Teong Kai Jian, a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours program at the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), has been recognized with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Malaysia Best Student Award for 2025. This accolade acknowledges him as the top-performing student in his cohort.
Award Ceremony Details
The award ceremony occurred during the 11th CIDB•CIOB Youth Arena Convention Malaysia, which took place on October 24 and 25, 2025, at the CIOB Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The convention focused on the theme “BEYOND BIM: Driving Digital Construction with CDE and Intelligent Technologies” and was co-organized by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia and the CIOB. The CIOB Best Student Award is intended for final-year students in construction-related disciplines who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and commitment to the field.
Recognition Based on Academic Excellence
Unlike typical project-based awards, this recognition emphasizes sustained academic excellence over the duration of the student’s studies. Teong was nominated for the award based on achieving the highest cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours program, from which he graduated in October 2024.
Teong’s Reflections on his Achievement
Upon receiving the award, Teong acknowledged the significance of ongoing effort in academic success. He clarified that his nomination stemmed from consistent academic achievement rather than competition, stating, “I was nominated for this award not through a competition, but in recognition of my consistent academic performance throughout my degree.” He further elaborated that engineering extends beyond problem-solving and involves critical thinking and the creation of effective solutions. Teong regards this recognition as a reflection of his dedication, perseverance, and the support he has received from educators, peers, and family.
Commitment to Engineering
Teong articulated that achieving the highest CGPA exemplifies his commitment to all subjects within the program and underscores his collaborative approach and passion for engineering. He expressed that this honor serves as motivation for his continued development as a skilled engineer, with the intention of making a positive contribution to both the construction industry and society as a whole.
Recognition and Rewards
For this accomplishment, Teong received a certificate, a trophy, and a commendatory letter from CIOB.
Community Recognition
The UTAR community recognizes Mr. Teong’s achievement as a notable milestone, inspiring both current and future students.
(Source: UTAR News)
