Site visit for practical construction exposure

MIRI: The Department of Built Environment at Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences recently organised an educational study tour for students in various construction disciplines. The tour took them to the Small Office, Home Office (SOHO) construction project at Miri Times Square.

The purpose of the site visit was to provide students with practical exposure to the management of large-scale construction projects. By engaging with professionals on-site, including project managers, engineers, and site supervisors, the students gained valuable insights and experiences.

During the visit, the students observed different phases of the construction process, such as site preparation, structural work, and safety protocols. They also learned about the latest Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) rules and had hands-on experiences with new types of scaffolding.

Additionally, the students witnessed the construction of lift core walls, the production of reinforcement bars, the usage of ‘bakau’ piles, and an on-site slump test for ready-mix concrete. These experiences gave them a better understanding of the practical challenges and solutions in the construction industry.

Dr. Low Wai Wah, Head of the Department of Built Environment, emphasized the importance of site visits in the curriculum, particularly for engineering and related sciences.

She highlighted that the visit to the SOHO construction site gave the students a valuable opportunity to apply classroom concepts in a real-world setting and interact with industry professionals, enhancing their understanding of construction project management.

The participating students expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the visit, noting how it significantly enhanced their understanding of the construction process and management practices.

Professor Roy Rillera Marzo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, emphasized the significance of practical experiences in students’ educational journeys.

He said Curtin Malaysia is committed to providing a holistic education that combines academic training with real-world experiences. Site visits like this are integral to preparing students for their future careers.

Curtin Malaysia remains dedicated to offering experiential learning opportunities to its students. The university fosters strong partnerships with industry players to facilitate these enriching experiences, ensuring that graduates are industry-ready.

Curtin Malaysia offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management, a four-year honours course encompassing specialisation in Quantity Surveying.
The degree equips students with knowledge in construction technology, quantity measurement, project planning and management, financial management, contract administration, and more.

Graduates can pursue careers as quantity surveyors, project managers, construction managers, estimators, and other roles in the construction industry.

As the largest international campus of Curtin University, Curtin Malaysia is known for its strong industry connections, high-impact research, and commitment to preparing students for the future.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, humanities, health sciences, and pre-university programmes.

For additional information about Curtin Malaysia and its programs, please visit their website at www.curtin.edu.my or find Curtin Malaysia on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.