The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) signed a Sponsorship of Award Agreement with PLYTEC Group on 3 August 2021. The signing ceremony was followed by the inaugural ‘PLYTEC Innovation Award’.
PLYTEC Group comprises multiple business entities, which have strategically developed and positioned themselves within the capacity to lead the construction industry in CME (Construction Method Engineering), and transformation towards IDD (Integrated Digital Delivery).
BIM Engineering Solution & Technology (BEST) is one of the entities specialised in IDD strategic development for VDC (Virtual Design Construction).
The Sponsorship of Award Agreement was signed by the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s Vice Provost (Research and Knowledge Exchange) Professor Andy Chan and PLYTEC Group Managing Director Ts Yang Kian Lock.
Ts Choo Kok Beng, CEO of the Malaysian Service Provider Confederation (MSPC) and Ts Louis Tay Chee Siong, COO of PLYTEC Group were also present to witness the signing and awards presentation through a virtual ceremony.
The agreement also promotes knowledge exchange activities for hosting joint seminars or workshops on mutually agreed topics, exchanging scientific and technical information and related materials on Building Information Technology (BIM), promoting PLYTEC’s participation in UNM’s seminar and job fair, and exploring the opportunities for human capital development of students through internships and dissertations with PLYTEC.
BIM is the use of a shared digital representation of a built asset to facilitate design, construction and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions.
A total of 20 students from the Department of Civil Engineering were awarded the PLYTEC Innovation Award under the Building Information Group Design Project module. This award carries a cash prize of RM3,000.00 and certificates for the winners.
The PLYTEC Innovation Awards were awarded to:
First Prize: Lee Shu Juinn, Simon Tiew Kai Yang, Yen Zhi Rong, Tan Yu Xuan, Loke Chan Wei, Lee Hao Hui and Jeff Lam Feng Yi.
Second prize: Low Xian Jun, Moey Cheah Hang, Wong Jiunn Sheng, Lew Wei Loong, Voon Pei Si, Tan Yaw Wei and Lee Jin Hao.
Third Prize: Lee Giam Ti, Chai Yan Xin, Foh Zi Xin, Fong Kah Jun, Trisha Low Jhin Wen and Chang Jing Shun
Universities play an important role in the current BIM transition in construction projects as well as in embracing Industry 4.0. For the past six years, UNM has introduced BIM modules in all its Civil Engineering programmes.
In 2007, the Director of the Public Works Department introduced BIM to the Malaysian construction industry in an effort to reduce construction costs and avoid design problems.
However, it is only in recent years, largely due to the advancement in technology, that the use of BIM has become more widespread in the local construction industry.
Through the Public Works Department (JKR) Strategic Plan 2021-2025, the Works Ministry has set the adoption of the mechanism to reach 50% this year and 80% by 2025.
The Ministry will also ensure that 50% of construction projects worth RM10 million and above will use the BIM mechanism, with a 10% increase rate in the subsequent years before 2025.
“Congratulations to the award winners! Innovation and creativity are essential in ensuring the sustainability of the industry. This sponsorship of the award plays a vital role in developing and nurturing the skills the students need to embrace the challenges and opportunities when starting their careers. This award is inspiring and promotes the implementation of BIM in line with the motto “Way Up Harmonising safety, Productivity & Technology” of the various governing bodies including the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Malaysia Productivity Corporation, Malaysian Service Providers’ Confederation, Malaysia Board of Technologists and Technological Association Malaysia,” said Ts Louis Tay Chee Siong.
This is a momentous occasion for UNM and the Department of Civil Engineering as this is the first time that we’ve received industry sponsorship. We are excited about working together with PLYTEC in advancing BIM to ensure the sustainability of the construction industry for years to come,” said Professor Chan.
(Article and thumbnail photo caption: The virtual PLYTEC-Nottingham BIM Award 2021 and Sponsorship Signing Ceremony. (Top (from left to right): Ts Yang Kian Lock (Group Managing Director of PLYTEC), Professor Andy Chan (UNM Interim Vice-Provost (Research and Knowledge Exchange), Ts Ir Edward Han (Technical Director of PLYTEC). Middle (from left to right): Ts Choo Kok Beng (CEO of MSPC), Ts Louis Tay (COO of PLYTEC), Ts Low Teck Heng (Corporate Affair Director of PLYTEC). Bottom (from left to right): Ts Dr Wong Jing Ying (Associate Professor at Department of Civil Engineering ), Ir Dr Lau Teck Leong (Head of Department of UNM Civil Engineering), Professor Law Chung Lim (Dean of Faculty of Science and Engineering))
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For media enquiries please contact: Josephine Dionisappu, PR and Communications Manager University of Nottingham Malaysia at josephine.dionisappu@nottingham.edu.my
Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. Ranked 103rd out of more than 1,000 institutions globally and 18th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings 2022, the University’s state-of-the-art facilities and inclusive and disability sport provision is reflected in its crowning as The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 Sports University of the Year. We are ranked eighth for research power in the UK according to REF 2014. We have six beacons of research excellence helping to transform lives and change the world; we are also a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, a pioneering collaboration which brings together the combined strength and civic missions of Nottingham’s two world-class universities and is working with local communities and partners to aid recovery and renewal following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted on 1st September 2021