Kadiri University and UTHM Strengthen International Academic Collaboration through Visiting Lecturer Program
Kadiri University, Indonesia, and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) strengthened their international academic collaboration through a Visiting Lecturer Program held on 7 October 2025 at Kadiri University. The program provided an opportunity for students and academic communities to gain insights from an international academic expert while exploring innovative approaches to the future of the construction industry.
The Visiting Lecturer featured Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Riduan Bin Yunus from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), who delivered a lecture entitled “Modular Meets Circular: Rethinking Building Through Industrialised Building System (IBS).”
The program highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainability in the construction sector, particularly through the application of Industrialised Building System (IBS). The discussion introduced participants to contemporary approaches to building design and construction that emphasize efficiency, modularity, and more sustainable practices.
Exploring Innovation through Industrialised Building System
The lecture provided participants with an opportunity to explore how Industrialised Building System (IBS) can contribute to the transformation of conventional construction practices. By incorporating modular approaches into building processes, IBS offers opportunities to improve construction efficiency while supporting more systematic and innovative methods of building development.
The topic also encouraged participants to reconsider how buildings can be designed and constructed to respond to evolving environmental and industry demands. The integration of modular construction principles with circular approaches provides an important perspective on creating building systems that are more adaptable and resource-conscious.
Connecting Modular Construction with Circular Thinking
The theme “Modular Meets Circular” emphasized the relationship between modular construction and circular principles in the built environment. The discussion encouraged participants to look beyond conventional construction methods and consider how building systems can support more sustainable approaches throughout their lifecycle.
Through this perspective, students gained broader insights into the potential of innovative construction systems to address challenges related to resource efficiency, construction processes, and the long-term sustainability of buildings.
Strengthening International Academic Engagement
The Visiting Lecturer Program also served as a platform for strengthening academic interaction between Kadiri University and UTHM. Direct engagement with an academic from an international partner institution enabled students and lecturers to exchange knowledge and gain perspectives from different academic and professional environments.
Such international academic activities contribute to the development of a more globally oriented learning environment at Kadiri University. They also provide opportunities for students to engage with current developments in their field and broaden their understanding beyond the classroom.
Preparing Students for Future Challenges in Construction
Exposure to international perspectives and emerging approaches in construction is important in preparing students to respond to the evolving needs of the built environment sector. The Visiting Lecturer Program encouraged participants to develop greater awareness of innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement in construction.
The discussion on IBS and circular approaches also provided students with a foundation for thinking critically about how future construction practices can become more efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible.
Strengthening Long-Term Collaboration between Kadiri University and UTHM
The Visiting Lecturer Program reflects the continued commitment of Kadiri University and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia to strengthening international academic cooperation. Beyond knowledge exchange, activities of this kind create opportunities for further collaboration in education, research, student mobility, guest lectures, and other international academic initiatives.
Through sustained academic engagement, both institutions continue to build stronger international networks and contribute to the development of globally competitive graduates equipped with relevant knowledge and broader international perspectives.
