USM PENANG, 24 June 2026 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) through its Building Engineering Technology (BEsT) programme, organised the IBS Exhibition 2026 themed 'Built to Care' at The Drum, HBP, recently.

The exhibition featured participation from students of the BEsT, Architecture, and Construction Project Management (CPM) programmes, who presented design proposals for a private medium-to-high-cost Aged Care Home (ACH) developed using the Industrialised Building System (IBS) as the primary construction method.

Each team was required to achieve a minimum IBS score of 85 per cent, incorporating modular construction principles, prefabricated building components and off-site manufacturing techniques to improve efficiency, construction quality and spatial suitability for elderly residents.

According to the organisers, the initiative was designed in response to Malaysia’s demographic transition towards an ageing nation by 2030, when the population aged 60 and above is projected to exceed 15 per cent.

They noted that IBS offers several advantages for elderly care facilities, including faster project delivery, improved quality control, reduced on-site wet works and a safer construction environment.

The exhibition also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), reflecting HBP’s emphasis on sustainable, innovative, and socially responsible built environment education.

The programme was supported by Acotec Sdn. Bhd. and Creative Precast Technics Sdn. Bhd., both key contributors to Malaysia’s IBS supply chain ecosystem.

A total of 25 assessors evaluated the projects, comprising 15 internal academic staff from the BEsT, Architecture, CPM, and Building Surveying disciplines, and 10 external assessors from industry and academic institutions.

The external assessors represented Acotec Sdn Bhd, Creative Precast Technics Sdn. Bhd., Jambatan Kedua Sdn. Bhd., UAC Berhad, Eastern Pretech Solutions, Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah, and Akademi Binaan Malaysia, alongside internal representatives from USM’s Engineering Section and Sustainability Office.

The event was officiated by Deputy Dean (Academic, Career and International), Gs. Dr. Mohd Ismail Isa, while the prize presentation ceremony was conducted by Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Industry-Community Engagement), Dr. Nooriati Taib.

Representing the course teaching team, Dr. Ariza Sharikin Abu Bakar said the exhibition marked the culmination of a semester-long academic exercise that integrated technical IBS applications with human-centred design thinking.

“Students were challenged not only to develop functional structures, but also to design with empathy and dignity, particularly in addressing the needs of an ageing population,” she said.

Ariza, who also serves as adviser to the IBS Exhibition Committee, said the programme reinforced the school’s commitment to experiential learning and industry collaboration in producing graduates who are technically competent and socially responsible.

The exhibition concluded with active engagement between students, academics and industry practitioners, further strengthening USM’s role in advancing innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment sector.

Text & Photos: Nur Illya Solehah M K Azmi & Dr. Ariza Sharikin Abu Bakar, School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), USM