JOHOR BAHRU, May 9 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), successfully organised the 18th International Surveying Conference for Undergraduates (ISCU 2026) in collaboration with the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM).

Held on 8 and 9 May 2026 at Dewan Premier Sarawak, FABU, UTM, the conference carried the theme “AI-Driven Digitalization and Sustainability for Future-Ready Surveyors”.

The prestigious international conference gathered undergraduate students and academicians from participating universities across the country to exchange knowledge, research findings, and innovative ideas related to the surveying and built environment industry, as well as highlighting the importance of digital transformation and sustainability in shaping future-ready professionals.

The first day of ISCU 2026 featured various engaging networking and student interaction activities, including ice-breaking sessions, Sukan Rakyat, “Capture & Connect” photo challenges, and Cultural Bingo sessions.

The evening programme continued with the highly anticipated Young Talent Night, where participating universities showcased creative and cultural performances that fostered stronger relationships, teamwork, and camaraderie among participants from diverse institutions and backgrounds.

Building upon the momentum of the first day, the conference continued on the second day with parallel sessions representing four major divisions within the surveying profession.

The Quantity Surveying session featured Sr Nazirah Abd Rahim, while the Property Surveying session was presented by Sr Lee Kun Thye. Prof. Sr Dr. Khairul Nizam Tahar led the Geomatic and Land Surveying session, whereas Assoc. Prof. Sr Ts. Dr. Mohamad Ashraf Abdul Rahman delivered the Building Surveying session.

The distinguished speakers shared valuable professional insights, current industry developments, and emerging trends related to digitalisation and sustainable practices within the built environment sector.

In addition to the parallel sessions, undergraduate students also participated in paper and poster presentation competitions, allowing them to showcase their research works, innovative ideas, and academic excellence.

The sessions provided an important platform for knowledge sharing and encouraged greater involvement of young researchers in addressing future industry challenges and opportunities.

The paper presentation competition recognised several outstanding participants, with UTM students Farica Sung Wei Wen receiving the Best Paper Presenter Award, while Ong Li Yin was honoured with the Industry Relevance Award.

The competition also recorded the presentation of six Gold Awards, seven Silver Awards, and two Bronze Awards to UTM students. Equally noteworthy, the poster presentation competition highlighted exceptional creativity and research contributions among participants.

UTM students Muhammad Ashraf Ali received the People’s Choice Award, Marsya Maisarah Rusmi was awarded the Best Research Contribution Award, Kenneth Sim Shan Wu received the Industry Relevance Award, while Chang Zhan Yang was honoured with the Jury Commendation Award.

In addition, the poster competition presented nine Gold Awards, two Silver Awards, and five Bronze Awards to UTM students.

These achievements proudly reflect UTM students’ academic excellence, research capabilities, and innovative contributions within the built environment and surveying disciplines.

The success of ISCU 2026 was further strengthened through the generous support and contributions from sponsors and industry partners. The ISCU 2026 organising committee extended its highest appreciation to all sponsors for their continuous commitment towards supporting academic and professional development initiatives within the surveying and built environment disciplines.

Special recognition was accorded to Ajiya Berhad, ACTUS Sdn. Bhd., JQS International Sdn. Bhd., Glodon Software Sdn. Bhd., JAZ International Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., and GPS Lands (M) Sdn. Bhd. for their significant contributions towards the successful implementation of the conference and its activities.

Culminating the two-day conference, the closing ceremony was officiated by the President of RISM, Sr Wan Ainon Zuraiha Khalid, together with Dean of FABU, Prof. Sr Dr. Kherun Nita Ali. The ceremony included appreciation sessions for speakers and sponsors, awards presentations, and the official flag handover ceremony to the next host, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam.

ISCU 2026 successfully demonstrated UTM’s commitment towards producing competent, innovative, and future-ready graduates capable of embracing technological advancements and sustainable development within the surveying and built environment industry.