< PreviousIndustry & Practices 46 Symposium MYCC 2025 Meetings—Technical Drafting Committee on Expert Determination (BICAM) CIDB Workshop—Enhancing MCIEA Award Categories CIDB Board Meeting 47 National Standard Committee on Cement (NSC 04/TC 25) 1/2025 Technical Committee Meeting— Ceramic Materials and Sanitary Fittings (NSC 04/TC 12) 1/2025 48 Accident Prevention Convention & PERKESO Grant Ceremony 2025 Soft Launch—International Construction Week (ICW) @ BUILDXPO 49 Seminar—Driving Green Growth 62 nd BIPC Meeting CLAB Board Meeting MIBA Event—‘Constructing the Future’ 50 Launch of Anugerah Kecemerlangan Industri (AKI) 2026 Meeting—PEMUDAH Technical Working Group on Business Location (TWGBL) 1/2025 Signing of Memorandum of Collaboration with CIDB 51 Technical Committee Meeting on Building Design and Construction (NSC 04/TC 11) No. 2/2025 Launch of Premier Employer Network Contents Cover Feature 16 Renewable Energy—Powering Progress and the Future of Construction in Southeast Asia 24 Interview with Matt Tan, CEO, Sunrise Megabatt Sdn Bhd Special Features 28 The Impact of AI on the Construction Industry— A Southeast Asian Perspective 34 Interview with Mohammad Faizal Abdul Hamid, General Manager, Technology Development Division, CIDB Malaysia 38 MBAM Safety & Health Awards 2025 Interview with Datuk Ir Ahmad ’Asri MBAM Golden Helmet 2025 Recipient 42 MBAM’s New Home is Complete Feature 78 Hollowness in Tile Finishes & the Safety Concern It Poses 80 Matrade’s Insight–New Zealand Standard Insulation Amendment 38492816Issue 135 Volume 2/2025 Visits & Dialogues 54 MBAM Technical Visit to Penang 55 MBAM Study Visit to ICP Klang Factory 56 Courtesy Visit to CIDB Chief Executive Meetings with CIDB and SIRIM on ABMS Meeting—Construction Competency Committee Meeting (Contractor Management) 1/2025 57 Discussion for MYSPACE The Edge article Courtesy Visit by Zoomlion MBAM President Interview with Star Property Lembaga Akitek Malaysia Townhall Courtesy Visit to Hitachi Construction Machinery 58 MATRADE’s e-Bizmatch Meeting with Penang Island Council on C&D Waste Management 59 MBAM Study Visit— IJM IBS Factory at Bestari Jaya 60 Meeting with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department on Proposed Service Tax for Construction Works Courtesy Visit to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste 61 Refinement of Reference Documents Related to the Holistic Management of Construction Waste 62 Courtesy Visit to Director of CIDB Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Strategic Cooperation Proposal Between SWCorp and Contractors’ Associations 63 Meeting with BMDAM on Supply Chain Outlook Discussion on Proposed Imposition of Tax on Construction Work Services CDMI Committee Meeting 1/2025 64 Focus Group—Feasibility Study of Minimum Wage for Graduates Courtesy Visit to CIDB PAM Education Fund Meeting 65 Meeting with SIRIM on ABMS MBAM Roundtable— Transformative Sessions with G5 to G7 Contractors, “Building Your Future with Digital Construction Solutions” 66 Advisory Committee Members Meeting for the CIDB Construction Law Report 2024 (Edition 2025) Discussion—Proposed Amendments to PWD Contract Terms Dialogue with PIFM Professional Development 68 MBAM Lifting Supervisor Training 89 th —91 st Intakes and 10 th Intake (Penang) 69 Trained Person in Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) CCPM – Method 2 (Interview) Preparedness Training Community & Social CS 72 CIDB Chief Executive Daughter’s Wedding 2025 Chinese School Fundraising Dinners Kedah Contractors and Building Materials Suppliers Association 52 nd Anniversary Dinner Australia Day 2025 73 MBAM Fellowship 1/2025 PDBA 56 th Anniversary Banquet Safety Glass Processors Association of Malaysia (SGPAM) Networking Session MIP Planning Excellence Awards 2025 74 Chinese New Year Industry Events 77 MBAM OneBuild Chinese New Year Dinner 2025 MBAM Chinese New Year Open House 2025 MBAM President’s Chinese New Year Reception Sections 10 Editor’s Note 12 MBAM Council Members 13 MBAM New Members 14 From the Desk of MBAM President 695477485910 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135 Master Builders Journal is published quarterly by the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) Lot 92404, Persiaran Harmoni, Putra Heights, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor. MBJ Editorial Board PRESIDENT Oliver HC Wee, KMN, AMN EDITOR & COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Yeoh Keong Yuan COMMITTEE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Ong Teng Cheng EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Loh Mei Ling, AMN GENERAL MANAGER Lenny Lim Len Wei MANAGER Mohd Hanif Ismail Publishing Agency Editorial & Design: Alex Choo, Candice Cherng and Shalini Mahendran of Memo Publishing www.memopublishing.com Printer Vivar Printing Sdn Bhd Lot 25 & 27, Rawang Integrated Industrial Park, Jalan Batu Arang, Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Publication Disclaimer The publication has been compiled by Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) with great care and we disclaim any duty to investigate any product, process, service, design and the like, which may be described in this publication. The appearance of any information in this publication does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MBAM. There is no guarantee that the information in this publication is free from errors. MBAM does not necessarily agree with statements or opinions expressed in this publication. Copyright Master Builders Journal is the official journal of and published four issues yearly by Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), and distributed by Central Paper Agencies Sdn Bhd. The Publisher retains the copyright over all materials published in the magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced and transmitted in any form or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without the prior written permission from the publisher. Editor’s Note Article contributions on topics relevant to the construction industry are highly encouraged. Contact ed@mbam.org.my for more information or to submit article proposals for consideration. Call for Articles MBJ Readership Survery As we bring you the second issue of Master Builders Journal for the year 2025, I am pleased to