The construction and built environment industry forms the backbone of modern infrastructure. However, its workforce often operates without proper recognition and, at times, lacks the necessary qualifications for the important roles they fill. M. Arkam C. Munaaim, a skilled engineer, educator, and founder of Mega Jati Academy, recognized an opportunity to change this. Using decades of professional experience, Arkam established an institution that empowers construction workers with certifications and skills that meet global standards. This institution bridges gaps in expertise and opens pathways for professional growth.
Today, Mega Jati Academy stands as a symbol of excellence, offering programs designed for the specific needs of the built environment. But Arkam’s journey to create the academy was not just about training—it was about starting a movement to elevate the workforce, inspire continuous learning, and ensure the industry prospers in a rapidly evolving world.
Bridging the Skills Gap in Construction
As a practicing engineer, M. Arkam has observed many construction personnel who meet expectations for their work. Roles such as Site Supervisor, Construction Manager, Traffic Management Officer, Facility Management Executive, and Facility Management Manager are crucial for efficient and successful project delivery; ensuring projects meet quality standards, compliance requirements, budgets, and timeframes.
However, many individuals in these roles lack proper qualifications. Mega Jati Academy’s certification programs, ranging from local to international frameworks, aim to address this gap by meeting industry and university professional standards. Their core vision is “to provide opportunities for all construction personnel to obtain appropriate certification in construction.”
All programs follow independent frameworks, including the Construction Skill Qualification Framework (CSQF) of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, and are bridgeable to the United Kingdom’s European Qualification Framework (EQF) through the UK awarding body, OTHM Qualifications UK.
Combining Industry Experience and Academic Expertise
M. Arkam’s academic background, including qualifications such as a PhD, PEPC, CBuildE (UK), and IntPE, has profoundly shaped both his career and his leadership style. He reflects that the PhD emphasized the importance of “critical thinking, research and exploration, and continuous learning.” The PEPC and IntPE qualifications, he explains, reinforced his commitment to “ethical practices and professional development.”
He explains that his work as an engineer requires him to focus on “details on the operational, functional, practicality and emphasize on design, construction development and awareness of compliance and adherence to standards and guidelines all over the time.”
His role as an educator, on the other hand, focuses on “details on academic quality, delivery, and assessment, accreditation, frameworks interconnection, inclusive of understanding education and accepted certification processes, understanding Bloom Taxonomy and multi-peers standardization and classification in education, multilevel academic requirements, especially for non-mainstream learners, there are adults learners, working in the harsh and highly stressful environments such as construction.”
This combination of industrial and academic experience provides him with a deeper understanding, allowing him to “triangulate overall profile in knowledge to produce and create the programs that we are running now in our institution.”
He notes that it took him about three years to fully understand and integrate the multiple entry qualifications that can benefit anyone in the construction industry in terms of both academic and professional status registration.
This integration, he states, “will allow anyone to fulfill their academic dreams and at the same time, be able to still focus on the routine construction activities, then progress in the industry to climb the position level.”
Embracing Technology and Sustainability in Construction
Mega Jati Academy ensures its curriculum remains relevant to the evolving built environment industry and advancements like IR 4.0 by integrating training and visits focused on cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), among others.
The academy actively collaborates with industry leaders, professional bodies, and individuals to ensure its programs meet current and future demands. Regular curriculum updates (every three to five years), hands-on training, and a strong focus on smart construction and sustainability prepare learners for leadership roles.
Moreover, the academy uses digital tools, immersive learning platforms like Learning Management System LMS, and research initiatives to equip participants with technical and soft skills indispensable for navigating challenges in the built environment.
Focusing on Sustainability and Professional Development
M. Arkam explains, “We consistently offer the Registered Electrical Energy Manager course, regulated by the Energy Commission of Malaysia, catering to both certification and CPD requirements.”
He adds, “In line with our commitment to sustainability, we deliver a diverse range of ESG and SDG-related courses, covering both technical expertise and soft skills, accessible via our website and webinars.”
Beyond training, the academy integrates these principles into its operations by adopting energy-efficient practices, reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and incorporating sustainable office practices such as reduced paper usage, waste segregation, and digital automated workflows.
Tackling Challenges in the Construction Workforce
Malaysia’s construction industry faces several challenges, ranging from a shortage of skilled workers to the need for infrastructure development. Mega Jati Academy directly addresses these issues with courses that upskill workers in leadership, technical expertise, and safety management.
