Malaysia, University of Technology, Construction Technology and Management Centre (CTMC)
Introduction:
The Construction Technology and Management Centre (CTMC) at the University of Technology Malaysia, is a centre of excellence for construction specialising in technological research, post-graduate training, consultancy and professional developments. The centre serves as the university's reference for all construction activities covering Structural Engineering, Materials, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Land Surveying and Construction Management.
CTMC initiates projects for R&D, stimulate information exchange, organise meetings and produce publications in terms of proceedings, state-of-the art reports, guidelines and pre-standardisation documents for the university, and the Malaysian Construction Industry.
The technological research developed at this centre is in association with the needs of the construction industry of Malaysia as such that majority of the support (funding and services) comes from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB, Malaysia), currently an organisational member of the CIB and other organisations engaged in the construction industry. Other funding are obtained from the British Council, Overseas Development Association and Japanese Government Schemes, all under the responsibility of the Manager of R& D.
The post-graduate training/degree is undertaken in collaboration with the University's Post-Graduate centre, whilst continuing professional development courses are carried out by the centre, usually serving local organisations with courses designed for in-house staff training. The consultancy activities are concentrated on structural & material testing with laboratory facilities provided by The Faculty of Civil Engineering.
Organisation of international conferences/ seminars become one of the major activities of the centre with the intention to disseminate knowledge, stimulating exchange of information and forging international cooperation with construction organisations and institutes world wide to facilitate networking with the global research construction community.
In addition to CIB and local professional organisations, CTMC has established linkages with The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH, USA), European Construction Institute (ECI, UK) and Masonry Society (UK). Staff exchanges between the centre and other international organisations are frequently arranged for visits between 2 weeks and 1 month to work on specific research projects. Previous exchanges include Australia, UK and Japan.
The CIB Student Chapter initially focusses in areas which would help to advance research activities at the centre whilst giving exposures to students on international research developments and introducing them to CIB research activities and their global communities. Areas covered are Tall buildings, Fire, Masonry and Construction Management.
The Student Chapter benefits from relevant industrial experience of middle and senior staff in related disciplines throughout the construction industry. The areas of post-graduate research and activities at UTM and CIDB Malaysia provide ample opportunity for synergy and benefits to the Student Chapter, host institutions and the CIB.
Vision:
Within the research interests of CTMC, UTM Student Chapter will conduct their activities with the aim to:
• Encourage and forge research interests amongst its members, create awareness of research significance in construction.
• Provide a platform for dissemination of knowledge and enhance the exchange & sharing of research skills with CIB Student Chapters and other CIB's networks (Task Groups & Commissions).
• Amongst others, to enhance and compliment research activities of CIB TG50 based on agendas derived by The CIB Global Leaders Summit on Tall Buildings. The multi-disciplinary requirement of research required in this field can be benefited through activities developed in (i) and (ii).
Programme:
The Work Programme is as follows:
• Organise forum for discussion and internal exchanges of research findings and experiences pertaining to construction research activities around the world (local activities).
• Organise a Young Researchers Conference in Construction in collaboration with CIB TG50 with the intention to discuss and promote research developments and interests in the new construction environment.
• Establish contacts, forge partnerships with other CIB Student Chapters and possible initiation of sister CIB Student Chapter in other countries (with potential institutes in UK and Australia) to develop closer research linkages, etc.
• Publication of Newsletter 2 times a year.
The student chapter is under the umbrella of CTMC to ensure smooth running of activities and for students' convenience. The administration of The Student chapter will be left to the students themselves however under the advisory of The Faculty Representative Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah Shafii.
In accordance to the work programmes, at the end of the Students Chapter mandate, the Student Chapter at UTM will deliver:
• Joint research activities with sister Student Chapters or other CIB Student Chapters
• An international conference The CIB Young Researchers Conference on Construction
• 4 Newsletters
• Report on any programme exchanges between Chapters
Membership:
CIB Student Chapter based at UTM will be opened to all post-graduate and research students. Members are expected to:
• Have strong interest in research in construction.
• Actively participate in the functions and events organised by the Student Chapter.
• The proposed CIB Student Chapter will have its own clear membership rules. The rules will comply with CIB's Mission Statement as set out in the CIB Constitution.
Contact:
Faculty:
Assoc. Professor Dr. Faridah Shafii
R & D Manager
Construction Technology and Management Centre
University of Technology Malaysia
81310 UTM Skudai, Johor
Malaysia
Tel: +60.7.5532145
Fax: +60.7.5542669
E-mail: drfaridah@hotmail.com
Finances:
Sources of Financial Support:
• Sponsorship from The Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia
• Sponsorship from Construction Organisations in Malaysia and Contributions from Professional Organisations
• Possible CIB Developing Countries Fund
Structural Organisation of the Student Chapter at UTM:
The Student Chapter is led by a President who will be responsible for disseminating information to its members and distributing information from Student Chapter at UTM to other CIB Student Chapters. In all key meetings the advisor will be present to follow up with technical matters relating to the activities.
Newsletters:
