On April 20, 2024, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted esteemed delegates from RVS Chennai Padmavathy School of Architecture, India. This important visit occurred at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), marking a significant milestone in international academic and research collaboration. The delegation was warmly received by the Director of the Programme of Architecture, Assoc. Prof. Ar. Dr. Lim Yaik Wah, along with Dr. Sharifah Salwa Syed Mahdzar, Ar. IDr. Ts. Samsiah Abdullah, Ar. Chan Wai Lai, and Dr. Nor Izura Tukiman. The event was attended by 40 delegates and two faculty members over five days from April 20th to April 25th, 2024.
This academic visit was the first collaborative effort between the Programme of Architecture at UTM and RVS Chennai Padmavathy School of Architecture. It offered students from both institutions a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions and foster stronger academic and cultural connections.
The primary goal of the visit was to develop and strengthen the relationship between UTM and RVS Chennai Padmavathy through collaborative academic programs. The visit aimed to deepen mutual understanding of architectural practices and cultural contexts in Malaysia and India by facilitating close interactions between students and faculty from both institutions. The program consisted of knowledge-sharing sessions that enriched the participants’ academic perspectives.
A variety of activities were organized for student delegates from RVS and UTM, including a tour of Kampung Dato’ Keramat and academic sharing sessions at the International Urbanism Colloquium & Collaborative Studio. The students also took part in the Festival of Arts organized by Architech and visited the Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC) to further immerse themselves in the local culture and architectural heritage.
This event provided a valuable experience for both students and faculty from UTM and RVS Chennai Padmavathy School of Architecture, establishing a solid foundation for future collaborations. The exchange of knowledge and cultural perspectives broadened the understanding of architecture and its diverse applications in different contexts. Such interactions emphasized the importance of global academic partnerships in fostering innovation and excellence.
The success of this visit highlights the potential for further collaboration. It inspires both institutions to engage in joint ventures and research initiatives that will benefit the academic community and beyond. The Programme of Architecture at UTM appreciates the opportunity to host the esteemed delegation from RVS Chennai Padmavathy School of Architecture. This visit has not only strengthened academic and cultural ties, but also paved the way for future collaborative initiatives that will enrich the educational experiences of students and faculty alike.
Prepared by: Nor Izura Tukiman, Lim Yaik Wah, Sharifah Salwa Syed Mahdzar, Chan Wai Lai, Samsiah Abdullah.