Strengthening planning education development: A collaborative institutional mentorship model for professional skills development

The rapid urbanization and industrialization have intensified the multifaceted challenges faced by cities in addressing infrastructure and service delivery demands. These complexities necessitate a robust convergence of academic, research, and industry ecosystems to foster professional skills development across various levels of urban and regional planning. The purpose of this research paper is to introduce a Collaborative Institutional Mentorship Model (CIMM) designed to strengthen the linkage between planning professional bodies, higher education institutions (HEIs), and industry stakeholders to produce industry-aligned academic and professional skills outcomes. Using a qualitative research approach, the study utilized cohort group discussions and logbook analysis to identify critical areas for professional skills development within the urban and regional planning discipline. The findings highlight gaps in current educational frameworks, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration to address evolving industry requirements. By fostering continuous dialogue and knowledge exchange, the proposed CIMM framework aims to bridge the academic-industry divide, enhancing the employability of graduates and the adaptability of professionals. The paper concludes by advocating the adoption of CIMM as a scalable and replicable strategy, with practical implications to strengthen planning education globally, addressing the dynamic challenges of urban development while cultivating a skilled workforce capable of navigating complex urban futures.