Highlights
Research Groups
Since 2025, the Faculty has formally established of its own research groups, as part of a wider initiative to strengthen focused, high-impact research within the Faculty of Built Environment, while enhancing scholarly output in indexed journals, books and conference proceedings. Our research groups are grounded in the diverse expertise of our experienced academic staff. These efforts are currently organised into two principal clusters: Architecture and Heritage (ARCHER) and Construction and Sustainable Environment (CORE).
CORE – Construction and Sustainable Environment
The key areas of focus include:
Sustainable Construction Practices – Use of environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient methods and green building principles.
Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) and Prefabrication – Promoting modular and prefabricated construction to enhance efficiency and affordability.
Infrastructure Planning and Resilience – Designing urban infrastructure (roads, drainage and utilities) for sustainable and resilient communities.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Smart Technologies – Integrating digital tools to improve construction management, facility operations and lifecycle performance.
Urban Sustainability, Well-being and Liveability – Improving quality of life through housing, public amenities, green spaces and smart city initiatives.
ARCHER – Architecture and Heritage
The key areas of focus include:
Heritage Preservation and Conservation – Research on the documentation, restoration and safeguarding of historical and cultural buildings.
Architectural Design and Innovation – Development of design strategies that integrate cultural identity, functionality and sustainability.
Urban Heritage and Cultural Landscapes – Studies on how heritage areas contribute to urban development and community identity.
Digital Heritage Technologies – Application of tools such as 3D scanning, virtual reality and BIM for heritage documentation and analysis.
Community Engagement and Cultural Practices – Understanding how architecture and heritage shape social interaction and local cultural practices.
"Though these research groups are beginning on a modest scale, they are envisioned to grow through stronger collaborations and partnerships. This is an invitation to start that journey together. We warmly welcome contributions from academia, industry practitioners, students, and research communities to join us in advancing knowledge and enriching the broader field of built environment studies."
Sr. Dr Wilson Rangga anak Anthony Jiram
Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation)
Publications
Our publication portfolio continues to grow with strength and purpose. As a powerful vehicle for knowledge creation and dissemination, publishing lies at the heart of what we do at FBE UNIMAS. With a strong track record of impactful and high-quality writing, we remain committed to advancing ideas and fostering meaningful knowledge exchange.
2026
Hsin Jyi M., Zaini A., Wan Siang C., Cotter J. and Kian Shie K. (2026). Capturing the Heritage of Church Building through Measured Drawings in Malaysia a Case of St James Church, Quop. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS), 10(2), 4518-4529.
Nadzirah Jausus, Atta Idrawani Zaini, Wilson Rangga Anthony Jiram, Janatun Naim Yusof (2026). Drivers of Residents’ Participation in Urban Neighbourhood Public Space Maintenance. , 9(12), https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91200081.
Imran M.S., Baharun A. and Roslan L. (2026). PATHWAY TOWARDS CARBON NEUTRALITY FOR THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN SARAWAK, BORNEO. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 21(1), 125-153.
Sim Nee T., Yee Yong L., Hun Chuen G., Wan Siang C. and Chee Khoon N. (2026). CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF PAYMENT DELAYS, UNDER-PAYMENTS AND NON-PAYMENTS ENCUMBERING ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY PRACTICES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, 24(1), 335-349.
Goh K.C., Kurniawan T.A., Jumaniyozov K., Anouzla A., Aziz F., Ngoh W.F., Abass K.S., Khan M.I., Zhang D., Toh T.C., Gui H.C., Chong W.S. and Dissanayake K.K. (2026). Harnessing floating solar power to decarbonize Southeast Asia’s energy sector for carbon neutrality. Solar Energy, 303, 114079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2025.114079
Stephen J., Azman N., Rahman M., Saimon R. and Hun Chuen G. (2026). THE IMPACT OF AGE-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS ON THE WELLBEING OF OLDER ADULTS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SARAWAK. International Journal for Studies on Children, Women, Elderly and Disabled, 26(Mac), 51-59.
Ting Sim Nee, Chen Kai Hii, Lee Yee Yong, Gui Hun Chuen & Ng Chee Khoon. (2026). Evaluation of the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act effectiveness, challenges, and doctrinal influences in construction dispute resolution. Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, 18 (3). https://doi.org/10.1061/JLADAH.LADR-1530Stephen J., Siong Hee L., Jiee S., Rahman M., Saimon R., Azman N., Hun Chuen G. and Ngui R. (2026). Psychometric evaluation of a psychosocial wellbeing questionnaire for older adults in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. BMC Geriatrics, 2026(1), 1-16.
2025
Arzmi A. (2025). Of port infrastructures and riverine communities: navigating the variegated urbanization processes along the Sarawak River. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 1(1), 1-19.
Arzmi A. and Zheng N. (2025). Lost Waterways, Shifting Identities : Road Infrastructure and the Morphology of Coastal Village Settlements in Kuching. Journal of Surveying Construction & Property, 16(Sp.Iss), 27-44.
