KUALA LUMPUR: The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate has become the first British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Recognised Centre in Malaysia and therefore the first BIFM centre in South East Asia. This new Recognised Centre will be delivering the full suite of BIFM Qualifications in Facilities Management (FM) from Level 2 right through to Level 7.
Professor, Dr. Abdul Hakim bin Mohammed and Professor, Dr. Khairul Anuar bin Abdullah from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia recently visited BIFM’s Head Office where they presented and submitted their application to become a BIFM Recognised Centre.
Linda Hausmanis, Head of Awarding Organisation at BIFM commented on this pioneering move said, they at BIFM are delighted to be working with UTM who share their drive and passion to professionalise that dynamic industry.
“BIFM will be providing the same level of support and guidance not just to the centre but also to local employers and learners.”
“International interest in BIFM’s qualifications has been on the rise and the collaboration with UTM is an instrumental step in the Institute’s medium term strategy of building a global facilities management community and driving forward professional standards in facilities management worldwide.
“Over the past year, BIFM has been very active in the South East Asia and Middle East regions; expanding on our already strong international base across the Institute’s core offering,” she said.
By becoming a BIFM Recognised Centre, UTM demonstrates its dedication to supporting learners through the provision of leading internationally recognised qualifications in facilities management.
The Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate will soon start delivery of the Level 2 qualifications which are suitable for entry level FM professionals all the way to Level 7, which is designed as a strategic pathway towards a Masters degree. This pioneering move puts the university and the faculty at the forefront of facilities management professional development in Malaysia with this comprehensive curriculum.
The Dean of the Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate commented that he wish to express his utmost gratitude to BIFM for appointing UTM as the first BIFM-recognised centre in South East Asia.
“The Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate (UTM FGRE) and The School of Professional and Continuing Education (UTM SPACE) are honoured and proud to be entrusted with this opportunity by a prestigious institution such as BIFM.
“We are truly eager and fully prepared to offer and run the courses from Level 2 to Level 7 here in Malaysia. The courses will be initially offered in Kuala Lumpur in order to capture the interest of the facilities management industry.
“Flourishing with development, Kuala Lumpur is the most suitable place for the introduction of the courses. Progressively, we intend to widen the market to other big cities in Malaysia that include Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuantan, Kota Bharu and Ipoh. We are confident that the courses will be a great success in Malaysia,” he cited.
He explained, BIFM is committed to setting and maintaining professional standards throughout the FM industry ensuring they are fit for purpose, recognising the needs of employers and building clear development and progression routes for all individuals.
“The momentum of a dynamic, progressive industry and a rapidly developing profession worldwide is driving the take-up and global reach of the BIFM Qualifications in Facilities Management to ensure professional standards are embedded.
“BIFM Recognised Centres have the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and competence at whatever level or at whatever stage of an individua’s career set against internationally recognised and established standards,” he said.