JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 17 – The BIM Research Group – Construction Economics Law & Policy Research Group (BIMRG-ELPRG) Postgraduate Research Colloquium 2025 took place on 17 February 2025. The event successfully brought together researchers, academics, and industry professionals to discuss important topics such as academic writing, construction technologies, and cost modeling. Attendees had the opportunity to hear insightful talks from distinguished speakers, each sharing valuable expertise aimed at enhancing both research and industry practices.
Key Highlights from the Speakers
The colloquium featured Professor Dr. Mohammad Rafee Majid, who presented a talk titled “Aids for Writing Research Articles.” He provided essential guidance on structuring research papers, selecting appropriate journals, and enhancing clarity in academic writing. Additionally, he highlighted common pitfalls that researchers should avoid and stressed the importance of originality and strong argumentation in scholarly work. Many attendees found his session invaluable, especially those preparing for publication in high-impact journals.
Dr. Farrah Azwanee Aminudin presented a session on “Emerging Trends in Novel Technologies for Construction Claims and Disputes.” She highlighted how digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain are transforming construction dispute resolution. These technologies improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in contract management. Many industry professionals expressed interest in incorporating these technologies into their projects to streamline the claims process and reduce disputes.
Dr. Fara Diva Mustapa discussed “Cost Model Analysis: The Do’s and Don’ts,” highlighting the importance of accurate cost estimation for project success. She presented real-world case studies illustrating how inadequate cost modelling resulted in financial losses in construction projects. Her session provided participants with practical strategies for developing more reliable cost models, which can lead to improved financial planning and risk mitigation.
Impact on Participants & Organizers’ Perspective
The colloquium significantly impacted both postgraduate researchers and industry practitioners. Many attendees appreciated the opportunity to gain direct insights from experts in their fields. One PhD student remarked, “Prof. Dr. Rafee’s session changed my approach to academic writing. His tips on structuring research papers were incredibly helpful.” Similarly, an industry professional noted that Dr. Farrah Azwanee’s insights into digital dispute resolution provided a new perspective on managing construction claims more efficiently.
Beyond the knowledge-sharing sessions, the colloquium fostered networking opportunities among participants. Attendees engaged in discussions with experienced researchers and potential collaborators, strengthening their academic and professional networks.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee from BIMRG and CELPRG, representatives emphasized the importance of creating a platform that bridges academic research with industry applications. “Our aim was to provide postgraduate researchers with valuable insights and practical tools that can enhance both their academic work and professional development. The strong engagement from participants reflects the growing need for such discussions, and we look forward to future editions of this colloquium.”
The BIMRG-CELPRG Postgraduate Research Colloquium 2025 proved to be a resounding success. It equipped participants with essential knowledge, practical skills, and valuable professional connections while addressing key challenges in research writing, construction technologies, and cost modeling.