USM, PENANG, August 2016 – Over 600 students from 21 institutions of higher learning, including two from abroad, namely Universiti Shiah Kuala, Indonesia and Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan gathered in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 17 to 21 August 2016 to participate in the 28^th Architectural Students Workshop (MATRA 2016).

In his welcoming speech, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman said, this workshop would assist in preparing and producing talented, skilled and competent professionals for the building industry, in line with the mission of the university.

“This gathering is not just intended for students and lecturers of higher learning institutions, but also involves professionals and industry players from the field of built environment.

"In fact the university has always encouraged and welcome such gatherings of academia and the industry that would serve as a platform for impactful networking and collaborations," he said.

Omar added that his event has also managed to attract many sponsors, to which the university was grateful for their collaboration and support.

He said further, “This event has come a long way since it was first jointly-organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and PAM-Education Liaison Committee in 1987. Back then, only three universities were involved, namely USM, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).”

Meanwhile, the Project Director of MATRA 2016, Khairul Anwar Mat Hassan said, the number of participating universities has grown over the years and this year the USM HBP is taking part for the 7th time in organising the Built Environment Week.

12 architectural competitions were held during the workshop including Fashion Show, Wall Art, Multimedia Production, Performances, Instagram, Installation and Photography.

Organised by USM HBP in collaboration with Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), MATRA 2016 was launched by the Minister of Public Works Malaysia, YB Dato' Seri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra here recently.

Also present were the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Development Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein; President of the Malaysian Board of Architects (LAM), Datuk Professor Dr. Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus; Vice-President of PAM, Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail; Dean of USM HBP, Professor Dr. Aldrin Abdullah; MPSP Building Director Ahmad Nasyruddin Ismail along with other delegates from PAM and LAM.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe