UDA helps nurture next-gen digital talents

Recognising the importance of embracing technology and sustainable practices, leading property developer UDA Holdings Bhd is committed to strengthening digitalisation and sustainability in its business practices and projects.

In line with this commitment, UDA continues to encourage and promote initiatives that foster digitalisation and sustainability. To that end, it collaborated with Apple Professional Learning Malaysia (APLM) and UKM Pakarunding in organising the “GreenCity AR iPad Challenge: Shaping Sustainable Urban Cities” competition, held from Oct 14 to Nov 5, 2023 and open to students from local higher education institutions. Using only an Apple iPad, participants were required to design and pitch a green and sustainable master plan for an UDA-owned 76-acre parcel located at Bandar Tun Hussein Onn in Cheras, Selangor.

“The innovation of developing an AR city model (with the iPad) for the land in Bandar Tun Hussein Onn has enabled contribution of fresh ideas to develop a sustainable master plan and create a sustainable city for the community. I hope this effort will benefit and enrich the participants’ experience, especially those who will soon enter the working world,” said UDA president and CEO Datuk Mohd. Salem Kailany in his speech during the prize presentation ceremony held on Jan 20 in Ancasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

His speech was read out by UDA group chief operating officer (corporate services) Reza Huzairi Zainudin.

He added that the sustainable urban design competition in augmented reality (AR) is also aimed at giving students new exposure to and experience in using interactive digital technology, as well as encourage creative and innovative design among the next generation.

“The collaboration is also in line with UDA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, namely UDA Cares Educational, which focuses on developing young talents and provides a platform to showcase their talents and ideas in sustainable urban development through urban planning and management workshops,” he noted.

All participants were required to attend a briefing session on the project site organised by UDA, as well as a virtual learning session hosted by APLM and UKM Pakarunding’s instructors prior to submission of the master plan. A total of 242 students from 25 local higher education institutions, in groups consisting of four to six members (46 groups overall), participated in the competition.

Five groups were invited to present their final pitch on Jan 20. The winner was Kumpulan KMKt Cemerlang from Kolej Matrikulasi Kelantan, comprising five 19-year-olds who walked away with a cash prize of RM12,000.

The group consisted of Leong Jin Hui, Abdul Rahim Rafliz Khan, Riordan Wong Zen-Thao, Khoo Yi Zhe and Tan Ye Zhe. Speaking to reporters, group leader Leong expressed his surprise at winning the competition.

“Our master plan is named City Batukam or the Golden City. The word ‘Batu’ is inspired by the project site, which is sandwiched between Batu 9 and Batu 11 in Cheras. And the word ‘Kam’ in Chinese means gold, so it is likened to the Golden City … Of course, we are happy to win the RM12,000 cash prize. We plan to divide it among ourselves, or maybe we will go on vacation together and buy a new iPad!” Leong quipped.

The highlights of the three elements of City Batukam are: the housing typology, which promotes social inclusion and avoids discrimination based on race and different socioeconomic levels; a water management system to boost the rainwater recycling system; and Batukam Plaza, the social hub for the communities.

Meanwhile, second and third place went to Kumpulan GreenScape City and Kumpulan Polycity Builders (both from Politeknik Ungku Omar in Ipoh, Perak), which took home cash prizes of RM9,000 and RM6,000, respectively. The rest of the top 10 finalists received consolation cash prizes of RM1,800 each as well as a certificate of participation.

“UDA remains dedicated to its function as an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (Kuskop) while concentrating on property development and national asset management. We strive to balance development activities with environmental sustainability and ecosystems, aligning with the government’s aspirations towards national sustainability by 2050. This competition is one of UDA’s efforts to support the government’s intentions, and it is in line with UDA’s sustainability goals,” Mohd.Salem said.

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