KOTA KINABALU: A first-of-its-kind course for those in the property development sector is now made available through the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) here in Sabah.

       A collaboration between TAR UC and Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda), this course, which was scheduled to start in June with a targeted initial 50 students, would upgrade the level of practitioners in the field.

       Shareda president Datuk Chua Soon Ping said the course would offer training on risk management among other relevant skills.

       "This is necessary in view of the continuously increasing hike in construction materials, which ultimately affects the building and selling prices of properties," he said.

       He added that it was also a way to provide data gathering and analysis on the problems and issues in the property industry.

       Chua alo said there would be special scholarships provided for civil servants related to this industry, as a form of collaboration with the state government.

       He said this after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with TAR UC at the Sabah International Convention Center here on Wednesday (March 30).

       Asked if Shareda had any suggestions or means to minimise the increase in property prices due to the rising cost of materials and other downstream activities, Chua said they were working with the government to find solutions.

       "We hope to talk on policies including the terms of applications for property licences, which could help slow down the price hike on properties in Sabah," he said.

       Meanwhile, a member of the Construction Industries Development Board (CIDB) board of directors, Datuk Dr Roland Chia, who was present at the event, said a task force would be formed by the government to oversee issues relating to the construction and property price hikes in Sabah.

       The political secretary to the Chief Minister noted that as these are global issues, the government had started measures including having discussions with stakeholders on ways to mitigate price increases.

       He said variation of price facility had gradually been implemented at the federal level but not yet in Sabah.

       "That is why we are in the midst of talking with the various state and private stakeholders on this matter here," he said.

       Dr Chia also said the Malaysia Construction Academy (ABM) had started its testing centre in Sabah, meaning certain material testing can now be conducted locally, thus bringing down the cost of construction a little.

       "I hope Shareda can work with ABM and TAR UC on matters relating to these industries as well," he added.

       Speaking of the newly introduced course by TAR UC, Dr Chia said such initiatives focusing on human capital development and upskilling were greatly encouraged.

       "The state will assist and support these types of initiatives and continue emphasising on human capital development," he said.

       He said the state, through the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative among others, was focusing on these developments for the economic and social growth of the state.

       He also encouraged private bodies to help rural students or those who could not afford to further their studies by providing grants, study materials, gadgets and other equipment.

       TAR UC president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei said the university college would continue to explore other venture opportunities with the various sectors and industries in Sabah.