21/01/2026
๐จ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ตโ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ.
KOTA KINABALU: The University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF), Sabahโs only state-owned university, will commence its first semester of 2026 with the introduction of a new strategic academic offering: the stateโs first Bachelorโs degree programme in Architecture.
Vice-Chancellor of UCSF, Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris, announced that the programme will begin in February 2026, marking a significant milestone in Sabahโs higher education landscape. He noted that Sabah currently does not have any tertiary institution offering Part I or a Bachelorโs degree in Architecture.
โThis programme is intended to complement the higher education needs of the state. We hope it will benefit the Construction sector, Sabah, and the nation as a whole,โ he said.
The Head of the Architecture Programme at UCSF, Filzah Jamjam, explained that the programme will be offered under the Faculty of Arts and Creative Media.
โOur architecture degree programme integrates creative arts with sustainable design principles, rooted in local wisdom and eco-centric thinking. It aims to produce architects who create spaces that harmonies with nature and culture,โ she said.
She added that the curriculum is designed to bridge theory and practice, with students engaging in real-world projects and assignments that simulate professional practice.
โThis approach exposes students to real problem-solving scenarios, nurturing critical thinking, creativity and adaptability, and ensuring that graduates are well prepared to address the complex challenges of the architectural profession,โ she added.
Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia, PAM) Sabah Chapter, Ar. Daniel Koh Chung Hou, described the establishment of the architecture programme in Kota Kinabalu as a strategic investment in Sabahโs future.
โIt widens access to architectural education for local students, reduces the need for migration, and helps retain home-grown talent within the state. More importantly, it grounds architectural training in Sabahโs unique climate, culture and communities,โ he said.
He added that through locally rooted education and community-based learning, Sabahans would be empowered to shape their own built environment, strengthen the professional ecosystem, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable and inclusive development in Kota Kinabalu and across Sabah.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the PAM Sabah Chapter, Ar. Sharon Magdalene Amin, emphasised that architecture is a disciplined profession that requires rigorous training and intellectual development.
โWhile students are often identified through their artistic talent and creativity, they must also undergo intensive training where ideas, thoughts and beliefs are challenged, and where they learn to defend their professional stand,โ she said.
She noted that the establishment of an architecture school in Sabah would help produce more local architects who can contribute to national development while preserving the stateโs cultural and historical heritage.
โI would like to congratulate UCSF on the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in Architecture and wish the institution every success,โ she added.
UCSF Registrar Norashiqin Ahmad said the new programme would provide Sabahans with an opportunity to showcase their architectural talents in their home state.
โIt is time for our students, especially Sabahans, to develop and express their architectural potential on their own soil. We look forward to welcoming these talents to UCSF,โ she said.
