BANGI, SELANGOR, 10 September 2025 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Architectural Programme under the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) has made history with an outstanding performance at the 36th Architectural Student Workshop (MARTABAT 2025), held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi.

The workshop, themed MARTABAT, symbolising the dignity of self, community, and nation through architectural solutions, is an annual gathering by Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) that unites architecture students from public and private universities across Malaysia, alongside participants from Thailand and Indonesia.

The event serves as a platform for academic exchange, creative exploration, and regional collaboration, while also fostering the spirit of teamwork and innovation in architecture.

USM sent a strong delegation of 38 architecture students (Years 1–3), guided by advisors Dr. Syafizal Shahruddin and Dr. Azhar Ghazali, with support from HBP alumni, Ts. Mohamed Farhan Mohamed Noor and Mizan Adillia Ahmad Fuad.

Their combined efforts have led USM to emerge as the Best University Overall, dominating major competitions throughout the four-day event held from 23-26 August 2025.

Achievements by USM Students:

• 🏆Best University – 1st Place
• 🎭Performance Competition – 1st Place (RM800)
• 🏛️Design Competition (Master Level) – 1st Place (RM500) & 2nd Place (RM300)
• 🎨Installation Competition – 1st Place (RM1,300)
• 🎬Filem Watan – 1st Place (RM550)
• 🚑Tandu Competition – 2nd Place (RM350)
• 👗Fashion Competition – 5th Place
• 🎉Banner Competition – Honorary Mention

This marks one of the best achievements for the USM architectural programme to date. Beyond the awards and monetary prizes, the victory highlights the visibility and recognition of USM students, lecturers, and the academic programme itself.

According to the advisors, the success was made possible through the close engagement between students, lecturers, alumni, the Dean, and other HBP programmes who offered continuous support and constructive feedback throughout the preparation process.

“Our students have truly embodied the spirit of HBP – Holistic, Bold, and Progressive (HBP). This achievement is not just about winning competitions but about showing the resilience, creativity, and leadership that define USM architecture graduates,” said advisor Dr. Syafizal Shahruddin.

In congratulating the team, Dean of the School of Housing, Building and Planning, Assoc. Prof. Sr. Ts. Dr. Md Azree Othuman Mydin said, “This remarkable accomplishment is proof of the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students and academic staff. It reflects the high standards of our architectural programme and the collaborative spirit we foster at HBP. I am incredibly proud of the team for upholding the values of excellence and dignity on such a prominent platform. Their success demonstrates what can be achieved when passion, innovation, and education come together.”

The achievements are also in line with the USM H.E.B.A.T. agenda, which emphasises producing graduates who are Holistic, Entrepreneurial, Balanced, Articulate, and Thinking.

This milestone not only elevates the status of the USM architectural programme but also serves as an inspiration for all HBP students to strive towards excellence, while carrying the values of dignity (‘martabat’) in shaping future communities and the nation.

Text & Photo: Dr. Syafizal Shahruddin