Works minister urges construction sector to embrace technology disruption

• Works Minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi: Embracing these trends and technologies will not only lead to more efficient and cost-effective construction processes, but also contribute to a more environmentally responsible and resilient built environment.

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): The construction sector must embrace the disruption of technologies, such as the industrialised building system (IBS), building information modelling (BIM) and automation, to meet the demands of the modern world, said Works Minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Malaysia International Construction and Infrastructure Technology Exhibition (MBAM OneBuild 2023) organised by the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) this Wednesday to Friday, Nanta emphasised the need for the construction industry to gear towards full-scale digitalisation.

“Embracing these trends and technologies will not only lead to more efficient and cost-effective construction processes, but also contribute to a more environmentally responsible and resilient built environment,” he noted. 

He added that the stakeholders would have to recognise that the actions today will have lasting consequences for the generations to come. “While we continue building impressive buildings and infrastructures, we must also build a more sustainable and liveable world for the future generations.”

Highlighting the exhibition’s theme — “Shaping the Future of Construction” — Nanta said that MBAM OneBuild is in line with the ministry’s goal to facilitate a highly sustainable and productive construction sector.

“The introduction of the National Construction Policy 2030 in 2022 demonstrated our constant efforts in guiding the construction industry to continuously evolve with the country’s development goals and international trends,” he shared, adding that the policy recognises the importance of digitalisation within the construction sector, and embraces the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to ensure regional and global growth.

Similarly, MBAM president Oliver HC Wee pointed out that the unprecedented rate of digitalisation is a sign for industry players to embrace the trend soon. “The major question is whether we as industry players will be resistant to change, or [whether] we will revolutionise the way things work in the construction and infrastructure industry.”

He elaborated that the change includes prioritising sustainability, as embracing these trends and technologies will not only lead to more efficient and cost-effective construction processes, but also contribute to a more environmentally responsible and resilient-built environment.

Meanwhile, the minister highlighted that the exhibition involves more than 150 exhibitors from Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, China, the US and Germany.

“With delegations from 15 countries, local and international construction industry players will be able to foster the exchange of quality information and knowledge that will add value to both exhibitors and visitors alike,” said Nanta at the press conference.

Marking its ninth edition, MBAM OneBuild is an educational and networking platform for construction and construction-related sectors. The three-day exhibition will see build talks and exclusive seminars that highlight the current and future landscapes of the digital construction industry in Malaysia, as well as efforts in shaping the future of industrialisation and sustainability in construction.

Looking to buy a home? Sign up for EdgeProp START and get exclusive rewards and vouchers for ANY home purchase in Malaysia (primary or subsale)!