SINTOK, 18 November 2025 – The upgrading project for the Cluster Lecture Halls (DKG) 1, 2 and 3—costing nearly RM22 million—was fully completed in January 2025.
A Handover Ceremony for the Infrastructure and Mechanical, Electrical, and Information Technology (ICT) System Upgrade Project was held today at DKG 1, officiated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, and the Director of the Kedah State Public Works Department (JKR), Ir. Mohd Fisal Ismail.
Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad explained that planning for the project began at UUM’s Infrastructure Development and Management Department (JPPI) in 2017. Approval from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) was later granted under the 11th Malaysia Plan – Rolling Plan 4 in February 2019 with an approved ceiling cost of RM21.836 million.
According to him although approval had been secured earlier, implementation only began in 2021 due to delays caused by the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the project involved the upgrading of 29 lecture halls of varying capacities across DKG 1, 2 and 3. It serves as a pilot initiative supporting the University’s Strategic Plan to realise UUM Smart Campus 2030.
“The primary objective of this project is to provide a more conducive and comfortable learning environment equipped with the latest technological systems, including upgraded audiovisual (AV) and ICT facilities, as well as ‘hybrid classroom’ features to enhance teaching and learning at UUM.
“This initiative aligns with the government’s focus, as outlined by the Minister of Higher Education in the MoHE 2025 New Year Message, which emphasises Modern Infrastructure Development, Digital Technology Adoption, and Campus Wellbeing,” he said.
Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Public Works, JKR Malaysia—particularly JKR Kedah as the implementing agency—JPPI as UUM’s technical department, and the main contractor Tunjang Delima Sdn. Bhd. for their strong cooperation and unwavering commitment throughout the project.
Meanwhile, Ir. Mohd Fisal shared that the upgrading works introduced several innovations, notably the adoption of Student-Centred Learning (SCL) design principles. These enhancements not only encourage active student participation but also incorporate smart, interactive infrastructure and sustainable, energy-efficient features.
He outlined the main scope of the project, which included upgrading all three DKG complexes, demolishing and rebuilding internal structures, rewiring electrical, ELV, and ICT systems, installing a Lighting Control System (LCS), installing a new air-conditioning system, upgrading the fire prevention system, and repairing damaged building structures and waterproofing layers.
“Since construction began in October 2021, the project team—representing various technical disciplines—has worked together to overcome numerous challenges.
“Despite these hurdles, I am pleased to share that the project successfully achieved ‘six in one’: the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC), the Statement of Final Accounts (SoFA), completion of As-Built Drawings, zero Loss Time Injury (LTI) cases, a Coffee Table Book documenting the project, and commendable customer satisfaction throughout implementation,” he said, expressing hope that the upgraded facilities would continue to benefit the entire UUM community.
The event also featured the handing over of project documents and certificates of appreciation, followed by a site visit around DKG 1.
Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr Ram Al Jaffri Saad; Senior Director of the Electrical Engineering Branch, JKR Malaysia, Dato’ Ir. Ismail Hashim; and senior officials from both UUM and JKR.
