Highlights/ Achievements

TAR UC Launches Malaysia's First Tekla Authorised Training Centre

Mr Wee Eng Yau (leftmost), with the plaque he signed to signify the official launch of Malaysia’s first Tekla ATC, witnessed by Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid (second from right) and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei (rightmost).

 

Digitalisation of the construction industry has intensified in recent years driven by Industry 4.0 and TAR UC has been working very closely with industry leaders to keep abreast of the development. On 20 April 2022, TAR UC forged ahead with the launching of the Tekla Authorised Training Centre (‘ATC’) at TAR UC’s Faculty of Built Environment’s (‘FOBE’) newly renovated computer lab, which is renamed as the Building Information Modelling Centre (“BIM Centre”).

The BIM Centre in TAR UC has the distinction of housing the first and currently the only Tekla Authorised Training Centre by Trimble in Malaysia, which specialises in Tekla software, an industry-leading structural BIM software. The BIM Centre serves as a space for knowledge exchange, learning, training and research in BIM and advanced digital technologies. The ATC in TAR UC is equipped with modern physical infrastructure and high-end computers to provide conducive teaching and learning environment. The objective of the ATC is to conduct external training for the industry players and also to train students in FOBE on using BIM software.

TAR UC embarked on BIM initiatives 3 years ago in response to the Construction Industry Development Board’s (‘CIDB’) Construction Industry Transformation Plan (‘CITP’) 2016 – 2020 to drive the implementation of BIM in Malaysia. Arising from the initiatives, TAR UC had signed three Memorandums of Understanding (‘MoUs’) related to BIM with Trimble Solutions Malaysia Sdn Bhd, BIM Engineering Solution & Technology Sdn Bhd (PLYTEC) and BSI Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd in December 2019. An additional MoU was signed with CIDB e-Construct Services Sdn Bhd in January 2020. The objective of the collaboration was to join efforts in training manpower with BIM knowledge and skills to support the implementation of BIM in the country.

The BIM syllabus had been jointly designed and incorporated into two TAR UC’s programmes, namely the Diploma in Building and Bachelor of Construction Management & Economics (Hons) programmes. With the incorporation of the BIM curriculum, construction graduates are trained with BIM knowledge, operation of BIM software for modelling and cloud-based collaborative working and management. The BIM knowledge and skills that TAR UC students learn in their undergraduate programmes can prepare them to embrace the future challenges in the construction industry which is now heading towards digitalisation.

Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, TAR UC President, shared in his speech the future direction of TAR UC as outlined in its 10-year Roadmap. He said: “At TAR UC, we equip our graduates with the latest knowledge and relevant skills to enable them to soar high in careers as evidenced by the success of more than 220,000 of our graduates. In line with TAR UC’s 10-year roadmap, we are constantly expanding our role to build strategic networks by engaging with the industry, community of entrepreneurs, government, and society at large to yield positive impact to the country’s economic development. It represents our goal in excelling in education, mission driven research and knowledge creation so as to develop future-proof talents in Malaysia and the region. Moving forward, TAR UC has established the Centre for BIM Research (‘CBR’) to further unite and support researchers in BIM and related technologies. Interested parties from the industry and academia are welcomed to explore research opportunities with us.”

The Guest of Honour, Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia in his speech, said: “I wish to congratulate Trimble and TAR UC for establishing the Tekla ATC here which complement and enhance our efforts in making BIM pervasive in the construction industry. BIM is so powerful that it solves a lot of construction problems. The challenge now is to get companies to invest in BIM and to have people who are competent in BIM.”  

Mr Wee Eng Yau, Country Manager, Trimble Solutions Malaysia, highlighted the fruitful collaboration with TAR UC in his speech. He said: “It has been a privilege over the last few years to work with TAR UC and to see our collaboration bear fruit in terms of producing skilled professionals for the future and also developing BIM syllabus and continuously exploring new technological frontiers. Trimble has some experience in implementing BIM projects and being a technology partner. We do hope to volunteer our services to help Malaysia achieve its goal in making our construction industry a world-class player.”   

During the ceremony, the official launch took place with the signing of a plaque by Mr Wee Eng Yau, witnessed by Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei.

The external training programmes at the ATC for the industry will kick start in May 2022.  Interested members of the public are encouraged to visit the Centre for Continuing And Professional Education (‘CPE’) at TAR UC for more information about the Tekla Structures Foundation Level Course (HRDC claimable course) at the link https://bit.ly/3xNBytl.

 

 

        
  • TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
    Registration No. DU058(W)
    Wholly owned by the TARC Education Foundation
    (Co. Reg. No.: 201301003979 (1033820-M))