Cost and lack of skills the main barriers to Building Information Modelling adoption

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 7): Cost and lack of skills are the main concerns of local construction players in adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM), according to The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

Construction companies need to invest in both software and human capital training to implement BIM in their projects, said its chief executive officer Datuk Sri Judin Abdul Karim at a press conference at National BIM Day today.

BIM is an intelligent model-based design and documentation applications that could provide insight to help users plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.

National BIM Day is held in conjunction with International Construction Week (ICW) 2015, which will run from Sept 7 to 11 at Putra World Trade Centre. ICW is an annual event organised by CIDB and supported by the Ministry of Works Malaysia.

“We are in talks with Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) to set up a centre of excellence for BIM,” said Judin.

Judin stressed that the centre will not be owned and operated by the government. It will promote and encourage construction companies to participate in BIM and with a shared cost concept, it could bring down the cost of the software.

BIM is also one of the initiatives under Construction Transformation Program (CITP), which will be unveiled by the Prime Minister, Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak this Thursday.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said that there are currently six government projects using BIM and the ministry is exploring possibilities in implementing BIM in other mega projects under Rancangan Malaysia Khas 11 (RMK 11).

The six projects are National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya, Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission administration building in Selangor, health clinic in Pahang, Mara college in Selangor, Doctrine Complex in Putrajaya and Kuala Terengganu City Council.

“Although BIM is still seen as a new kid in town, it will develop in the years to come as it could help in reducing wastage and increasing the economic return,” said Rosnah.

She added that BIM will be a game changer in the industry as it enables a more precise design planning and greater visibility on design intent as well as complexity of the project.