UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) organised a field visit and academic engagement programme in Surabaya and Malang, Indonesia, from 4 to 9 December 2025. The programme involved nine Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) students and was academically coordinated by Dr Nurhayati binti Md Khair and Ms Nur Hafizah binti Juhari from UTAR.
The programme aimed to provide students with international exposure to real estate development practices while strengthening academic collaboration between Malaysian and Indonesian higher education institutions. All site visits were coordinated with the support of Institut Teknologi Nasional (ITN) Malang, ensuring the smooth implementation of academic and industry engagement activities. The delegation was also accompanied by ITN Malang representative Ir Dr Maranatha W. Wijayaningtyas, ST, MMT, PhD, ASEAN Eng, who provided valuable coordination and support throughout the programme.
Site visit to Pakuwon Group, Surabaya, Indonesia
The programme commenced on 4 December 2025 with a site visit to Pakuwon Group, one of Surabaya’s leading property developers renowned for its integrated townships and mixed-use developments. The UTAR delegation was warmly received by Mrs Irawulan, Operations Manager of the Pakuwon City Project, together with her project team.
The visit began with a comprehensive briefing on the company’s background, development philosophy, and project portfolio, with particular emphasis on planning strategies for large-scale integrated developments. Interactive discussions with the project team enabled students to gain insights into project planning processes, development challenges, stakeholder coordination, and practical decision-making in real-world development contexts.
This was followed by a guided tour of selected developments within Pakuwon City, including Park Shanghai at Pakuwon City Mall. The site tour allowed students to observe the application of mixed-use development concepts, urban design principles, and placemaking strategies aimed at creating vibrant commercial and lifestyle environments. The visit provided valuable experiential learning by bridging theoretical knowledge with professional practice.
The UTAR delegation with Mrs Irawulan, Operations Manager of the Pakuwon City Project, during a site visit to Pakuwon Group in Surabaya
An interactive discussion session between Mrs Irawulan and the UTAR delegation
Site visit to Park Shanghai at Pakuwon City Mall, Surabaya
Site visit to Citraland Puncak Tidar Malang, Indonesia
On 5 December 2025, the delegation visited Citraland Puncak Tidar Malang, a prominent residential developer recognised for its integrated township and lifestyle-oriented developments. The visit was hosted by Mr Deddy Hasli Hidayat, General Manager of Citraland Puncak Tidar Malang, together with his project team.
The session commenced with a project briefing delivered by Project Architect Ms Astari Hapsari Putri and Mr Deddy. The briefing outlined the project’s development vision, master planning concept, market positioning, and target segments, as well as key planning considerations such as land use, infrastructure provision, design principles, and sustainability initiatives.
A guided site tour of the latest residential development followed, during which students observed the implementation of residential planning strategies, architectural design elements, branding approaches, and environmental considerations. Engagement with the developer and project team provided students with insights into practical challenges in residential development, including market demand, project phasing, and quality control.
Project briefing by Mr Deddy Hasli Hidayat, General Manager of Citraland Puncak Tidar Malang
Group photo of UTAR delegation with Mr Deddy (seated, third from right) during a site visit
The UTAR delegation during a site visit to the latest residential development at Citraland Puncak Tidar Malang
UTAR delegation visiting a show unit at Citraland Puncak Tidar, Malang
International Real Estate Development Forum 2025
The academic highlight of the programme was the International Real Estate Development Forum 2025, held on 6 December 2025 at the LPKU Seminar Room, ITN Malang. The forum attracted approximately 50 participants comprising undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as academic staff. It was also formed as part of UTAR’s Community Outreach (CCO) initiative, fostering international academic collaboration and sustainability-focused knowledge exchange.
Seven MRED students enrolled in the Seminar in Property Development course (MKOR15404), serving as panellists. They were Zulhimi Zainal Abidin, Jen Liyen, Warren Ng, Khairul Anuar Jaafar, Chloe Loh, Rizam Daud, and Pang Jie Xin. The forum was conducted under the theme Shaping the Future of Real Estate through Innovation, Sustainability, and Policy.
The forum featured two panel discussions. Panel Discussion 1 focused on Driving Sustainability in Real Estate: Innovations, Practices, and Policies, while Panel Discussion 2 explored Reimagining Cities through Inclusive Policy and Regenerative Development. Both sessions were moderated by Dr Nurhayati and Ms Nur Hafizah, facilitating active academic discourse and knowledge exchange. Other MRED students, Wong Shung Yen and Muhammad Ali, also participated in the discussions.
The forum was attended by senior representatives from ITN Malang, including Vice Rector III Dr Hardiaonto, ST, MT; Dean Dr Debby Budi Susanti, ST, MT; Postgraduate Director Prof Dr Ir Lalu Mulyadi, MT; and Head of Programme Prof Dr Ir Sutanto Hidayat. The event was sponsored by FAM, UTAR, and jointly organised with ITN Malang.
Group photo of panellists, committee members, and participants at the International Real Estate Development Forum 2025, featuring Prof Dr Ir Sutanto Hidayat, Head of Programme (from left), and Prof Dr Ir Lalu Mulyadi, MT, Postgraduate Director (second from left)
MRED students serving as panellists during the International Real Estate Development Forum 2025: (from second from left) Khairul Anuar, Chloe Loh, Pang Jie Xin, Zulhilmi, Warren Ng, Mohd Rizam, and Jen Li Yen
Panel Discussion 1 on “Driving Sustainability in Real Estate: Innovations, Practices and Policies”
Panel Discussion 2 on “Reimagining Cities through Inclusive Policy and Regenerative Development”
MRED student Zulhilmi sharing insights during Panel Discussion 1
MRED student Jen Li Yen responding to a question from the audience during the forum
Group photo of panellists, committee members, and participants
Group photo with the Rector of ITN Malang, Dr Awan Uji Krismanto, ST, MT, PhD (fourth from right), at the International Real Estate Development Forum 2025
Overall, the field visit and International Real Estate Development Forum 2025 provided meaningful international exposure for students in the Master of Real Estate Development programme at UTAR. By integrating industry site visits with structured academic discourse, the programme enhanced students’ understanding of real estate development practices, sustainability, and urban development within an international context, while strengthening cross-border academic collaboration between UTAR and ITN Malang.
© 2026 UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN DU012(A).
Wholly owned by UTAR Education Foundation (200201010564(578227-M)) LEGAL STATEMENT TERM OF USAGE PRIVACY NOTICE