UCTS first higher learning institution in Borneo to offer Master of Architecture programme

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Khairuddin (eighth right) launches the Master of Architecture programme and joined by Haris (sixth left) and Raini (eighth left), while others look on.

SIBU: University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) added another feature to its cap when it emerges as the first institution of higher learning in Borneo to offer Master of Architecture programme.

UCTS vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid described this is as another important milestone for the state-owned university.

“I think this is another important milestone for UCTS – again we created history here in the Borneo Island for being the first university to offer Master of Architecture.

“It is equivalent to Part II of Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) – meaning that if our students completed the Master of Architect programme and fulfil certain criteria – they are entitled to use the abbreviation AR (architect) in front of their names. This is a very prestigious professional recognition – recognised not only in Malaysia but also worldwide,” he told a press conference on the launching of offer Master of Architecture here today.

The programme which commences next month requires two years full-time commitment (four semesters) with courses being guided by a line of qualified lecturers and experienced professional architects.

Khairuddin added: “We want to make UCTS and Sibu as the niche for “Borneo Regionalism”, where anything good about Borneo, it must be based in Sibu.

“We will try to identify what are the niche areas to make Sibu a “Borneo Regionalism”. So, I think UCTS being a green university with its state-of-art facilities – it is timely and logical for UCTS to become pioneer to offer this Master of Architecture.”

UCTS School of Built Environment’s head of programme Associate Professor Haris Fadzilah Abdul Rahman and Master of Architecture co-ordinator Associate Professor Raini Jaafar also dwelled on the contents of the programme.

Dean for the School of Postgraduate Studies Associate Professor Dr Hii Siew Ling disclosed that during the Info Day at UCTS from Aug 24 till 25 – all programmes (foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate) – there will be RM1,000 rebate (register during Info Day).

As for Master of Architecture – there will be RM1,000 rebate plus 10 per cent off basic tuition fees (for public) for full time mode only, she said.

Hii also disclosed of good news for UCTS alumni where they are entitled for RM1,000 rebate plus 15 per cent off basic tuition fees (full time mode only) for Master of Business Administration, Master of Project Management and Master of Architecture.

Also present at the press conference was Dean of School of Foundation Studies Dr Wong Sing Sing and director for Centre for Research and Development and Centre for Quality Assurance Professor Dr Salfarina Abdul Gapor.