Written by Hazriffuddin Ayup, Wan Suhana Abdullah Saimi, and Afzan Ahmad Zaini
The Faculty of Built Environment (FBE) proudly celebrated the achievements of its Quantity Surveying (QS) students at the 18th RISM International Surveying Conference for Undergraduates (ISCU 2026), held from 8 to 9 May 2026 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Bringing together undergraduate surveying students in an environment centred on innovation, knowledge sharing and professional development, the conference provided an important platform for young built environment professionals to share their ideas and perspectives.
For the Quantity Surveying students of FBE UNIMAS, the conference was more than an academic competition. It was an opportunity to step beyond the classroom, present their research to a wider audience and experience the professional surveying community at an international level.
Twenty Quantity Surveying students represented UNIMAS, turning their research into ideas that reached beyond the university classroom
A total of 20 Quantity Surveying students from FBE UNIMAS participated in the conference and submitted their work across the paper and poster presentation categories. Their participation reflected the growing interest among students in exploring how QS can respond to emerging challenges in construction, sustainability, digitalisation and the development of smarter built environments.
The conference featured 4 key themes, namely AI-Enabled Cost Intelligence and Advanced Contract Administration in Construction, Intelligent Digital Valuation and Smart Built-Environment Management, Smart Data Ecosystems for Optimised Built Environment and Geospatial Management, and Digital Twins Integration for Intelligent and Sustainable Built Environment. These themes provided students with a glimpse into the changing direction of the surveying profession and the growing importance of technology and sustainability within the built environment.
The UNIMAS delegation proudly carried their research, ideas and university spirit onto a wider surveying platform. To top it off, 6 FBE QS students won awards across both Paper and Poster Presentation categories
In the Paper Presentation Category, Chai Vui Yang (pictured above) received the Gold Award for Evaluating the Mechanism and Effectiveness of Building Information Modelling in Reducing Construction Material Waste in Malaysia. Mohammad Aizat bin Abdillah was awarded Silver for Application of BIM in Compliance with Materials and Resources (MR) Requirements under the GBI Framework in Malaysia, while Batrisya Qistina binti Zakee received Bronze for Smart Contracts Adoption in Kuching’s Construction Projects.
The success continued in the Poster Presentation Category. Hazriffuddin bin Ayup (Centre) received the Gold Award for Development of Inclusive Smart Mobility and Smart Environment Indicators for Kuching Smart City Framework. Elisha Emily (Right) received Silver for Smart Housing in Singapore: Adoption of Smart Home Technologies and Sustainability Implications, while Nur Kamaliana Idzaty (Left) received Bronze for The Role of QS in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Kuching Construction Industry.
The strong performance of the students demonstrated the breadth of research being undertaken by Quantity Surveying undergraduates at FBE UNIMAS. Their topics extended beyond conventional cost management, highlighting the profession’s evolving role in digital construction, sustainable development, smart cities and technological innovation.
For the students, however, the conference experience extended beyond presenting research and receiving awards. The programme also created opportunities for participants to connect with fellow students, exchange experiences and appreciate the cultural diversity within the surveying community.
A friendly game of Sukan Rakyat brought students together through teamwork, laughter and Malaysian traditions
Representing FBE UNIMAS were Sr Ts. Wan Suhana Abdullah Saimi (Front Middle) and Associate Professor Sr Ts Dr Afzan Ahmad Zaini (Front Left), who accompanied and supported the student delegation throughout the conference.
The ISCU 2026 ultimately became a memorable chapter for the Quantity Surveying students of FBE UNIMAS. With 20 students participating and 6 students receiving Gold, Silver and Bronze awards across the paper and poster categories, the delegation demonstrated that undergraduate research can make a meaningful contribution to conversations shaping the future of the built environment. This remarkable achievement served as a testament to the dedication, curiosity and collaborative spirit of our students, as they take their first steps towards becoming the professionals who will shape tomorrow’s built environment.