University of Reading hosts digital technology workshop
THE University of Reading Malaysia’s (UoRM) School of the Built Environment hosted a digital technology workshop for 65 third year Civil Engineering degree students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) during a visit to Malaysia on March 22.
The workshop, titled ‘BE Digital’, centred around digital technologies used in the construction industry and included demonstrations of 3D, 4D, 5D and 6D Building Information Modelling (BIM) and showcased the University’s 3D Laser Scannerand Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D Printer technologies.
It is the third time UoRM has hosted a delegation from NTNU. The School of the Built Environment ran a similar workshop focussed on 5D BIM for construction management in April 2017 and the year prior to that.
The University aims to be at the forefront of delivering education on digital technologies used in the construction industry; its quantity surveying degree students are taught how to use the latest software, and the course reflects the very best of current practice in the industry, to ensure graduates are ready for the workforce.
According to Dr Mohd Faris Khamidi, Head of the Built Environment at UoRM, the purpose of the workshop has been to introduce the students from NTNU to the digitalisation that is emerging in the construction industry, to prepare them for what is to come.
“With the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is our mandate to ensure our students are well equipped with the knowledge and skills in applying the most advanced technology in the built environment, so they are work ready.
“Many of the students visiting from NTNU have not had exposure to these technologies, so we have had the pleasure of giving them a taste of what our students are learning and hope we have inspired the next generation in this field.” Professor Dr Hallgrim Hjelmbrekke, Researcher, Concept Research Programme at NTNU and Senior Consultant at Multiconsult ASA, says UoRM is leading the way in educating tomorrow’s experts.
“We have come to know that the University of Reading Malaysia practices digitalisation in the construction industry, which is perhaps considered best practice regarding education. Our students are in the new wave of young engineers who are going to change both the industry and the processes connected to buildings and engineering. For some, I think the visit is theirfirst approach to BIM. Going to Reading was recommended by the previous two groups and this trip has been a highlight.”
Professor Dr Hjelmbrekke adds that visiting Johor has been an eye opening experience.
“It has been interesting to go to an area with so much new development – new high-rise buildings, complex buildings; to see how they use the technology to improve the processes.”
NTNU student Anders Moe, who is in his third year of a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, says prior the visit to UoRM he had limited exposure to BIM but the workshop has expanded his knowledge.
“We’ve been able to experience the process of managing 4D and 5D BIM, and we’ve also enjoyed modelling some exciting structures.” The University of Reading Malaysia plans to host a fourth visit by NTNU staff and students early next year.