Curtin Malaysia poised to drive Sarawak’s sustainable construction goals

Miri – 23 May 2025 – In strong alignment with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement calling for the introduction of new construction management programmes at Sarawak-owned universities by 2026, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has reaffirmed its leadership in advancing the state’s aspirations for a sustainable, skilled, and digitally empowered construction sector.

Since 2018, Curtin Malaysia has been ahead of the curve, offering its Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management (Honours) – a programme strategically designed to support Sarawak’s economic transformation, meet manpower demands in construction management, and deliver on key priorities outlined in the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), particularly in the Economic Prosperity, Education and Human Capital, and Environmental Sustainability pillars.

According to Professor Vincent Lee, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, the university’s early investment in this forward-looking programme is a testament to its commitment to the state’s low-carbon and sustainable future.

“For over seven years, our Construction Management programme has embedded sustainability, digitalisation, and industry relevance into every facet of learning, from green materials and renewable integration to carbon-neutral project planning. Our graduates are already contributing to Sarawak’s green economy, demonstrating how Curtin Malaysia has been leading well ahead of the state’s 2026 education targets,” said Professor Lee.

The four-year honours degree is anchored in sustainability, Industry 4.0 technologies, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses both regional and global construction challenges while developing industry-ready graduates equipped to support Sarawak’s shift towards environmentally responsible infrastructure and development practices.

The programme was further enhanced in 2023 with new digitalisation and sustainability-focused components, including a specialisation in Quantity Surveying, ensuring its continued relevance and responsiveness to market needs. Developed in close consultation with Malaysian and Australian industry partners, the curriculum prioritises practical skills, green construction techniques, and carbon tracking technologies.

Sr. Dr. Low Wai Wah, Head of the Department of Built Environment at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, added that the university is committed to producing graduates who are both technically capable and aligned with Sarawak’s sustainable development goals.

“We prepare our students to bridge Sarawak’s unique development needs with global sustainability standards. Through strong industry engagement and hands-on training in green technologies, our construction management graduates are ready to lead the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy,” she said.

The programme focuses on two core construction disciplines – Construction Management and Quantity Surveying – both of which are critical in addressing Sarawak’s growing infrastructure demands. Students gain comprehensive knowledge in construction technologies, project and financial management, contract administration, cost estimating, and more, alongside essential communication and leadership skills.

The course is professionally accredited in both Malaysia and Australia. In Malaysia, it is recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). In Australia, it holds accreditation from the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) and the Australian Institute of Building (AIB). It is also internationally accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), further reinforcing its global relevance and professional recognition. Additionally, the Construction Management Programme in Perth is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

To further support talent development in project-based industries, Curtin Malaysia also offers a suite of postgraduate qualifications in Project Management, including the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Master of Science in Project Management. These programmes are designed to upskill professionals in various sectors, from construction and engineering to IT, health, events, education, and beyond – aligning closely with the PCDS 2030 goal of building future-ready human capital.

Curtin Malaysia’s continued focus on industry-aligned, sustainability-driven education reflects its commitment to realising both Sarawak’s education vision and broader national and global development goals.

For more information on the Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management and Project Management courses, visit courses.curtin.edu.my or submit an enquiry at futurestudents.curtin.edu.my/enquiry.

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

Through sustainability-driven, industry-relevant training, Curtin Malaysia prepares graduates to meet Sarawak’s construction and infrastructure development needs