A team of six delegates from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Malaysia visited Kampar Campus on 22 August 2016. The main objective of the visit was to discuss potential collaborations, particularly in the field of Construction Management between the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) of UTAR and the CIOB Malaysia.
The six delegates from CIOB Malaysia were its President Sr. Ong Bok Siong, Vice President for Finance Ho Chee Leong, Vice President for Administration Wong Khin Yip, Founding Member and CIOB Malaysia’s former President Dr Yeow Yoon Foo, Council Member of CIOB Malaysia Gan Hock Leong and Administrator Audrey Chen.
On hand to welcome them were UTAR FEGT staff, including Dean Dr Yap Vooi Voon, Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Tan Kok Tat, Head of the Department of Construction Management Dr Wai Soon Han, lecturers and supporting staff.
The guests from CIOB Malaysia were introduced to some of FEGT’s well-resourced laboratories such as the Construction Management Lab, the Environmental Lab and the Petrochemical Lab during a campus tour led by FEGT staff.
The visit is part of the university’s efforts to keep the Construction Management programme relevant to the industry with up-to-date industry requirements. It was also aimed to bring new perspectives and developments from the industries to the faculty management, who emphasise the significance of integrating the latest developments into UTAR programmes, syllabi, and faculty activities.
Following the visit, a talk titled “The Mighty Construction Management Professional” was also delivered by the Council Member of CIOB Malaysia, Gan, to a group of more than 100 students and FEGT staff. The talk was aimed to enlighten students on the field of Construction Management and the potential career advancement available in the field.
The talk was about redefining the field of Construction Management. Gan elaborated, “Construction Management industries throughout the world are challenged to improve their performance to contribute fully to the achievement of economic prosperity, sustainable environments and healthy fulfilled populations. Therefore, in order to achieve the said goals, we from CIOB believe that by expressing the role of Construction Management more clearly to younger generations it will increase the opportunities for the discipline to be of service, and attract the next generation of talent to the profession. Through this effort, we also believe that Construction Management will be recognised throughout the world as an essential member of a family of disciplines concerned with the complex phenomenon known as the Built Environment.”
Another highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Fund Award 2016 to UTAR Construction Management graduate Ong Kah Lok. Ong walked away with a cash prize worth £500 as well as a certificate from CIOB. The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Fund Award 2016 was established to recognise and reward some of tomorrow’s brightest construction minds. The award is given at the discretion of each CIOB accredited university to an outstanding graduate who has contributed to their advancement and progression by completing a bachelor’s degree.
“Thank you UTAR for nominating and supporting me in obtaining the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Award 2016 from CIOB. I am truly honoured as it is really a great recognition for me and I am overjoyed to be selected as the recipient. The award has inspired me to work harder for my future and career development in the field of Construction Management,” said Kah Lok, who is now working as a site supervisor at HKO Construction in Kuala Lumpur.
He added, “I also would like to thank UTAR for providing the opportunities to explore and acquire new knowledge in the field of Construction Management. I also thank my family for their continuous support and motivation throughout my days in university.”
CIOB Malaysia has a longstanding presence in the region. CIOB Malaysia has over 600 members ranging from students to construction professionals who play an active role in promoting professionalism and innovative thinking in the construction industry. CIOB Malaysia has played an important role in the region by organising events, seminars and the annual International Construction Conference relevant to the industry.
Gan sharing his insights on the potential career development in the field of Construction Management
Sr. Ong (third from right) presenting the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Award 2016 to Kah Lok, while from left, Ho, Dr Yeow, Dr Wai, Dr Yap, Wong and Gan look on
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