M. Arkam explains, “We believe that lifelong learning programs have significantly contributed to human capital development, particularly in Malaysia’s construction workforce and infrastructure sector.”
He adds, “Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to proper certification and the opportunity to improve their skills and quality of life.” The academy also offers these upskilling courses in technical expertise, leadership, safety management, and other critical areas to enhance productivity and ensure compliance with industry standards.
This promotion of inclusivity and continuous education builds a skilled, resilient, and future-ready construction workforce capable of driving Malaysia’s infrastructure development. They offer both local and international certifications with the hope that construction personnel will benefit and advance their careers in the industry.
Key Achievements
M. Arkam proudly says, “We don’t compete, we are focusing on our products and services and trying to be the best from our yesterday.”
Since 2019, the academy has received recognition for its contributions through awards from both local and international organizations.
- Visionaries Award, Education 2.0 Conference, Dubai (December 2024)
- Malaysia Education & TVET Awards (2024)
- Outstanding Leadership Award, Education 2.0 Conference, Dubai (February 2024)
- Productivity Champion Certification Category: LEADER and TALENT, Malaysia Productivity (MPC) (2024)
- Malaysia Education & TVET Awards (2023)
- Business Excellent in Professional Training, Bumiputera Business Excellence Award (2023)
- Productivity Champion Certification Category: LEADER and TALENT, Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) (2023)
- Successful People in Malaysia 5th Edition, Britishpedia Encyclopedia (Malaysia), (2023)
- Top SME CEO Award, Dreamtalents Media, Malaysia (2022)
- Building Engineer of The Year Award, Built Environment Awards 2022 (CABE), United Kingdom (2022)
- Successful People in Malaysia 4th Edition, Britishpedia Encyclopedia (Malaysia) (2022)
- Made for the World Excellence Awards, NiagaTimes, (2022)
- Malaysia Education & TVET Awards (2022)
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
M. Arkam believes visionary leaders guide tomorrow’s workforce by possessing adaptability to navigate rapid change, emotional intelligence to foster trust and collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose to inspire shared goals. He explains that such leaders “should be innovative, encouraging creativity and embracing technology to drive progress.”
Effective communication is crucial for articulating a clear vision and ensuring alignment. Furthermore, empathy and inclusivity enable them to build diverse, motivated teams. Visionary leaders must also demonstrate resilience, maintain focus and morale during challenges, and have ethical integrity to earn respect and loyalty, thereby shaping a future-ready, values-driven workforce.
In his own leadership, M. Arkam upholds core values of “work competency, collaborative working attitudes, and sharing continuous growth.” He emphasizes that “integrity builds trust, ensuring ethical decisions and transparency.”
M. Arkam believes strongly in lifelong learning, encouraging his team to embrace development opportunities and adapt to new trends. He leads by example, demonstrating these values through actions and decisions.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
For those who want to make a difference in digital transformation, M. Arkam offers simple advice:
“Stay curious and open to emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics, as these will shape the future of industries. Build strong communication skills, as collaboration with stakeholders is key.”
“Make sure that we are present in the digital version marketing mode, social media, website, mobile apps, and streaming channels,” he adds.
He also stresses the importance of resilience, encouraging professionals to see failure as a step toward success. “Your ability to adapt and lead change will determine your impact,” says M. Arkam.
“Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and fail, as innovation often comes from overcoming challenges. Your ability to adapt and lead change will define your impact in this field,” he asserts.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The coming year promises exciting developments for Mega Jati Academy. M. Arkam explains, “We pre-launched our Mobile Apps last December, and this will get a lot of attention in the first quarter of 2025.”
He adds that the app is significant, “putting another benchmark on our achievements and offering a way to bring all important information together through the apps.”
Furthermore, the academy has been working on its 2024 vs 2025 product listings, which align with its 2025 targets. For the past six years, the focus has been on adult learners (working adults) enrolled in industrial certification programs.
In addition to these programs, the academy plans to begin working with school students aged 13 to 17 after the second quarter of 2025. This new offering, “tuition@megajatiacademy,” will cover lower and upper secondary school subjects to help students prepare for their major school examinations in Malaysia.
M. Arkam notes, “This will be interesting since it will be conducted fully online, expecting to start in July 2025.” He concludes, “Besides, we have more, but I’ll keep it for now.”
Quote
“Give the best for the team and let their creativity lead without any prejudices and work in an excellent workplace with great benefits and perks.”
