KOTA KINABALU: A first of its kind course for those in the property development sector is now 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), the Property Developer course scheduled to start in June with a targeted initial 50 students, is seen as a way to train practitioners to be better in their field.
It has several modules, and participants would be awarded with a certificate upon successful completion of each module.
Shareda president Datuk Chua Soon Ping said this approach is to train those in the industry on risk management, among other skills.
He said this is necessary in view of the continuously increasing hike in construction materials, which ultimately affects the building and selling price of property.
He added that it is also a way to provide data gathering and analysis on the problems and issues in the property industry.
Chua said there will 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 in an event at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here yesterday.
Asked if Shareda had any suggestions or means to minimise the increase in property prices due to rising cost of materials and other downstream activities, he said it was working with the government to find solutions.
Chua said the association hopes to talk on policies including the terms of applications for property licences which could help slow down the price hike on property in Sabah.
Meanwhile, Construction Industries Development Board (CIDB) director Datuk Dr Roland Chia, who was also present at the event, said a task force will be formed by the government to oversee issues relating to construction and property price hikes in Sabah.
The political secretary to the Chief Minister said as these are global issues, the government has started measures including having discussions with stakeholders on ways to mitigate price hikes.
He said the Malaysia Construction Academy (AMB) has started its testing centre in Sabah, meaning certain materials 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, Chia said such initiatives focusing on human capital development and upskilling are very much encouraged.
“The state will assist and support these types of initiatives and continue emphasising human capital development,” he said.
TAR UC president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei said the university college will continue to explore other venture opportunities with the various sectors and industries in Sabah.