SKUDAI, June 7 – A group of Master of Architecture students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully organised a community outreach exhibition entitled “Living TUTA: 40 Years of Memories” at the TUTA Basketball Court, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA), Skudai. The programme focused on the TUTA Flats, one of Skudai’s earliest large-scale affordable housing developments, and aimed to document its shared memories while exploring opportunities for future rejuvenation.

Conducted under the MBEA2653 Outreach subject, the programme received strong support from Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), with additional sponsorship from Iskandar Puteri Caring Foundation (YPIP). It also benefited from in-kind sponsorship from several vendors. The initiative brought together residents, local authorities, community organisations such as the Persatuan Penduduk Muhibbah Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, and students to celebrate the history and future potential of the TUTA Flats.

Led by Dr. Lim Yong Long from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), the exhibition showcased work produced by Master of Architecture students over two academic semesters. Through fieldwork, interviews, documentation, and rejuvenation proposals, students engaged directly with residents to better understand the social, cultural, and physical dimensions of life within the housing estate. The programme provided valuable experiential learning while promoting community-centred approaches to urban housing development.

The exhibition was structured around two main themes.

The first theme focused on documenting the oral histories and lived experiences of TUTA Flats residents. Through interviews with long-time residents from diverse ethnic backgrounds, students captured four decades of community life within the flats. The narratives reflected neighbourhood relationships, food culture, small businesses, childhood memories, community activities, and shared public spaces. These materials were compiled into a publication and exhibition display, supported by photographs and portraits produced during the documentation process. Together, they preserve the memories and community life that have shaped the TUTA Flats since its establishment in the early 1980s.

The second theme examined current housing conditions and presented revitalisation proposals developed by the students. Based on site observations and stakeholder engagement, the proposals explored practical ways to improve residents’ quality of life. Suggestions included multi-storey parking solutions, improved waste management systems, enhancement of back-lane environments, installation of lifts for walk-up flats, and better pedestrian connectivity between housing blocks and community facilities.

The exhibition also enabled students to present their ideas directly to residents and stakeholders, generating valuable feedback and dialogue on urban housing challenges.

Several community engagement activities were organised alongside the exhibition. A “My Dream TUTA” colouring contest, open to children aged 7 to 9 and 10 to 12, invited participants to express their aspirations for the TUTA Flats neighbourhood through art and creativity. Community sharing sessions also allowed residents to share their experiences and perspectives on the future of the TUTA Flats.

The programme also featured the Living Market, bringing together local food vendors, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs while creating a lively space for residents and visitors to celebrate the vibrancy of the TUTA Flats community.

The programme was attended by representatives from MBIP, YPIP, local community leaders, residents, officers from the Commissioner of Buildings (COB), and the Skudai Police Station, providing a platform for dialogue on ageing housing estates, urban housing revitalisation, and community well-being.

The event was officially launched by City Councillor of MBIP, Chuah Lee Hui, through the opening of the “Living TUTA: 40 Years of Memories” exhibition. Appreciation tokens were presented to guests and supporting organisations. The programme concluded with a closing address by the YPIP Member Board of Trustees, Hjh. Azizah Nasabu.

Both speakers highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between UTM, local authorities, community organisations, and residents in documenting local stories and memories, as well as identifying pathways for future improvement. They also expressed appreciation for UTM’s rejuvenation proposals and stressed the need for active community participation in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and resilient neighbourhoods.

According to Dr. Lim Yong Long, architectural education extends beyond classroom learning and requires students to engage directly with real communities and urban housing contexts. He noted that the TUTA Flats are not merely housing developments but living communities shaped by memories, social relationships, and shared experiences accumulated over generations. These realities, he emphasised, should be carefully considered in any rejuvenation effort to ensure residents can continue to enjoy a safe, healthy, and dignified living environment.

The “Living TUTA: 40 Years of Memories” exhibition reflects UTM’s commitment to producing graduates who are socially responsible, community-oriented, and capable of addressing contemporary urban challenges. It also demonstrates how universities can contribute to community development through research, public engagement, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Through this outreach initiative, the voices, memories, and aspirations of the TUTA Flats community were brought to the forefront, creating a platform for reflection, dialogue, and future possibilities. More than an academic exercise, the exhibition celebrated the resilience of the TUTA Flats community while inspiring meaningful conversations on the future rejuvenation of affordable housing neighbourhoods in Malaysia.

Author: Dr. Lim Yong Long