By Hazriffuddin bin Ayup from Quantity Surveying Programme, Faculty of Built Environment
Edited by Dayang Afiqah Abang Mohamad Shibli
The ASEAN Quantity Surveyor Association (AQSA), established in December 2020, proudly hosted its annual AQSA International Conference and ASEAN University Students Jamboree 2024 on 19–20 November 2024 in Kuching, Sarawak. This prestigious event brought together industry professionals, academics, and students from across ASEAN and beyond, including participants from China, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and other regions. It served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, professional collaboration, and cultural networking, fostering innovation and strengthening ties within the construction industry.
The AQSA International Conference 2024, held at Imperial Hotel on 19–20 November, featured keynote addresses, speaker sessions, and a global poster presentation competition focused on construction and its advancements. Attendees included professionals and students, particularly Quantity Surveying (QS) students from ASEAN countries and institutions such as Tianjin University of Technology (China), Institut Teknologi Bandung (Indonesia), the Singapore Institute of Management, and Newcastle University (Singapore), among others. A dedicated team of 77 volunteers, comprising second to fourth year QS students from UNIMAS, played a crucial role in ensuring the conference’s seamless execution.
On 20th November, the focus shifted to the ASEAN University Students Jamboree, hosted by UNIMAS at Detar Putra. With over 300 participants, the jamboree served as a melting pot for local and international students, lecturers and industry representatives from universities such as UM, UiTM, UTM and institutions from the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, and Indonesia. Organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Built Environment, Built Environment Organisation (BE.On) and Unity of Quantity Surveying (UniQS), the jamboree aimed to foster networking and knowledge exchange through various impactful activities.
The jamboree celebrated Sarawak’s rich heritage through vibrant cultural exhibitions, featuring traditional dances like the Iban Ngajat and Melanau Bamboo Dance, as well as heritage games such as Sumpit (blowpipe), Batu Seremban and Congkak. Participants also had the unique opportunity to experience playing the Sape, the traditional Orang Ulu lute, through a hands-on learning session. These cultural showcases not only deepened appreciation for Sarawak’s diversity but also fostered meaningful connections among attendees. The event culminated in a captivating Sape performance that added a memorable touch to the closing ceremony.
The launching and closing ceremonies of the jamboree were graced by esteemed guests, including Prof. Sr. Dr. Abdul Ghani Khalid, AQSA Representative, Dr. Atta Idrawani bin Zaini, Dean of FBE and Cik Hajah Azeemah, Director of the UNIMAS Centre for Student Services. Adding to the event’s vibrancy, the program was emceed by Harrico anak Simi and Nadjwa Az Zahra, QS students from UNIMAS, ensuring an engaging and lively atmosphere.
The AQSA International Conference and ASEAN University Students Jamboree 2024 played a pivotal role in strengthening ties within the Quantity Surveying and broader construction communities. It provided students with invaluable industry insights while celebrating cultural richness and diversity. This remarkable event exemplified ASEAN’s spirit of unity, showcasing the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared growth in shaping the future of the industry.
This article is related with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 17) – Partnership for the Goals.