USM, PENANG, 18 August 2016 - The Architectural Students Workshop (MATRA) is a national-level programme held annually for students of architecture from various institutions across the country and also internationally.

MATRA 2016, the 28th edition, held from 17 to 21 August 2016, organised by the USM School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) in collaboration with Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) had its opening ceremony graced and officiated by the Minister of Public Works Malaysia, YB Dato' Seri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra here recently.

According to Fadillah, the construction industry has long been established and developed together with the development of the country, and the responsibility for infrastructural development comes under the Ministry of Public Works, which looks at the roles of various parties involved in the construction industry.

"This group should take the necessary proactive steps towards achieving the vision for Malaysia to become a developed country, thus each party is responsible in generating sustainable development which at the same time, is sensitive towards the environment, heritage, social and cultural factors.

"These efforts are vital in ensuring the welfare of the people and of future generations to come, and MATRA 2016 is one of the best platforms especially for students of architecture, to compete in producing creative and innovative ideas which are 'out of the box' way of thinking," he said in his officiating speech.

He added that, this programme is also the best medium in forming collaborations between the university and industries, and the construction industry need to recognise the current demands especially in the field of architecture in order to produce architects who not only fulfill local needs but are also capable of competing globally.

"In producing prominent architects, important values that need to be shaped within include characteristics such as leadership, being knowledgeable and skilful, possessing a sense of nobleness and of good personality.

Therefore, I believe that this MATRA-themed programme, with activities organised for the next 5 days would spark the desire in the students to accomplish this goal," he said further.

MATRA 2016 has attracted the participation of more than 600 students from 21 institutions of higher learning, with two of them coming from abroad, namely Universiti Shiah Kuala, Indonesia and Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan.

Also present were the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman; USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Development Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein; President of the Malaysian Board of Architects (LAM), Datuk Professor Dr. Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus; Vice-President of PAM, Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail; Dean, USM School of Housing, Building and Planning, Professor Dr. Aldrin Abdullah; MPSP Building Director Ahmad Nasyruddin Ismail along with other delegates from PAM and LAM.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah