The UTM Land Administration and Development Mobility Programme, organized by the Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), took place from 4th to 9th August 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. The program brought together 17 students and four lecturers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), providing them with an opportunity for international exposure and hands-on learning in the field of land administration and development. The initiative aimed to broaden participants’ understanding of global best practices and foster international collaboration through a series of academic and professional activities.
On the first day of the program, the group visited the Western Australia Planning Commission (WAPC). They were warmly welcomed by Professor David Caddy, the Chairman of the Commission, along with Mr. Michael Daymond. The visit included a detailed presentation on urban development strategies and land management policies, offering valuable insights into the governance and practices that guide Western Australia’s development landscape. This session allowed the students and lecturers to grasp the complexities of land administration in an international context, comparing and contrasting them with the practices in Malaysia.
During the program, participants had the opportunity to explore both natural and urban areas in Western Australia. A memorable part of the trip was the visit to Swan River and Caversham Wildlife Park. Here, they observed how important it is to maintain the balance between land use and environmental conservation. This visit emphasized the significance of preserving natural habitats while also supporting urban development. It also highlighted the role of land administration in boosting property values and ensuring public access to natural resources. The trip underscored the need to find a balance between development and conservation efforts, protect wildlife, and respect Indigenous land rights.
The group not only explored the outdoors but also visited the National Trust Western Australia to learn about the region’s efforts to preserve its heritage. During the visit, they gained insight into the challenges and strategies of conserving historical sites and buildings in a fast-developing urban area. This experience emphasized the importance of considering cultural and historical preservation in land administration alongside modern development needs.
The program’s academic component was enhanced by a seminar at the Business and Law School at Curtin University of Technology (CUT) led by Mr. Ken Rayner and Dr. Amity Constable. During this session, participants learned about the contemporary legal frameworks that govern land administration in Australia. The seminar provided a detailed examination of how legal principles are applied in land management and development, offering a comparative perspective that deepened the participants’ understanding of the field. This experience was especially valuable in illustrating how different legal systems approach land administration and how these systems can be adapted or learned from in different contexts. Additionally, before the end of the program, a campus tour was conducted led by Associate Professor Dr. Andrea James.
The UTM Land Administration and Development Mobility Programme concluded with visits to Mandurah and the Boola Bardip Museum. The group studied local zoning regulations, urban planning processes, development approval mechanisms, and environmental conservation efforts in Mandurah. These discussions offered a comprehensive view of how growth is managed in harmony with the preservation of natural resources and the development of land. The visit highlighted the importance of strategic planning and regulatory frameworks in achieving sustainable urban development.
During the visit to the Boola Bardip Museum, the focus was on Indigenous land administration. The museum provided insights into protecting Indigenous land rights and preserving cultural sites within the framework of sustainable development. This experience underscored the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and practices into modern land administration policies. It also emphasized the significance of respecting and preserving Indigenous heritage while pursuing contemporary development goals.
The UTM Land Administration and Development Mobility Programme in Perth provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of land administration in an international context. The program included academic learning, professional visits, and practical excursions, which helped students and lecturers gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities involved in managing land resources. It not only enhanced their knowledge and skills but also encouraged critical thinking about the role of land administration in promoting sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage. This international exposure better equips the participants to contribute to the field of land administration, both in Malaysia and abroad.