Assembling Future Technologists in Built Environment

The built environment industry was once transformed after the adoption of digital solutions such as the computer-assisted design (CAD) system. But with the introduction and implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies, the growth of digital adoption within the built environment industry will be further accelerated for years to come. 

As a comprehensive process of creating and managing built asset information across multiple disciplines such as architecture, construction management, quantity surveying, real estate, etc., BIM brings a new dimension and creates a seamless collaborative working environment, from planning and design to construction and building management. Given this outlook, built environment students will be expected to be equipped with BIM-related skill sets in order to become valuable assets in the construction industry of the 21st century.

Eva Selviana binti Sanuwar is one of the many Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) students who is walking on the road to become future assets in the built environment space. Currently pursuing her degree in construction management and economics, Eva plans to establish her career in the construction industry, following her father's footsteps. 

"Due to my father's occupation as a construction worker, I have always been interested in his line of work, which is why I chose to pursue construction management at TAR UMT. On top of the programme that I am pursuing being recognised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), UK and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), UK, another perk of studying at TAR UMT is having lecturers who are always encouraging us to learn other important skills such as creative and critical thinking, decision making, and effective communication.

 "TAR UMT also provided me the opportunity to learn and familiarise with BIM technologies such as Tekla Structure, Trimble Connect, Autodesk Revit, Naviswork, and project planning software such as Microsoft Project and Primavera, which have expanded my skill sets tremendously. I was able to learn all these in the dedicated BIM Centre located on campus," said Eva.

Adopt today, stand out tomorrow

TAR UMT's BIM Centre is the only Tekla Authorized Training Centre in Malaysia, giving the University's built environment students a major advantage to familiarise and master BIM technologies, which is a valuable head start as they begin their careers.  

Chen Xin Wei who is pursuing her degree in quantity surveying, another TAR UMT degree programme recognised by CIOB and RICS as well as The Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM), concedes to this while further commenting: “Learning BIM technologies during my degree studies is definitely an advantage because upon starting my career, I would not need to learn about BIM and can already move on to learn more advanced skills and knowledge in my work.

“Another plus point of utilising BIM technologies and digital construction platform while still studying is gaining experience in using software like Glodon and BuildSpace to help us streamline workflow and manage our tasks more efficiently.

“But most importantly, TAR UMT also has a team of dedicated and knowledgeable academic staff who are all experts in their respective built environment disciplines. They guide students well, so we are able to get used to the complex BIM technologies. What I really appreciate is they always introduce situational problems during class, so we have to think on our feet and create solutions on the fly, which is a good practice for us to prepare for real-life problem-solving situations.”