USM PENANG, 18 May 2024 - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building, and Planning (HBP) recently received a visit from the Engineering Technology Accreditation Council of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (ETAC BEM) for a full accreditation evaluation.

The purpose of the visit was to ensure that the Bachelor of Building Engineering Technology with Honours (BEsT) programme met the rigorous criteria established by ETAC BEM.

This evaluation intends to acknowledge that graduates from the BEsT programme are well-prepared to embark on careers as engineering technologists.

The two-day assessment was led by Ts. Dr. Sabrina Karim, along with ETAC panel members Ir. Ts. Dr. Nurhidayah Azmy and Ir. Mohd Mawardi Hassim.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed participated virtually, delivering a welcoming speech to the delegates.

He emphasised the university's unwavering commitment to excellence in education and continuous improvement.

“At USM, we recognise the significance of meeting and exceeding the standards set forth by the accrediting body, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” he said.

Meanwhile, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab, in her closing remarks, highlighted that the accreditation provides validation of the hard work and dedication of the university's staff and students.

Habibah congratulated everyone involved and encouraged continued efforts towards excellence in education.

The BEsT programme was formerly known as the Bachelor of Science (Housing, Building and Planning) (Honours) (Building Technology) and was accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

To align with the ETAC standards, the programme was upgraded, refined, and rebranded as the Bachelor of Building Engineering Technology with Honours (BEsT).

Also present at the visit were the Dean of HBP, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rodzi Ismail; Programme Chairman Dr. Ariza Sharikin Abu Bakar, and other programme members.

The ETAC delegation engaged with HBP and university management, academic and technical staff, students, alumni, and the Industry/Community Advisory Panel (ICAP).

They reviewed relevant documents and inspected the campus to ensure that USM provides adequate facilities and support for professional development and student learning.

Text & Photo: Dr. Ariza Sharikin Abu Bakar (School of HBP, USM)/Editing: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi