Future direction of urban planning education: the Malaysian universities-industry experience

• Main Authors: Zahari, Rustam Khairi, Raja Ariffin, Raja Noriza, Ngah, Ibrahim, Syed Subli, Syed Mohd Hassan, Mohd @ Ahmad, Ibrahim, Abdul Aziz, Norsiah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED) 2017
• Subjects: HD101 Land use; HT51 Human settlements. Communities; LB Theory and practice of education; LB2300 Higher Education
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/60564/1/60564_FUTURE%20DIRECTION%20OF%20URBAN%20PLANNING.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/60564/; https://library.iated.org/publications/EDULEARN17

Rapid urbanization is a common global phenomenon and Malaysia is not an exception with more than 75 percent of its population currently living in urban centres. One way of addressing urbanization challenges is through institutions producing competent urban planners with the industry playing a vital role in the design and implementation of the universities’ curriculums. The objective of this study is to investigate the perceptions and expectations of the industry on urban planning programs of Malaysian universities. The inputs from the industry were collected through a survey involving respondents from government agencies, urban planning practitioners, built environment consultants and property developers. The finding reveals that the subjects covered in the curriculums are suitable in producing marketable and industry-relevant urban planning graduates. Additionally, the syllabi encompass essential planning theories and contemporary concepts, nurture designing abilities and incorporate excellent use of technology with up-to-date software and hardware. However, the respondents opine that the management components, legal matters and communication skills can be further enhanced in order to produce better urban planners who are well-equipped to face real-world challenges. The study concludes that more industry-university cooperation is necessary including embedding industry experts in various learning settings such as input lectures and critique sessions to benefit both the students and the academics. Research collaboration between the institutions and the industry is another golden opportunity that should be explored. A mutual platform is also proposed to encourage more interactions among stakeholders in the urban planning field to enable updating of members on latest development and accomplishments. Furthermore, the industry agrees that an urban planning program which is capable of addressing the current challenges is an exceptional investment not only for the country but the wider region as well.