September 15, 2024
A recap video of the event.

On May 15th, 2024, BE.On proudly hosted the inaugural FABility Day: A Journey into Creativity. Held at the Resource Centre of the Faculty of Built Environment (FBE), UNIMAS, the event successfully brought together students from across the faculty and even attracted enthusiastic participants from other departments. But what exactly is @fability.unimas? Launched in 2023 by the Built Environment Organization Committee (BE.On), FABility is a vibrant movement designed to showcase the diverse artistic and creative talents of Built Environment students at UNIMAS.

‘FABility’ is a term that combines ‘FAB’- the abbreviation for ‘Fakulti Alam Bina’- with the word ‘ability’. FABility is an exciting platform crafted by the committee to foster a vibrant community where students can unleash their creativity and artistic talent. Whether it is a project installation or an imaginative piece of writing like poetry, FABility provides an inclusive space for all. This platform ensures that every FBE student has the opportunity to display their talents without fear of discrimination, judgement, or prejudice. In essence, FABility is a safe haven where everyone is encouraged to experiment and share their unique creations with the community.

Muhammad Khair Na’im, a First Year student from the Architecture Programme, reading a poem written by one of the talents.

Last year, we launched our very first virtual art exhibition, but it did not see much participation from the students of the previous session. However, when the new intake of 2023/2024 arrived, things took a magical turn. The FABility official Instagram account saw a surge in followers from the new students, inspiring the committee to continue the initiative. This led to the creation of the FABility Second Wave online exhibition, featuring 18 incredible art and creative works uploaded to the account.

Given the impressive number of submissions for FABility Second Wave, the team decided to bring the concept to life with a real-world event. On May 15th, 2024, we held the first-ever physical FABility Day, featuring three main activities: a SketchUp Workshop, the FABility Exhibition, and FABility Performances. The event was a huge success, attracting not only students from FBE but also participants from other faculties at UNIMAS. Their enthusiastic support and participation, especially in the SketchUp Workshop, marked their first visit to our faculty. It was a joy to see students from across the campus enjoying the performances, exhibitions, and exploring our faculty for the first time.

This groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone, transforming the Resource Centre into a hub of creativity and innovation. Students had the opportunity to engage in dynamic workshops, explore inspiring exhibitions, and enjoy captivating performances, all curated to celebrate and nurture their creative spirits. With its inclusive and collaborative atmosphere, FABility Day not only highlighted the remarkable talents within the faculty but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among students from different disciplines.

The closing ceremony with the newly-appointed Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment, Dr Atta Idrawani bin Zaini, in attendance, along with the Deputy Dean of Students Affairs- Dr Raja Syaheeza, the Head of Architecture Department- Madam Joy Natalie Cotter, and fellow lecturers.

As a representative of the FABility team, we envision this initiative growing and expanding into an even larger and more impactful movement. We aim to introduce a variety of fun and beneficial programs that will not only benefit FBE students but also extend their reach to the wider community. Our mission is to continuously foster a stronger, more innovative, and creative community. We are dedicated to making this vision a reality, tirelessly working to bring new opportunities and experiences to everyone involved. Stay tuned for exciting developments as we strive to make FABility a beacon of creativity and inclusivity for all!

A report prepared by Hazriffudin bin Ayup, from the Built Environment Student Organization Committee (BE.On) 2023/2024 UNIMAS

This article is related with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 16) – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions