The Graduate Professional Programme (GPP) 2025 was successfully held on 10 June 2025 at Arena Gemilang, DeTAR Putra, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Organised as part of the Talent Recruitment and Career Exhibition (TRACE), the programme served as a platform to connect students with professionals across various industries, encouraging dialogue, career awareness, and professional development.
This year’s GPP brought together students from the Faculty of Engineering (FK) and the Faculty of Built Environment (FAB). The programme aimed to strengthen industry-academic engagement and expose students to current trends shaping their future professions.
A key highlight of the event was the career forum titled “Designing the Future: How AI is Transforming Engineering and Architecture.” The forum explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in both disciplines, highlighting practical applications, emerging opportunities, and the essential skills graduates will need to remain competitive.
The panel featured several esteemed speakers:
- Mr. Hisham Bin Yakob, Interface Management Manager and Senior Engineer (Asset & Project) at Sarawak Energy. A proud UNIMAS alumnus from the Class of 2006 (Mechanical Engineering), Mr. Hisham shared insights from his experience managing large-scale infrastructure and energy projects.
- Ts. Dr. Chai Kok Chin, Chief Executive Officer of NEUON and UNIMAS alumnus (Class of 2011, Electronic Engineering – Computer). Dr. Chai offered a forward-looking perspective on AI adoption in engineering systems and innovation-driven business models.
- Ar. Intan Syazwani Binti Sazali, an experienced architect, spoke about how AI tools are reshaping architectural workflows—from design ideation to sustainable planning.
- Ar. IDr. Mitchell Tony Anak Mos, also an accomplished architect and interior designer, provided insights into AI integration in built environment practices, particularly in urban and user-centric design.
The session was skillfully moderated by Mr. Alna Aqmar Bin Alwie, who facilitated a thoughtful discussion among the panelists and ensured the conversation remained relevant and engaging for the student audience.
The programme ran from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with active participation from both faculties. The session not only underscored the growing significance of AI in shaping future careers but also encouraged students to reflect on how their academic training aligns with rapidly evolving industry demands.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all students who attended and contributed to the forum’s success. Your enthusiasm and curiosity brought energy to the discussion and reflected a genuine interest in the future of your respective fields. We also wish to express our deep gratitude to the panelists for generously sharing their knowledge and experiences. Their stories provided valuable context for understanding the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead in engineering and architecture.
