NIBONG TEBAL, May 2015 – The Integrated Research Space (RPS) at the Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is fully completed and ready for operations.

Built at a cost of RM14 million, it was officially handed over to USM, here, recently.

RPS made the front page of a widely-read English newspaper last December, which claimed that it was a troubled project. The RPS is located next to the building for Science and Engineering Research Centre (SERC) which provides facilities for research and learning to the various Schools, as well as being the second landmark of the campus after SERC.

Engineering Campus Director, Professor Dr. Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak said, the project has been completed since mid-February this year although there were obstacles and challenges ever since the project started.

“I hope that this space can be fully utilised for research activities to benefit the students and have a positive impact on the university,” said Zainal.

He was speaking at a modest project hand-over ceremony held at the new building for the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Zainal requested those having interests in the building to scrutinise and provide comments concerning any faults in the building within the period of one year beginning today.

Meanwhile, the representative of Arkitek ICB Sdn. Bhd., Ar. Mahamoud Hussin being the project consultant said, although he has been involved in the construction business for more than 30 years, there was much to be learned from this RPS project.

He felt gratified and relieved with the completion of this project within the stipulated term of six years, bearing the fact that the cost had to be maintained and with additions to the areas built.

“We as the consultant hoped that the users would enjoy the comfort and convenience of the building which we had completed today,” he said.

Deputy Director, Campus Development Department, Engineering Campus, Hamdan Mohd Hassan said that with the determination and high level of professionalism, and with the willingness of the university to take risks and in dealing with ensuing issues, the project has been successfully completed.

“The project that we had envisioned some time ago has now been realised and I pray that all our efforts towards the promotion of knowledge would be well-rewarded by Allah SWT,” said Hamdan at the same event.

In the meantime, the General Manager, K-Jitra Sdn. Bhd., Zainudin Shaary said, the USM Campus Development Department has cooperated well with his company in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

“Without such a cooperation, we surely would have not been able to complete this project within the given time”, said Zainudin representing the contractor responsible for completing the RPS project.

The symbolic site document hand-over ceremony was attended by the Director, USM Campus Development Department, Ir. Aziz Che Jusoh, accepting it from the Senior Executive Director, Arkitek ICB Sdn. Bhd., Ar. Mahamoud Hussin and witnessed by the Engineering Campus Director, representatives of contractors involved as well as consultants and engineers from USM. - Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Text: Mohd Kamil Ashar/Photos: Bani Faidzzainami Baniyamin