July 10, 2025

Transformative Engagement between Academia and Industry

The Dean's speech

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 June – The Department of Quantity Surveying at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) proudly hosted the Academic-Industry Engagement Session 2025. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen partnerships, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation between academia and the construction industry.

The event was officially launched by Prof. Sr. Dr. Kherun Nita Ali, the Dean of FABU, and introduced by Sr. Dr. Zuhaili Mohamad Ramly, the Head of the Department of Quantity Surveying. It took place at The Sixth @ The Sage, Residensi UTM Kuala Lumpur.

Distinguished guests included academic supervisors and representatives from various companies currently hosting UTM students for industrial training.

Welcoming remarks by the Dean of FABU
Introductory remarks by the Head of the Quantity Surveying Department

As noted by Sr. Dr. Zuhaili, the event emphasised the importance of fostering synergy between academia and industry, promoting continuous improvement and meaningful collaborations with industry partners. The Academic-Industry Engagement Session 2025 reflects the department’s commitment to enhancing students’ practical knowledge. By bridging academic insights with industry expertise, the session aims to inspire new ideas and strengthen the department’s collective impact on the future of construction and education.

Discussion session

The program featured in-depth discussions between industry professionals and academic staff, focusing on pressing challenges and evolving trends in the construction sector and higher education. These dialogues aimed to generate innovative perspectives and actionable solutions to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the Industrial Training program.

Key areas of discussion included the assessment and structure of the Industrial Training, the relevance of assigned tasks, and practical strategies to better prepare students for real-world applications. Experts from both academia and industry shared valuable insights, enriching students’ professional development and improving the alignment between academic training and industry expectations.

Additionally, the event served as a valuable platform for exploring collaborative opportunities. Faculty members and industry leaders engaged in conversations about future partnerships, potential research initiatives, and enhanced internship offerings. Importantly, students had the chance to network with professionals, paving the way for meaningful industry exposure and career prospects.

Deliberation session

The student committee transcribed the discussions held during the Academic-Industry Engagement Session 2025 and documented them systematically to guide future improvement actions by the department. Overall, the session was a significant success, showcasing student potential, strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, and igniting renewed inspiration to enhance student competencies in the construction sector.

Group photo session
Esteemed organising committee members

 

Explore More