University of Malaya Faculty Member Enjoys Stint as Exchange Faculty at AU, Describes AU Students as ‘Bright and Talented’

“Joining the Inbound Faculty Exchange program at Ajman University was one of the best academic decisions I have made,” says Dr. Muhammad Azzam Bin Ismail, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to Dr. Azzam, AU’s bright and talented students were one of the key reasons why he enjoyed the opportunity as an exchange faculty at AU so much

“It broadened my thoughts on academia, reinforcing the teaching philosophy I cherish. I was given the opportunity to work with bright and talented students who expressed their ideas and urban designs well, making my teaching experience quite rewarding,” elaborates Dr. Azzam

Dr. Azzam was also highly appreciative of AU faculty members who extended their support and cooperation to him during his stint at AU. “I worked with charismatic (AU) professors who, based on our shared expertise, helped me discover new opportunities for important research and publication, which I greatly appreciate. Finally, the great warmth and camaraderie extended by everyone at Ajman University left an indelible mark on me, making my stay there genuinely unforgettable and valuable,” he added.

 About Dr. Muhammad Azzam

Dr. Muhammad Azzam Bin Ismail, Ph.D. in Built Environment (UNSW), is a Graduate Architect and Professional Technologist who specialises in green architecture and green building certification. He designed, supervised contracts, and built buildings of various sizes, including a showcase low-cost house on the UM campus that uses the Industrialised Building System and an active ageing habitation unit that is currently in use. He is currently working on the Malaysian Green Building Council's (MGBC) Carbon Score grading system, as well as the design of the University of Malaya Master Plan 2050 and University of Malaya Smart City Master Plan.

His grant-funded research focuses on the operational carbon footprint of residential properties, low-carbon cities, the incorporation of sustainability knowledge into architectural education, zero-carbon building assessment, immersive architectural design processes using virtual reality technology, and the impact of green offices on building occupant behaviour and work efficiency. His current research interests include 'Living Buildings,' which incorporate bio-facades to reduce indoor daylighting and thermal comfort levels, as well as lifecycle analysis of major food groups' supply chains.

Previously, he served as the Head of the Department of Architecture and was appointed Chairman of the Malaysia Council of Heads of Architecture Schools (COHAS) from 2014 to 2016. Furthermore, as Fellow and College Master at the Tun Syed Zahiruddin Residential College (9th College) from 2011 to 2022, he oversaw and participated in a variety of student-led activities, such as the yearly college award dinner and the Global Community Service (GLOCOSE) programme to Aceh, Indonesia; Kampung Cham, Cambodia; Tay Ninh, Vietnam; Lombok, Indonesia; and Phuket, Thailand. In keeping with his interest in sustainability and low-carbon cities, he gave capacity-building lectures through UMCARES and received the UMCARES Certificate of Excellence in Sustainability in 2014.