MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is strengthening its role in advancing Sarawak’s ambitions for a sustainable and digitally empowered construction sector, in line with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s call for new construction management programmes at Sarawak-owned universities by 2026.
Since 2018, Curtin Malaysia has been a pioneer in this field with its Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management (Honours) – a degree programme meticulously crafted to support Sarawak’s economic transformation and address the growing demand for skilled manpower in construction management.
“Our Construction Management programme has embedded sustainability, digitalisation and industry relevance into every aspect of learning, from green materials and renewable integration to carbon-neutral project planning,” said Curtin Malaysia’s interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen.
“Our graduates are already playing an active role in Sarawak’s green economy, demonstrating leadership well ahead of the state’s 2026 targets.”
The four-year honours degree integrates sustainability principles, Industry 4.0 technologies, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to equip students with the skills needed to address both regional and global construction challenges through environmentally responsible infrastructure development.
In 2023, Curtin Malaysia updated its curriculum with a focus on digitalisation and sustainability, adding a Quantity Surveying specialisation to ensure graduates meet industry needs, with support from Malaysian and Australian partners to emphasise practical skills like green construction and carbon tracking.
“We aim to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also fully committed to Sarawak’s sustainable development goals.
“Our students receive strong industry engagement and hands-on experience in green technologies, preparing them to lead the state’s transition towards a low-carbon economy,” said Dr Low Wai Wah, as head of the Department of Built Environment, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences.
The programme focuses on two critical construction disciplines, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, covering construction technologies, project and financial management, contract administration, cost estimating as well as essential communication and leadership skills.
Curtin Malaysia’s degree is accredited by key local and international bodies, including the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM), Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), Australian Institute of Building (AIB), and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The Perth-based programme is also recognised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Curtin Malaysia offers postgraduate Project Management courses, including the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Science, to help professionals in fields like construction, engineering, IT, health, events and education gain new skills, supporting Sarawak’s goal to build future-ready talent under the Post-COVID19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
