Curtin Malaysia empowers quantity surveying students in Sabah with project management workshop

Miri – 16 April 2024 – The Department of Built Environment at the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently collaborated with the Quantity Surveying Department of Politeknik Kota Kinabalu in Sabah to conduct a Project Management Workshop for diploma in quantity surveying students of the polytechnic.

The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding and proficiency of the 108 students in project management methodologies essential for their future careers in the construction industry.

A key highlight of the workshop was the briefing session on the revamped course structure of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management offered at Curtin Malaysia. This presentation served as an invaluable opportunity for the students to familiarise themselves with the latest industry trends and demands.

The students were introduced to the degree’s new specialisation in quantity surveying, meticulously designed to align with evolving industry requisites. This specialisation not only caters to the burgeoning demand for quantity surveying expertise but also ensures that students are adept in areas crucial for sustainable development and digitalisation.

At the end of the workshop, a quiz was conducted to assess the students’ understanding of project management. The quiz was highly engaging and three standout students were acknowledged as winners and rewarded with prizes.

Sr. Dr. Low Wai Wah, Head of the Department of Built Environment, expressed her enthusiasm about the workshop’s success, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Politeknik Kota Kinabalu in empowering aspiring quantity surveyors with essential project management skills. This workshop marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between academia and industry, ultimately benefiting the construction sector as a whole.”

According to Sr. Dr. Low, most of the students felt empowered by the workshop, effectively enhancing their knowledge of project management. She said this was significant, given the skepticism many have regarding the relevance of project management and quantity surveying in today’s world of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

“It is important to address the misconception that quantity surveyors are solely cost and contractual managers. In fact, many quantity surveyors take on the roles of project managers. Furthermore, the synergy between quantity surveyors and project managers is critical for seamless project delivery. Their roles enable better decision-making, risk mitigation, and efficient resource allocation, ultimately leading to successful outcomes,” she remarked.

She added that through this initiative, Curtin Malaysia is committed to nurturing a new generation of professionals who are well-equipped to address the dynamic challenges of the construction sector. By integrating sustainability and digitalisation into the curriculum, the university is ensuring that its graduates emerge as trailblazers capable of driving innovation and efficiency in the industry.

Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Built Environment delivers Curtin’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management, a four-year honours programme that focuses on two major disciplines – construction management and quantity surveying. Students dive into a diverse curriculum covering construction technology, quantities measurement, cost planning and estimating, project planning and management, strategic and financial management, contract administration, building and construction law, cost management, information technology in construction, professional practices, and more.

In line with the evolving industry demands, the new course structure embeds digitalisation elements to ensure students will be at the forefront of their profession when they graduate. The course’s new specialisation in quantity surveying offers students the opportunity to focus their studies on this specialised field which is in great demand in construction industry. The course is accredited by the Malaysian Quality Agency (MQA) and the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM), ensuring its recognition and value in the field.

The Department of Built Environment also offers Curtin’s Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Project Management leading to the Master of Science in Project Management. The courses are accredited by the International Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM).

Curtin Malaysia is the largest international campus of Curtin University, Australia. Located in Miri, Sarawak, it offers a range of industry-aligned undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, engineering, science, and humanities, as well as foundation and diploma courses leading to undergraduate degrees. The campus prides itself on providing a conducive learning environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and global perspectives.

Politeknik Kota Kinabalu is a premier polytechnic institution in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, committed to providing quality technical and vocational education and training. With a focus on industry relevance and practical skills development, the institution plays a vital role in producing skilled professionals to support Malaysia’s socio-economic growth.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Politeknik Kota Kinabalu students listening attentively during briefing on Curtin’s Project Management programme.

Politeknik Kota Kinabalu students gave thumbs up to the Project Management Workshop, which they say enhanced their knowledge of project management considerably.