Kusno A., Che Din N., Razali A., Hamzah B., Jamala N., Mulyadi R., Syarif E. and Kamil K. (2025). Investigating the impact of environmental noise, humidity and surface treatment on mosque acoustic performance in Makassar, Indonesia. Journal of Design and Built Environment, 25(2), 40-56.
Stephen J., Jiee S., Azman A., Rahman M., Saimon R., Hun Chuen G., Lim S. H. and Ngui R. (2025). Determinants of psychosocial well‑being of older adults in Sarawak, Malaysia. Journal of Family and Community Medicine, 32(4), 295-302.
Yang Y., Raja Mohd Yazit R., Wahid J. and Hsin Jyi M. (2025). Enhancing Child-Friendly Environments in Urban Villages Through Spatial Transformation Strategies in Foshan China. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(42s), 1290-1300.
Ismail H., Johaimi Ling N.L.F., Abdul Wahab M., Mohd Fawzy F.F., Mohamed Shaari S. and Jiram W.R.A. (2025). The Elderly-Friendly Housing Neighbourhood Preferred Features by Generations in Malaysia. Built Environment Journal, 22(Special Issue), 15-25.
Sh Said S.A.A., Mohd Yussof F.N., Sahamir S.R., Yunos J. and Mohamed M.A.N. (2025). Evaluation of Students’ Engagement and Motivation to Participate in Virtual Events. Built Environment
Jiang A., binti Abdul Aziz F., binti Ujang N. and bin Mohamed M.A. (2025). Urban connected vehicle lane planning based on improved Frank Wolfe algorithm. PLoS ONE, 20(4 April), 1. Journal, 22(1), 43-55.
Razali F., Daud D., Weng Wai C., Anthony Jiram W., Sulaiman N. and Raja Syamsuddin R. (2025). Facilities management as moderator in improving waste separation behaviour among households. Property Management, 43(1), 100-125.
Ismail H., Johaimi Ling N.L.F., Abdul Wahab M., Mohd Fawzy F.F., Mohamed Shaari S. and Jiram W.R.A. (2025). The Elderly-Friendly Housing Neighbourhood Preferred Features by Generations in Malaysia. Built Environment Journal, 22(Special Issue), 15-25.
2024
Razali A., Che Din N., Yahya M. and Sulaiman R. (2024). Conceptual framework of acoustic comfort design enablers for a classroom : A systematic review. Journal of Building Engineering, 95(1), 1-18.
Raja Divya Mahimairaj, B., Chandramouli, P., Razali, A. W., & Bin Che Din, N. (2024). Environment Assessment of Acoustic Conditions in Worship Spaces Adjacent to Urban Noise: A Simulation Case Study of St. Thomas Garrison Church, Chennai. Journal of Design and Built Environment, 24(2), 19–30. https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/
Chun Hui C., Razali A. and Che Din N. (2024). A Comparative Simulation Study on the Acoustical Condition of Malaysian Public Secondary Schools’ Classrooms. Journal of Acoustics and Vibration Research, 2(1), 1-11.
Zaini A., Awang Sulong A., Abu Bakar R. and Hsin Jyi M. (2024). The Perahu Tambang of Sarawak River : Establishing Architectural Identity. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 15(4), 1-12.
Ali W., Musa S., Omar M., Ahmad M. and Zaini A. (2024). Portraying Theatre Locations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Transportation Accessibility for the Public. Semarak International Journal of Transportation and Logistics, 1(1), 45-57.
Samat, Y. S., Mohd Rashid, A., Abdullah Goh, N., Zaini, A. I., Ismail, I. E., & Syed Ariffin, S. A. I. (2024). From “On-stilts” to “On-ground”: Spatial Form Development of Sarawak River Malay Houses in Kuching, Malaysia, 1840s-1960s. Journal of Design and Built Environment, 24(3), 56–73. https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/jdbe/article/view/53406/17875
Niu Y., Baharun A. and Mohamed M. (2024). Green building application technology of student apartment in Central Plains area -Take Xinzheng City as an example. Kongzhi yu Juece/Control and Decision, 39(3), 2611-2625.
Niu, Y., Baharun, A., & Mohamed, M. A. (2024). Application technology evaluation system of green building of student apartment in Central Plains area-Take Xinzheng City as an example. Kongzhi yu Juece/Control and Decision, 39(04), 2637–2638.
Fan, Su-Ling, Chai, Chang-Saar, Lim, Bibiana Chiu-Yiong, Lu, Shao-Ming, Gui, Hun-Chuen (2024). Ameliorating the profound gender wage gap in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry among the APEC members: The could and should. Asian Journal of Business Research, 14 (1), 54-75.
Goh, K.C., Gui, H.C., Toh, T.C., Zainordin, N. (2024). On-Site Waste Segregation Practice in Malaysia: MRT Police Quarter Project. Malaysian Construction Research Journal, Vol. 44, No. 3, 129-143.
Goh, K. C., Kurniawan, T. A., Zainordin, N., Arifah, I. D. C., Abas, M. A., Masrom, M. A. N., Mohamed, S., Omar, R., Khoo, S. L., Gui, H. C., Toh, T. C., Onn, C. W. (2024). Expediting decarbonization in energy, waste, and water sector through digitalization in sustainable smart cities (SSC): Case-studies in Malaysia and China based on Industry 5.0 paradigm. Sustainable Cities and Society, 117, 105969.
