8th Sabah International Surveyors Congress: Networking and Collaboration Potential for Enhancing the Visibility of the Faculty of Built Environment, UNIMAS

Written by Sr Sitti Diana binti Tamjehi

From 16^th to 17^th October 2024, the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (Sabah branch) hosted the prestigious 8^th Sabah International Surveyors Congress at Magellan Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The theme of the event, “AI and Land Governance,” aligned with current technological practices in the construction industry, focusing on the potential role of AI in construction, particularly concerning surveyors’ responsibilities.

The congress attracted over 300 participants from Malaysia and ASEAN countries, including China, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia and others, who gathered to explore, exchange ideas, foster collaborations and inspire each other to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI technology and land governance.

One of the speakers was Sr Sitti Diana binti Tamjehi, a lecturer from the Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, UNIMAS, who was invited as a plenary speaker to present her paper titled “Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Construction Projects in Malaysia.” It was an honor for the Faculty of Built Environment, UNIMAS, to have its academician share their research at this international congress.

The paper discussed the potential of AI in construction projects and the current status of AI implementation in Malaysia. Sr Sitti Diana explained that AI technology in Malaysia is still in the developmental stage among practitioners in the construction industry. Additionally, most respondents in her research emphasized that AI technology is a critical tool in assisting the progress of construction projects, particularly in project management using Building Information Modeling (BIM). The research concluded that implementing artificial intelligence in construction projects can improve quality, time, and cost efficiency. It serves as a valuable reference for practitioners and the government to enhance the implementation framework of AI in the sector.

The 8^th Sabah International Surveyors Congress not only highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the construction sector but also underscored the importance of collaboration between industry professionals, academics and policymakers. Events like these serve as crucial platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation and building networks that drive progress. The participation of the Faculty of Built Environment, UNIMAS, represented by Sr Sitti Diana, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing research and contributing to the future of construction technology. As AI continues to evolve, such collaborations will be vital in shaping a more efficient, sustainable and intelligent construction industry in Malaysia and beyond.