Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) has a history of tackling complex engineering challenges. The engineering and development consultancy firm first tested its capabilities building Australia’s iconic Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme. Then the company began assisting Australian international aid projects.
AusAID-funded reconstruction projects took SMEC to Bangladesh in 1978. Nearly 50 years later, most of SMEC’s projects in Bangladesh attract private investment or government funding. The company’s engineering solutions are still shaping the country and people’s lives.
‘When we talk to people about what we do, we ask “have you crossed the Padma Bridge? Have you used the Karnaphuli Tunnel?” Everyone knows our work. We take pride in delivering these national milestones,’ says Masudur Bhuiyan, SMEC Country Manager for Bangladesh.
Tackling for environmental extremes
A major part of Bangladesh lies in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, the world’s largest delta. Many of the country’s people live and depend on the delta for survival. While seasonal floods are essential to Bangladesh’s agriculture, they can also destroy communities and infrastructure.
Planning for extreme weather events such as floods and earthquakes has long been part of SMEC’s design process. Adapting to a changing climate is increasing the need for new engineering design solutions. From long-span bridges to undersea tunnels, just about every engineering project in Bangladesh pushes the boundaries, says Mr Bhuiyan.
SMEC engineers had to learn to design for bridge spans of up to 200 metres to minimise the impact on a river’s flow. The design for the Padma Bridge also had to allow for 100 years of floods and earthquakes up to 9 on the Richter scale.
Meeting the challenges of a changing climate
Today, Mr Bhuiyan says sustainability underpins SMEC’s work. The company ensures it is managing resources and protecting biodiversity, while building infrastructure to connect the country and support the economy.
‘It requires building regenerative or renewable energy solutions,’ says Mr Bhuiyan. ‘It means incorporating life-cycle thinking and sustainable design into all projects, including master-planning for Dhaka and helping design a mass rapid transit system for the city.
‘It really means thinking about our relationship with our environment in a different way,’ he says. ‘It is about finding better ways to work with the environment and harness its power, not just see it as a curse or a challenge to overcome.
‘But for an engineer – the bigger the challenge, the more opportunity we have to innovate.’
SMEC is responsible for some of Bangladesh’s most striking infrastructure projects, including the Padma Bridge, a 6-kilometre, 2-level road-rail bridge across the Padma River.
Developing local skills
In the 1970s, building roads and critical infrastructure helped Bangladesh recover after war, famine and natural disasters.
At that time, SMEC relied on Australian and international expertise to deliver projects. However, the strategy was always to develop local skills. The company recruited young local engineers to support and learn from international experts. What started out as a team of 10 has grown to 700 Bangladeshi-based staff.
The company now offers sought-after development programs for local graduates and emerging leaders. These provide opportunities and experience in Bangladesh and throughout the region. The flagship graduate program now attracts over 4,000 applicants each year.
SMEC is also focused on gender diversity in the male-dominated engineering profession. With a target of employing 40% women, SMEC has established a program aimed at supporting women in engineering. It also offers a forum for women leaders to share their experiences and strategies for success.
Austrade’s ongoing support and strategic insights
SMEC shares the experience and expertise developed in Bangladesh in roles and projects from Australia to Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
SMEC is also being sought out for its experience and market knowledge by other international businesses keen to invest in Bangladesh.
The relationship with Austrade remains important, to help build connections and partnerships, says Mr Bhuiyan. For example, SMEC is exploring opportunities to partner with Australian companies on projects in Bangladesh.
‘Austrade’s insights into global trends and emerging issues also help us with planning and strategy, says Mr Bhuiyan. ‘For example, Austrade’s input will be important as we shift our focus to renewable energy.’
Find out more about opportunities for Australian exporters in Bangladesh.
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