LETTERS: After almost two years of facing pandemic challenges, the recent presentation of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) is essential to guide the national development direction and prepare the economy for the post-pandemic endemic era.
The first goal of the 12MP is to target Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at a rate of 4.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent per annum in the period 2021-2025.
As is well known, the construction industry is one of the most significant contributors to GDP growth. A positive recent development is the Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) in the construction sector that's going to help Malaysia be a high-income country.
The construction sector needs to implement the elements of IR 4.0 so that competitiveness continues to increase in line with efforts to obtain more significant economic opportunities.
In regard to that, the Finance Minister believes that Malaysia needs to inject more investment in developing high-quality human capital to help create more significant economic opportunities.
This requires a skilled workforce following the construction market's needs toward the Industry revolution (IR4.0), a vital element to achieve the national target in the 12MP.
For this purpose, several measures can be implemented in developing quality human capital, especially in construction project management, so that it meets the opportunities of market.
What needs to be implemented by Malaysia higher education institutions especially Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) on this matter include the following:
Local universities should take this initiative to refine the syllabus and establish consistent industry relationships. It is crucial in ensuring that graduates are born to meet the needs of the 4.0 construction market.
For example, UTHM is to become a global technical university in sustainable technology and transportation. It aims to produce human capital that meets industry and community needs whose primary mission is to provide technical solutions for industry and community.
Initiatives undertaken by the Department of Construction Management, Faculty of Technology Management and Business, UTHM include strengthening the elements of industry 4.0 in the syllabus of the Bachelor of Technology Management (Construction) and Master of Science in Construction Management.
Among the efforts is to bring in Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications in the construction and use of Autodesk Revit and Archibus software in the syllabus for their programmes.
In addition, the programme has also received international accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), UK. This approach clearly shows the efforts made by UTHM in line with the goals of the 12MP.
In addition, UTHM also prioritises collaboration and networking with local industry and communities and international universities.
The Center of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Management (CSIEM), UTHM, has taken various initiatives in IR 4.0 research by emphasizing industry involvement in impactful research projects so that graduate students can compete in getting jobs related to the construction industry.
The 12MP is a crucial plan and a cure to restore the momentum of economic growth, especially the construction sector to achieve the strategic direction under the theme 'Malaysian Family - Prosperous, Inclusive, Sustainable'.
Associate Professor Dr. Goh Kai Chen
Principal Researcher at the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Management
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
