SEGi Launches Built Environment Programmes


25th March 2008 - From its basic function as shelter from environmental threats, buildings are now a testament of a nation’s growth and development. It is also an object of lasting impression, the world’s tallest building, most unique design, oldest building are among some factors which puts countries in the eyes of the world. Rapid advancements in line with modernisation and globalisation has resulted in the increasingly important need for our infrastructures and public spaces to accommodate our living and working needs without compromising the environment.

In order to understand the impeccable balance for building and the environment to coexist, SEGi College is now offering programmes in the field of Built Environment namely the Diploma in Civil Engineering and Diploma in Construction Management.

“Built Environment is related to design and construction of all infrastructures such as buildings, roads, bridges, airports, harbours, dams and foundation. Malaysia is a developing country with small to mega projects throughout the country. There is a high demand for Built Environment graduates in our local job market not only to develop structures but also to do so with compromise to further preserve the environment and green within the country. Here, the SEGi College School of Built Environment has diplomas that cover all of the related disciplines, from Architecture to Civil Engineering to Quantity Surveying and Construction Management,” said Norman Chu, Head of Built Environment from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment in SEGi College Malaysia, Kota Damansara.

The SEGi College Diploma in Civil Engineering is a programme which exposes students to foundation subjects such as mathematics and physics, language subjects to improve their English, basic Civil Engineering subjects like engineering drawing, and surveying, core Civil Engineering design subjects like Geotechnical, Steel, Timber, and Reinforced Concrete design. In addition, the programme is enforced with basics in construction such as construction material, management, estimating and costing. 

The Diploma in Construction Management on the other hand deals with issues and aptitudes managing a construction project. In this programme, students are involved in project budgeting, planning, scheduling, tracking, and close out. Like the Diploma in Civil Engineering, basic foundation and language skills will be cultivated. Also, students will be introduced to basic construction management subjects like construction materials; core construction management subjects such as construction site planning and project management; construction technology subjects for example building construction and service; and construction cost and law subjects for instance cost planning and law.

“Comprehensively structured to cater for the needs of our local and global market, our diplomas not only equip students with the general knowledge of civil engineering or construction management, but also provide students with the essential know-how to excel in their fields with the awareness of the environmental factors involved. We are not merely preparing them for a diploma in the field but also ready them to succeed as the next generation of renowned movers and shakers,” aspired Chu.

He added that graduates of SEGi College’s Built Environment programmes may progress to join the ranks of professionals such as Civil Engineers, Project Managers, Project Engineers, Project Executives, Site Engineers, Site Supervisors and Contractors to name a few.

To create the awareness of the importance of Built Environment in today’s society, SEGi College, Malaysia recently celebrated the Built Environment Day on 11th March 2008.

“The celebration was also part of the college’s efforts to announce to the ‘world’ that we have taken initiatives to expand our programmes to the field of Built Environment. And just to show that we are serious in our undertakings, we have dedicated a school solely for the purpose of the programmes offered: the SEGi College School of Built Environment, equipped with state-of-the-art labs,” he added.

In addition to the diploma programmes, SEGi College is progressing rapidly to expand its programme offerings in Built Environment. The recent approval for the BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction (Architectural Design), due for intake in May is just one of the many efforts in order to increase the pace. Another programme pending for approval is the BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction (Quantity Surveying).

“Of course we have planned for further expansions in our programme listing, to collaborations with reputable universities for degree programmes in Built Environment. It is all in good time,” Chu enthused, when asked about the future of the School of Built Environment.

SEGi Group of Colleges located in Kota Damansara, Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Sarawak offers over 100 diploma and degree programmes in diverse fields of Business and Accountancy, Engineering and Technology, Creative Arts and Design, Education and Social Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Dentistry and Hotel Management and Tourism. The programmes are accredited and approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Ministry of Higher Education.

To find out more about the SEGi College programmes, please call SEGi College, Malaysia (03-6145 1777 or toll-free 1-800-88-7344), Subang Jaya (03-86001888), Kuala Lumpur (03-20702078), Penang (04-2633888) and Sarawak (082-252566), email to askme@segi.edu.my or log on to www.segi.edu.my 

Picture caption: Norman Chu, Head of Built Environment from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment in SEGi College Malaysia, Kota Damansara.