on any aspect of structures, including PhD and MS studies. Applicants also presented construction projects of any kind of structure. The presentation of the papers involved developing the ability to summarise and communicate clearly in a short period of time. Technical Session (TS)1 was on Machine Learning/Deep Learning/AI with seven papers, TS2 was on Natural hazard/Connections with seven papers, TS3 was on Assessment/ Maintenance with seven papers, TS4 was on Floating Structure/Dynamics with seven papers, and TS5 was on Design and Construction Practices with nine papers. There were also several oral presentations.
Technical Sessions and Campus Tours
Team Design Competition
The purpose of the team design competition was to provide a platform where young designers could actively exchange their creative ideas. This competition explored innovative ideas for the rehabilitation of the Jamsu Bridge. The rehabilitation project comprised the pedestrianisation of the Jamsu Bridge and the construction of a new bridge connecting the Jamsu Bridge and nearby waterfront structures of Sebitseom Floating Island. This design competition was in connection with the international design competition for the pedestrianisation of the Jamsu Bridge recently held by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to revitalise the waterfront space along the Han River.
Team Design Competition Winners were the following. Hyundai E&C Award: Design Proposal for the Rehabilitation of Jamsu Bridge Jeong Kyoon An, Hyungmo Ko, Jaekang Lee, Juyong Ki; Bridge Islands, Wen Xiong, Yanjie Zhu, Jintao Li, Yanghan Huang, Chuanhua Zhang. Envico Consultants Award: Kkachi Bridge, Dominic Mugeni Wafula, Dikshya Maharjan, Daiki Nakayama, Manisha Kalauni. Cablebridge: Walk in Nature, Love the City, Max Luc Gilbert Goessens, Dohyun Choi, Sooyeon Cho, Geonwoo Song, Junsoo Kim, Byoungju Go.
YEC Awards
Opening Ceremony and Team Design Competition
Colloquium Dinner
YEC Board Meeting Onsite
Ongoing YEC event
Colloquium Dinner
The event concluded with a colloquium dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees. During the dinner, an award ceremony was held where four “Best Design” awards were presented. This social event allowed for informal networking and further discussion of the day's topics in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Over 130 participants gathered at the Rak-Gu-Jung for the colloquium dinner—which was not just a dinner but a testament to the spirit of collaboration and achievement within the community of young structural engineers and academics. The dinner featured a lavish buffet of Korean cuisine, offering a diverse array of dishes that delighted the palate and introduced the essence of Korean culinary heritage to all attendees. Prof. Yeun-Chul Park took the helm as the master of ceremonies.
A highlight of the evening was the design competition award ceremony, which celebrated innovation, creativity, and excellence. The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of cheerfulness and celebration. The combination of exquisite food, esteemed company, and the recognition of excellence created a memorable experience for everyone involved. It was an opportunity for professionals, academics, and students alike, to network, share insights, and celebrate the achievements of their peers in a setting that was both elegant and inviting.