Exploring contemporary challenges in building and facilities management

Sixth from left: Prof Venkateswaran with UTAR staff and students

UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) invited Prof S. Venkateswaran, the treasurer of the Building Management Association of Malaysia (BMAM) to deliver a talk titled “An overview of current issues in building and facilities management” at Sungai Long Campus on 10 August 2023. Prof Venkateswaran shared his extensive knowledge and insights on property management, with a specific focus on condominium and residence management. The informative talk garnered significant interest, drawing an attendance of 40 enthusiastic participants.

Prof Venkateswaran kicked off his talk by explaining Malaysia’s legal framework, underscoring the intricate relationship between federal and state laws that shapes the realm of building and facilities management. This dynamic interplay engenders a dual jurisdiction: federal laws would govern building management, while state legislation focuses on land administration elements like building plan approvals. He also explained the role of the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) as stipulated in the Strata Management Act of 2013. Reporting to local authorities, the COB’s position establishes a distinctive authority equilibrium, giving rise to distinct challenges.

Prof Venkateswaran sharing his experience

Audiences listening to Prof Venkateswaran’s insightful talk

He further delved into the evolving trends in building usage, highlighting the shift from purely commercial structures to mixed-use buildings, which significantly impact the complexity of management and maintenance costs. The emergence of diverse building management tiers, characterised by varying quality and services, brings forth intricate cost-sharing dilemmas, particularly evident in mixed-use properties. As he continued, he talked about the professionals involved in building management, each with specific rules and regulations, contributing to a multifaceted landscape.

Prof Venkateswaran then elaborated on the challenges related to enforcing House Rules and recovering maintenance charges, which often lead to prolonged settlement procedures under the Strata Management Tribunal’s purview. Lastly, he addressed the forthcoming Residential Tenancy Act, anticipating how it will introduce fresh dimensions to concerns within the realm of building and facilities management, captivating the audience’s attention.

The talk ended with a Q&A session and a group photography session.

Profile

Prof S. Venkateswaran is an accomplished Management Professor specialising in Global Management Policy Development, particularly in Human Resources Management. Holding advanced degrees in Biology, English, and Applied Linguistics, he is also a certified registered building manager and the founder secretary general of the Building Management Association of Malaysia (BMAM). With significant contributions to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and a global role as a Visiting Professor, he is recognised for his expertise in both academia and the building industry. Additionally, his passion for Indian Classical Music is evident through his role as the organising committee president of the annual Maris Music Mela festival since 2007.