SIBU: A total of 382 students from 16 universities throughout the country are participating in the 33rd Annual Architectural Student Workshop 2022 (MAKARA) from Aug 21-26.
According to University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, MAKARA is the first architectural student workshop to be held on the island of Borneo, and that UTS as a newly established university is delighted to be the organiser or the event.
“I am elated at this large turnout that represents the unity of different universities, organisations, and groups of people, especially in the architecture fraternity,” he said in his welcoming speech yesterday (August 22).
Khairuddin noted that the workshop is an annual event that started following collaborative efforts from many educational institutions across Malaysia.
“With the strong support from Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), architectural societies, and the first event was organised in 1987 by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
“Driven by the PAM Education Liaison Committee, the idea behind the workshop was to further challenge and promote architectural education among the students and the young generation in Malaysia,” he said.
Khairuddin stressed that the workshop offers a platform for the architectural student community to showcase their leadership skills and build on their capability and competencies by exchanging architectural ideas and knowledge.
“These are in order to provide an architectural innovation and influence on the community and future development of the industry.
“Since its initiation, the event has always revolved around a central theme decided by the respective hosts, which directly defines the idea and subject of the entire programme, and guides the thinking process of the organiser as well as the participants.
“With that in mind, this workshop will push the architectural student community to rediscover Borneo architecture in Sibu through exciting experiences and raising awareness about the current architectural concerns and challenges,” he said.
Khairuddin said the students (of UTS) have prepared various educational programmes and activities in conjunction with the workshop which includes talks, excursions, performance nights, competitions, and exhibitions.
“It (activities) will stimulate interaction and exchange of architectural ideas and knowledge among all students and representatives from participating institutions.
“It is our sincere hope that this workshop will achieve its objective of bringing the entire architectural student community in the country together by strengthening the bond between institutions,” he said.
