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Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) joined forces with The Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) and The Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) to co-organise the International Quantity Surveying Academic Forum (IQSAF) 2023. The event was held on 23 September 2023 at the HWUM campus in Putrajaya and brought together a diverse range of participants from seasoned industry professionals to academics, all under the overarching theme of "Decarbonising the Future."
The forum served as a platform for attendees to exchange stories, experiences, and aspirations while forging invaluable connections in the world of Quantity Surveying. It was abundantly clear that this was no ordinary gathering; it was a unique opportunity to engage, learn, and contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion, expertly moderated by Sr. Dr. Wan Maimun Wan Abdullah. The panel featured top personalities from the field, including Mr. Marin Bisset from New Zealand, Professor Sr. Dr. Abdul Ghani Khalid from The Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia, Dr. Eugene Seah from The Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers, Dato’ Sr. Peter Tan from The Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia, and Professor Anthony Mills from The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Each panellist brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering valuable insights into topics such as sustainability for Quantity Surveyors, green procurement, and the role of Quantity Surveyors in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The forum emphasised the significance of sustainability, technology, and collaboration in the domain of quantity surveying. The Chair of The Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS), Emeritus Professor Chitra Weddikkara, resonated with the audience as she stressed the indispensable role of Quantity Surveyors in advancing sustainable construction practices. The collaboration between HWUM and IQSAF demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the academic community to address the pressing challenges facing Quantity Surveyors in Sustainable Development.
Speaking about the event, Emeritus Professor Chitra Weddikkara remarked, "I like the way the forum has different panellists discussing various topics. More people should attend the forum, and opportunities for more questions to the panellists in discussing the quantity surveying role in decarbonising the future is paramount."
Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost & Chief Executive Officer of HWUM shared his perspective saying, "We believe that when we have purpose at the heart of all of that development, only then can we achieve success for ourselves, we can achieve a positive impact on others, and the combination of both success and impact will make us flourish. We believe that with the new technology (AI) that we have, what is left for us is the potential for emotional intelligence, and this is the only thing that we should really focus on in order for us to be able to flourish and be successful in life."
The IQSAF 2023 at HWUM not only fostered knowledge exchange but also ignited a collective determination to lead the way in decarbonising the future through sustainable Quantity Surveying practices.