đź“ť Summary
The Department of Quantity Surveying at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) strengthened its ties with leading QS consultants in Johor through an executive-level industry engagement campaign. The initiative aimed to align academic offerings with contemporary consulting practices and explore collaborative frameworks with established firms. The engagement sessions focused on curriculum integration, student mentorship, and adapting to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 20 – The Department of Quantity Surveying (JUB), Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), recently conducted an executive-level industry engagement campaign, connecting with leading Quantity Surveying consultants across the Johor region. This strategic initiative was designed to reinforce institutional linkages, align academic offerings with contemporary consulting practices and explore sustainable collaborative frameworks with established professional firms across the state.
The UTM delegation was led by Head of the JUB Industrial Training Panel Dr. Tantish Kamaruddin, alongside Industrial Training Coordinators Dr. Mohamad Zahierruden Ismail and Sr Dr. Nor Marina Rosli, with key support from department academic staff member Dr. Naqiyatul Amirah Mohd Said.
Together, the team actively participated in direct industry outreach to facilitate discussions on practical site exposure, curriculum integration and student mentorship.
Among the prominent industry partners engaged during this initiative were JUBM Asia Sdn. Bhd., KAS Juruukur Bahan Sdn. Bhd., JB Bergabung Sdn. Bhd., Pakatan Ukur Bahan, BCQS Consult Sdn. Bhd., EZ QS Consult, JQS International Sdn. Bhd., Pakatan Ukur Bahan Sdn. Bhd., ARH Juruukur Bahan Sdn. Bhd., Baharuddin Ali & Low Sdn. Bhd., TYC QS Consult and AQS Services Sdn. Bhd.
During the engagement sessions, discussions centered on benchmarking academic syllabi against modern consultancy demands, ensuring students acquire relevant exposure to complex cost management, procurement strategies and statutory compliance.
A key agenda item focused on addressing current industry challenges, particularly the rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated cost estimation tools.
The delegation and consultants explored how academic curricula can adapt to prepare future graduates for technology-augmented professional roles.
In addition to technology integration and curriculum alignment, the dialogues explored broader avenues for mutual collaboration. Both parties discussed opportunities for joint applied research endeavors, professional advisory panels, industry-led guest lectures and structured career pathways for upcoming graduates.
Participating industry partners commended UTM’s proactive approach to industry outreach, emphasizing the importance of continuous exchange in producing adaptable, highly competent quantity surveyors who can navigate an evolving built environment.
Ultimately, this engagement session reflects the department’s commitment to driving continuous academic advancement while directly supporting the overarching goals of the UTM ASCEND 2030 strategic plan. By embedding the core value of Synergy through active academia-industry partnerships, the JUB helps advance UTM’s strategic pillars, particularly in nurturing future-ready Global Talent and delivering impactful education.
Maintaining direct, ongoing dialogues with established professional firms ensures UTM’s graduates remain globally competitive, resilient and fully prepared to lead the construction industry into the future.
