Written by Abdul Wafi Razali
The Faculty of Built Environment, in collaboration with the UNIMAS Student Development Centre, organised the BE:Driven – FBE Starting School Programme on 8th October 2026. The programme aimed to welcome and inspire first-year students by providing valuable insights into university life, academic expectations, personal development, and future career opportunities within the built environment industry. A key highlight of the programme was an interactive alumni sharing session featuring two graduates from the faculty’s inaugural cohort: Faybians Abit Anak Nichelas Lumut, currently serving as Project Architect at NBL Architects Sdn. Bhd., and Vivian Dubah Patrick, Quantity Surveyor at Victorious Realty Sdn. Bhd.
Sharing of Personal Experiences and Memorable Stories by Mr. Faybians Abit
Designed as an early-stage student engagement initiative, the programme sought to facilitate a smoother transition into university life by helping new students to understand the nature, expectations, and challenges of pursuing studies in Architecture and Quantity Surveying. The sharing session focused primarily on the alumni’s experiences during their university years, offering students a realistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with studying in the built environment disciplines.
Encouragement and Motivation Offered Generously by Ms. Vivian Dubah
Beyond reflecting on their experiences as students, the invited alumni also offered perspectives on the transition from university to professional practice. Their respective careers in Architecture and Quantity Surveying demonstrated the relevance of academic knowledge, practical skills, and personal experiences in shaping professional development. For first-year students, the programme provided an opportunity to appreciate the connection between academic learning and real-world professional expectations.
Creating Moments Together: FBE Inaugural Cohort with FBE 2026 First Year Students
All in all, the programme highlighted the importance of effective time management, self-discipline, independent learning, teamwork, and maintaining a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being. This initiative is aligned with UNIMAS 2030 Strategic Pillar 2 – Future-Ready NextGen of Graduates & Alumni, which emphasises the development of future-ready graduates and the strengthening of alumni engagement.