JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 17—The Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully conducted a collaborative workshop with NS BlueScope Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a global leader in innovative building solutions. This workshop provided students with valuable insights into the industry.

The main objective of this session was to provide participants with practical knowledge in advanced construction technologies and professional documentation practices. The intensive workshop successfully engaged over 100 students and lecturers from the third year of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours and Master of Architecture programs.
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the workshop featured two prominent industry experts from BlueScope. Cheah Haur delivered comprehensive modules on coating technology applications and Bill of Quantities (BQ) documentation. Meanwhile, Lester provided case-based learning focused on architectural detailing and project evaluation methodologies.


“Industry collaborations are essential for preparing our graduates to meet real-world challenges,” stated Dr. Fadhlina Ahmad Taufik, a lecturer for Year 3 students. “The hands-on approach we implemented today perfectly complements our academic curriculum.”
During the session, participants engaged in interactive learning activities, including a digital quiz that assessed their skills in BQ formulation and a manual detailing drawing exercises that evaluated their proficiency in technical drafting. These assessment components were jointly developed by professionals from BlueScope and faculty members from UTM, ensuring they aligned with industry standards and academic requirements.

The Department of Architecture at UTM expressed gratitude for the event, which helps strengthen industry connections through its Professional Advisory Panel. BlueScope continues to be a valued partner in educational initiatives related to the built environment. “BlueScope appreciates these opportunities, as they encourage students to be actively involved,” commented Sasa Lim, the Market Engagement Specialist. “The students showed impressive engagement with complex technical material.”

The workshop ended with a prize-giving session to recognize the participants for successfully completing the intensive program. This event marks the third collaborative initiative between UTM and BlueScope this academic year. It highlights the university’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates and strengthens the ties between academia and industry.
Prepared by: Tengku Intan Suraya Tengku Aziz