BuildVerita team wins first runner-up at
CIOB Malaysia Inter-University Students’ Challenge

A team of five Construction Management students from UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) achieved an impressive victory by winning the first runner-up position at the CIOB Malaysia Inter-University Students’ Challenge 2025, held on 15 November 2025 at UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur.

Competing against top talents from nine universities across Malaysia, the UTAR team, BuildVerita, stood out for their strong analytical skills, innovative solutions, and comprehensive understanding of quality management practices in today’s technology-driven construction landscape.

The team comprised Chong Shen Henn, Siah Joo Siam, Yong Jia Ming, Chew Zhee Seng, and Ng Seh Ying, all pursuing the Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Construction Management. Guided by the theme Challenges of Quality Management in Governing the Prerequisites for Project Success in the Era of Advanced Technology, Digital Transformation and ESG Enhancement for Construction, the competition provided a platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities in addressing modern construction challenges.

The students were coached by Dr Kwan Wai Hoe, Head of the Department of Construction Management, FEGT. He shared, “Throughout the competition, the UTAR team showcased their ability to integrate advanced technologies, digital transformation strategies, and ESG considerations into effective quality management frameworks. Their well-researched and practical proposals earned them strong commendations from the judging panel. The team received cash prizes, a trophy, and certificates in recognition of their outstanding achievement.”

Dr Kwan also noted that the competition experience greatly enhanced the students’ confidence, industry exposure, and communication skills, as they were required to present to a panel of practitioners and experts from the construction sector. He expressed his pride in the team’s achievement and commended their perseverance throughout the multi-stage challenge.

The challenge comprised three preliminary stages, conducted over a period of five months, followed by the final presentation. During the preliminary stages, the students worked diligently on extensive research and solution development. Their dedication and teamwork led to their selection as one of the shortlisted teams for the final round, which took place on 15 September 2025 at UCSI University.

This year’s challenge also brought together distinguished guests and industry leaders, including senior representatives from CIOB Malaysia, UCSI University, and the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM). Their presence highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia and the construction industry.

The CIOB Malaysia Inter-University Students’ Challenge 2025, organised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Malaysia, continues to serve as an important platform for nurturing future professionals in the built-environment sector. Participants benefited from constructive comments and insights shared by industry experts and assessors, further enriching the learning experience.

The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony that celebrated not only the winning teams but also the efforts of all participants who demonstrated strong knowledge and passion in the field of construction management.