JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 14 — As the construction industry faces increasing demands for safer, longer-lasting and more sustainable infrastructure, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to position itself at the forefront of professional upskilling and industry engagement.

Through the UTM Construction Research Centre (CRC), in collaboration with the Construction Materials Research Group (CMRG) and the Asset Management Division (BPA), UTM successfully organised a two-day professional training programme titled “Design for Strength & Durable Concrete: How to Achieve – Theory and Practical” on 13 and 14 January 2026 at the CRC, Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), UTM Johor Bahru.

The programme addressed a critical industry challenge — how to design concrete structures that not only meet strength requirements, but also withstand long-term environmental and operational demands. Participants were exposed to both theoretical principles and practical applications, equipping them with the knowledge needed to improve durability, performance and service life of concrete in real construction settings.

The training was led by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohd. Sam, Distinguished Research Fellow at UTM CRC, who drew on his extensive academic and industry experience to guide participants through key aspects of concrete technology. His sessions covered concrete properties, material selection, mix design strategies and practical considerations for producing durable concrete under actual site conditions.

Participants comprised engineers, consultants, suppliers, manufacturers, industry practitioners, researchers and academicians, creating a diverse learning environment that encouraged discussion, experience-sharing and cross-sector collaboration. The interaction between academia and industry practitioners further strengthened the relevance of the training to current construction practices.

In recognition of its professional value, participants were awarded Contractor Continuous Development (CCD) Points by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). Each participant also received a complimentary technical reference book on concrete, supporting continued learning beyond the programme.

Beyond technical knowledge, the hands-on sessions enabled participants to translate theory into practice, strengthening their ability to make informed decisions on material selection and mix design in their professional roles. Feedback from participants highlighted the programme’s relevance and practical value to current industry needs.

The successful organisation of this training reflects UTM’s ongoing commitment to advancing construction materials research, supporting professional development, and strengthening collaboration with industry. Through initiatives such as this, UTM continues to contribute to better construction practices while reinforcing its role as a trusted knowledge partner to the construction sector.

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