USM-HBP CAREER FAIR 2025 EMPOWERING FUTURE PROFESSIONALS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
USM, 2 July 2025 – The School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), made history by organising its first career fair, attracting 37 companies from across Malaysia. The event was officiated by Professor Dr Azizah Omar, Director of the HEBAT Development Centre, USM, who praised HBP’s forward-thinking leadership and deep commitment to bridging academia with the professional world.
Themed “Building Futures: Career Fair in the Built Environment,” the event served not just as a recruitment drive but as a high-impact platform for industry dialogue, career readiness, and student-industry engagement. It is estimated that 148 undergraduate students will be graduating this year from HBP, spanning six professional programmes — Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Building Engineering Technology, and Construction Management. One of these programmes will produce its first cohort from the newly structured four-year curriculum by next year.
A total of 70 final-year students submitted their CVs and portfolios prior to the event, many of whom were shortlisted for interviews through pre-screening by companies. The event featured 16 interactive industry booths, providing opportunities for walk-in and scheduled interviews. Some companies based in Selangor will be conducting online interviews and had already shortlisted candidates in advance. Of those interviewed, a significant number received on-the-spot job offers during the fair. Additionally, about 30 students had already secured employment earlier, having received job offers at the conclusion of their industrial training placements. Meanwhile, one-third of the graduating cohort shared intentions to pursue employment in their hometowns.
“This is a major milestone for our school,” said Assoc. Prof. Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin, Dean of HBP. “Every parent hopes their child secures a job after graduation. And we, as educators, take that hope seriously. A degree must be more than just a scroll — it must be a gateway to opportunity.” He added that HBP is proud of its 93.7% graduate employability rate in 2024 and aims to reach 97% in 2025, with events like this playing a key role in achieving that goal.
The career fair also opened its doors to second-year and third-year students seeking internship placements. Dedicated zones and open interview tracks were arranged to help them build early connections with industry. Employers praised the initiative, commending USM’s holistic approach to preparing future professionals.
In her speech, Prof. Dr. Azizah Omar emphasised that the Career Fair was more than a recruitment platform. “It’s about giving students long-term exposure, industry immersion, and the confidence to navigate professional environments. We at HEBAT are proud to support these meaningful efforts.”
Ar Idr TPr Michael Ong Keong Cheong, Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) Northern Branch and co-organiser, described the career fair as a “living ecosystem of talent and opportunity.”
A key highlight of the programme was the industry forum, moderated by Prof. TPr. Dr. Azizan Marzuki, featuring a powerhouse panel of speakers:
- Dato’ Seri Ar. Jong East Full, Principal, East Design Architect Sdn. Bhd.
- Dato’ Ir. Khoo Teck Chong, CEO, MTT Group & Chairman of REHDA Penang
- Sr Mark Saw, Executive Director, Knight Frank Penang
- TPr Nik Mohd Ruiz bin Nik A F Razy, Principal Director, Rekarancang Sdn. Bhd.
The forum focused on digital transformation in the built environment, ESG integration, urban resilience, and the evolving role of young professionals. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders and learn what it takes to succeed in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
In his keynote address, Dato’ Ir. Khoo Teck Chong called on students to embrace innovation, ethics, and resilience. He encouraged them to be solution-driven and to approach their future careers with both technical excellence and a deep sense of social responsibility.
The HBP Career Fair 2025 was led by Prof. TPr. Dr. Azizan Marzuki, with strong support from academic and administrative staff across the school.” The event was supported by a wide range of industry partners. Silver sponsors included East Design Architect Sdn. Bhd., Asia Green Group, ENS Group of Companies, and YZD Planning & Consult. Bronze sponsors were BYG Architecture, LHK Project Consultancy Sdn. Bhd., Green Acres, and USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. The Malaysian Institute of Planners (Northern Branch) served as the Strategic Partner, while iJF Planning PLT joined as a Supporting Sponsor. Additional in-kind contributions were provided by BJIM USM and BHEPA USM.
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As the day came to a close, HBP students didn’t just leave with job offers in hand or interviews lined up, they walked away with something far more meaningful; a wealth of valuable insights, renewed clarity about their professional journeys, lasting industry connections, and a revitalized sense of confidence to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. The HBP Career Fair 2025 evolved into more than just a typical recruitment event; it transformed into a powerful launchpad for growth, ambition, and self-discovery.
“We are not just building careers here,” concluded Dr. Azree, with quiet conviction. “We are building confidence in our graduates, nurturing professional networks that will last a lifetime, and most importantly, we are laying down the foundation for Malaysia’s future; one student, one opportunity at a time.”
List of companies participated in the USM-HBP Career Fair 2025
- GSD Land (M) Sdn. Bhd.
- BYG PLANNERS Sdn Bhd
- Oriental Interest Berhad
- Contract Solutions i PLT
- MEI Consultants Sdn Bhd
- Kinwajaya Construction (M) Sdn Bhd
- Cityscape Architect
- ADS Architects Sdn Bhd
- JOHNNY OOI ARCHITECT
- Johnids design sdn bhd
- LI PLANNING CONSULTANCY
- SD REKA
- Macro Dimension Concrete Sdn Bhd
- KLCC Group
- BHL Consultants P&F Sdn Bhd
- MCCE Consultant Sdn. Bhd.
- IA Architect Sdn. Bhd.
- Zuwen Bina Sdn. Bhd.
- UUM Engineering Sdn Bhd
- IZM Consult.
- Yuan Seng Building Trading Sdn Bhd
- SA Planning Services
- YZD Planning & Consult
- TAH Planning Consultant
- Green Acres Studio Sdn Bhd & Green Acres Consultancy Plt
- iJF Traffic PLT
- Yuniq Planning Consultant Sdn Bhd
- Sung Architect
- QSun Quantity Surveyors Sdn Bhd
- Asia Green Group
- IKTISAS Planners Sdn.Bhd
- SAM Planners Sdn Bhd
- FNA Concept Studio
- Nasharudin Yakub Planner
- Shaari Planner Sdn.Bhd.
- Thirupathi Capital Sdn Bhd
- East Design Architect
Source Text & Photo: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suraiyati Rahman / Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin / Photo: The School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP),USM
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