Ismail H., Rashid R.A., Halil N.H.A., Halil F.M. and Jiram W.R.A. (2024). THE GENERATIONAL OF AGEING IN PLACE DECISION-MAKING PREFERENCES IN MALAYSIA. Planning Malaysia, 22(2), 378-392.
Ismail A., Rozman A., Anthony Jiram W. and Ahmad Saleh A. (2024). The Impact of Lifestyle Theory Approach in Housing Choices in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(6), 1620-1634.
2026
Tien Choon T., Rahmat M., Azmi N., Kai Chen G., Chia Kuang L. and Hun Chuen G. (2026). Drivers and Practices for Technology Adoption in Construction. Proceedings of the 6th Kuala Lumpur International Conference on Social Sciences, Education and Engineering (KLISEE 2025), 1(1), 307-316.
2025
Arzmi A. (2025). The Spatial & Architectural Typology of Food Production in the Fishing Villages of Kuching, Malaysia. , 1(1), 1-11.
Razali A., Che Din N., Yahya M., Sulaiman R. and Abdul Razak A. (2025). Examining the impact of surface material design treatments on traditional and collaborative instructional approaches in hybrid classrooms. , 1(1), 1-12.
Stephen J., Azman N., Rahman M., Saimon R. and Hun Chuen G. (2025). THE IMPACT OF AGE-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS ON THE WELLBEING OF OLDER ADULTS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SARAWAK. , 1(1), 393-406.Samat, Y. S., Mat, M. F., Zaini, A. I., Cotter, J. N., Yusuf, A., & Abdullah Saimi, W. S. (2025). At the Heart of the Home: Exploring the Cultural Roles of Interior Partitions in Sarawak River Malay Houses of the Brooke Era. In https://www.riec.unimas.my/media/attachments/2025/08/29/borneo-intex25-winner.pdf [Poster Presentation]. Borneo International Technology Expo 2025, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
2024
Arzmi, A. (2024). From Perahus to Cars: Sectoral Planning and the Transformation of Fishing Villages in Kuching, Sarawak. International Planning History Society Proceedings, 20(1), 559–572. https://doi.org/10.7480/iphs.2024.1.7613
Razali A.W., Che Din N., Yahya M.N. and Sulaiman R. (2024). Classroom architectural design evolution: Acoustic evaluation of public-school classrooms in Malaysia. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2721(1), 1.
Zaini A., Jausus N., Jasni M. and Embi M. (2024). Form Follows Familiarity : Proposing a Design Paradigm for Architecture in the Metaverse. Advances in Civil Engineering Materials. ICACE 2023. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, 466(1), 1093-1106.
Hsin Jyi M., Cotter J., Mohamed M. and Leng Pau C. (2024). Applicability of Architectural Design Features in Contemporary Luxury Houses. ICACE (Apr 2023), International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, 466(1), 223-232.
Zulkepli M., Raman U., Bujang A., Boon Keong L., Ismail A. and Anthony Jiram W. (2024). The Fundamental of Social Housing for M40 Group : A Review. , 1(1), 13-13.
2024
Goh, N. A. (2024). Architecture education: Then, now and the way forward. UNIMAS Publisher.
2022
Baharun, A. (2022). Energy Efficient Building for Sarawak.
2019
Ahmad Zaini, A.; Razali, A. W.; Zaini, N.; Tamjehi, S.D., Hun Chuen, G. (2019). Top 10 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Factors Handbook. Are you Ready?
2025
Chai C., Lee C., Chai M., Chong W., Ang H. and Wong M. (2025). Analytic Hierarchy Progress (AHP) for Construction Technologies Adoption in the Malaysian Construction Industry. In Sustainable Construction and Heritage Conservation in the Digital Age (pp 113-144), IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
2024
Arzmi A. (2024). Open-Air Museums in Borneo and the Dialectic of Vernacular Form. In Juan, C., David, A.G. and Marta, R.I. (Eds), Communicating Architecture: from the origins of modernity to the digital age (p. 575-585), Universidad De Granada.
2023
Ahmad Zaini A. (2023). Enriching Immersive Learning Experience During Movement Control Order (MCO) Through Blended Learning Substitution Method. In Suaidi, M.K., Rasit, A.H., Abd Ghani, K., Ghazali, N.M., Lucas, T. and Awang Mat, D.A. (Eds), Real Application of Transformative Approaches For Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century (pp 1-12). UNIMAS Publisher
2012
Arzmi, A. (2022). Planning GDR and Czechoslovakia: The Scale Question under State Socialism. In (Eds) M. Welch Guerra, A. Abarkan, M. Castrillo Romón, & M. Pekár, European Planning History in the 20th Century: A Continent of Urban Planning (pp. 153-162). New York: Routledge.
Abdul-Aziz A. and Ahmad Zaini A. (2022). Applications of mainstream economic theories to the construction industry : transaction costs. , 1(1), 178-198.
