JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 20 — Building Information Modelling Research Group (BIMRG), Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), recently hosted an official supervisory visit by representatives from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and CIDB Digital Sdn. Bhd. on 20th August 2026.

The engagement centered on evaluating the delivery, infrastructure, and overall execution of the 2nd BIM Training and Apprenticeship Programme 2026, reinforcing both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing digital transformation across Malaysia’s construction sector.

FABU’s BIMRG was selected again this year to host the 2nd edition of the programme following the success of the 1st edition conducted in 2025, which reaffirmed the trust placed by the industry in UTM’s credibility for the country’s aspiration for techno-talent industry readiness.

The high-level CIDB delegation was led by the General Manager of the Training & Accreditation Division, CIDB Malaysia, Ts. Emasria Ismail, alongside Chief of Division for Corporate Business Development, CIDB Digital Sdn. Bhd., Sharifuddin Umar. They were joined by Azri Azfar Mohd Zaini and Surya Jutawan Shamshi Effendi, who are both experienced BIM Trainers and evaluators from CIDB Digital Sdn. Bhd.

Welcoming the guests were the Head of Department of Quantity Surveying, Sr Dr. Zuhaili Mohamad Ramly; Head of BIMRG, Sr Dr. Shamsulhadi Bandi; Advisor of BIMRG, Ts. Dr. Nafisah Abdul Rahiman; and Dr. Aimi Sara Ismail and Dr. Naqiyatul Amirah Mohd Said, who are both members of BIMRG, experienced BIM trainers and staff from UTM.

The visit immediately transitioned into a comprehensive tour of the faculty’s specialized facilities, starting at the Quantity Surveying Computer Lab. Here, delegates observed an active hands-on training session involving a 2nd cohort of 16 students.

The apprenticeship adopts an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together graduates from bachelor’s degree programmes in Architecture, Construction and Quantity Surveying to reflect real-world collaborative project environments.

Following the one-month hands-on training, the participants will proceed to a four-month industrial apprenticeship with participating firms, where they will apply and further develop their knowledge and skills in actual workplace settings.

Following the observation at the computer lab, the delegation was guided to the Built Environment Experiential Room (BEXER Lab) to review the advanced spatial visualization technologies supporting the program’s pedagogy.

The itinerary proceeded to a thorough document verification audit paired with an executive dialog session. During this critical phase, leadership from both sides reviewed program benchmarks before engaging in high-level discussions aimed at scaling future synergies.

Key strategic targets included joint research endeavors, co-developed professional training frameworks, and deeper academic alignment to match emerging industry needs and practices.

The successful supervisory engagement concluded with an official group photography session and a networking luncheon attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Prof. Sr Dr. Kherun Nita Ali, hosted for the CIDB delegates and members of the BIM Research Group. This milestone visit reaffirms UTM’s position as a premier technical hub dedicated to shaping job-ready digital talent for the built environment.