Research & Development
Annual Report 2018

MOU signing and Collaboration with Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation (GIEF)
Date: 30 April 2018

The MoU established a basis where both UTAR (COSA) and GIEF can work together on research, activities and programmes to promote the use of bamboo as a sustainable building material and the importance of bamboo in the construction industry, both locally and internationally. The MoU also enables both parties to facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge and facilities, which include mutual visits by staff and students, seminars, conference and workshops.

COSA jointly organized the inaugural forum with Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (TECO) in Malaysia on 15 May 2018. The forum featured seven paper presentations from past Taiwan fellowship recipients. It was moderated by Dr Ho Yin Chan from Centre for International Studies, UTAR.

Asia Interactive Camp (AIC)
Date: 16 – 18 March 2018,
Venue: Kuala Kubu Baru

COSA was the main adviser to Asia Interactive Camp (AIC), an outdoor experiential learning interactive camp, organized by UTAR Architecture Students Society. It was held from 16-18 March 2018 at Asia Camp, Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor. Themed as 'IKAT', the 3 days and 2 nights camp gathered 100 over architecture students from various universities fostering friendship with camaraderie. Highlights of the activities included constructing bamboo interactive Pondok structure, "Kem" Missions, Adventures in Nature and Talks by Bamboo Experts.

Participation at the 6PAAU,
Date: 11 – 15 October 2018,
Venue: Surabaya

Seven Masters of Architecture students led by Mr. Sebastian Yeow from COSA attended the Sixth Platform for Asian Architecture & Urbanism (6PAAU) International Workshop, held from 11th to 15 October in Surabaya, Indonesia. Themed as "Embedding fluidity: fluidity in everyday urbanism", the 6PAAU was hosted by Petra Christian University. Historically, PAAU was started by a coalition of universities from Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand and India who met annually to discuss issues of interests in Asian architecture and urbanisms. The workshops have since been held annually rotated amongst member universities.

Award: "Best Booth Award" and "Favourite Booth"
Event: PAM Annual Architecture Students Works Exhibition
Organised by: Architects Association of Malaysia (PAM).
Date: 17 -21 October 2018
Venue: 1Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya

PAASWE (PAM Annual Architecture Students Works Exhibition) is an annual event organized by Architects Association of Malaysia (PAM). The 13th Malaysian PAASWE18 was held from 17 October to 21 October 2018 at 1Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya. The event exhibited student works from universities around Malaysia. This year, UTAR Architecture students garnered two awards, namely god for the "Best Booth Award" and "Favourite Booth" by Sponsor (GIEF) for their deconstructivist tunnel design, Decon (life). Themed 'VIA', the exhibition saw the participation of 23 local public and private tertiary institutions. The UTAR team includes the advisors, Ms. Rahmawaty and Mr. Wong Yee Choong, the team captain Wong Jia Wen and 43 other students

Award: First runner-up (2nd place)
Event: Sunway Iskandar Catalytic Development Design Challenge 2018

Themed as “Sunway Gastronomy Village”, UTAR team won 2nd place at the Sunway Iskandar Catalytic Development Design Challenge 2018. Prizes include RM6000 cash, certificates and 4 team park tickets to Sunway Lagoon. The international competition was about developing a theme park project on a 77 acres land in Sunway Iskandar, Johor. The challenge was that the proposed development should NOT incur “Entertainment Tax”, but able to generate catalytic effects to the region and fulfill Sunway's sustainable agendas. Out of 20 participating teams, 8 teams were shortlisted for final presentation held at Citrine Hub, Sunway Iskandar on 31 Oct to 1 Nov.

UTAR team was mentored by Dr Lim Poh Im and consists of 4 post-graduate students