present a thought-provoking and wide-ranging edition that reflects the dynamism, challenges, and transformation currently shaping the Malaysian construction landscape. Our cover story this issue focuses on renewable energy, a sector increasingly influencing construction strategies and project implementation across the region. As the push towards sustainability intensifies, the construction industry is compelled to rethink its practices — from energy-efficient buildings to greener supply chains. In a related feature, we speak to Matt Tan of Sunrise Megabatt, a homegrown pioneer in green energy technology, who shares his insights on the emerging synergy between renewable energy providers and building contractors. This conversation offers valuable lessons on how industry players can align with Malaysia’s broader sustainability goals while capitalising on new opportunities. Another key highlight is our deep dive into the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the construction industry from a Southeast Asian perspective. From planning and design optimisation to predictive maintenance and smart construction sites, AI is no longer a future concept — it is here and evolving fast. In line with this, we are privileged to feature an exclusive interview with Mohammad Faizal Abdul Hamid, General Manager of the Technology Development Division at the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), who shares CIDB’s perspective on the potential and regulatory readiness of our industry in embracing AI-driven transformation. We are also proud to report on the completion of MBAM’s new building — a testament to the Association’s commitment to continuous growth and institutional development. This facility will serve as a hub for training, dialogue, and engagement for years to come. This issue also celebrates excellence through our interview with the MBAM Golden Helmet Award 2025 recipient, Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri. A stalwart of the Malaysian construction scene, Datuk Ahmad ‘Asri shares his journey, achievements, and vision for the future of our industry. In addition, we are grateful for insightful contributions from our industry partners: Nippon Paint, EZI Motartech, and MATRADE. Their articles enrich this issue by shedding light on the latest developments in coatings, construction technology, and export opportunities, respectively. We continue to welcome relevant article contributions from professionals, academics, and companies involved in the built environment. Your expertise and viewpoints are vital to making this journal a platform for knowledge sharing and industry advancement. We also invite advertisers to support the Master Builders Journal — your support helps us defray publication costs and sustain the work of the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM). To our valued readers and advertisers, thank you for your continued support. We are always looking to improve — do share your feedback, ideas, or suggestions with us. Happy reading, and let’s continue building better together. Yeoh Keong Yuan Editor, Master Builders Journal•2 nd Largest Wind Company in Global •More than 80GW of Total Installed Wind Power Capacity Globally •Designed for Low Wind Speed Condition •AI integrated EnOS energy storage management platform •World's Largest Green Hydrogen-Ammonia Plant •Power-to-X from Fossil Energy to New Energy Envision Battery offers dynamic battery replacement and provides client with safe and effective liquid-cooled BESS throughout the project lifecycle. Envision Energy Solution uses temperature sensors and AI to manage the energy consumption across its fleet of stores with an investment payback of only 20 months. Solving challenges for humanity’s sustainable future •BNEF Tier 1 Global Energy Storage Manufacturer •Ranked 3rd in domestic and international market shipments •Zero Accident since the year of operation Singapore’s First 100MW/100MWh Full Solution for TESCO’s Energy Bill Grid Side Independent Energy StorageSmart Metering Solution Pioneering Malaysia Green Energy Landscape with Intelligent Solutions12 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135 MBAM Council Members June 2024 – June 2026 President Oliver HC Wee KMN, AMN Tim Sekata Sdn Bhd Immediate Past President Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri Haji Mhd Zin PSM, SSAP, DPTJ Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd Deputy President Kenneth Liew Kiam Woon LFE Engineering Sdn Bhd Vice Presidents Dato’ Ubull Din Om DIMP Gamuda Berhad Richard Wong Kwan Song Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd Eric Yong Shang Ming Crest Builder Sdn Bhd Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng SSAP FBG Builder Sdn Bhd Yeoh Keong Yuan Syarikat Pembenaan Yeoh Tiong Lay Sdn Bhd Secretary-General Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz DMSM Norwest Holdings Sdn Bhd Treasurer-General Ong Teng Cheng IJM Corporation Berhad Deputy Secretary-General 1 Tan Zi Ni Trans Elite Group Sdn Bhd Deputy Secretary-General 2 Fong Tet Yoong Rooframes Resources Sdn Bhd Affiliate Members 1. American Concrete Institute Malaysia Chapter 2. Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) 3. Institut Bina Bangunan Berkanun Malaysia (The Chartered Institute of Building / CIOB Malaysia) 4. Kelab Sosial Lighthouse Kuala Lumpur (Lighthouse Club Kuala Lumpur) 5. Malacca Builders Association 6. Malaysia Glass Association 7. Malaysian Integrated Builders Association (MIBA) 8. Malaysia Mobile Crane Owners Association (1987) 9. Malaysia Quarries Association 10. Malaysian Occupational Scaffolding Association (MOSA) 11. Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association 12. Malaysian Structural Steel Association (MSSA) 13. Malaysian Sub-Contractors Association (MSCA) 14. Master Plumber Association Malaysia (Persatuan Master Plumber Malaysia) 15. National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association of Malaysia (NRMCA) 16. Penang Master Builders 17. Perak Contractors Association 18. Persatuan Ampunya Jentera Pembinaan Berat Malaysia (Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners’ Association) 19. Persatuan ESG Malaysia 20. Persatuan Industri Fasad Malaysia 21. Persatuan Industri Komputer dan Multimedia Malaysia (PIKOM) 22. Persatuan Kilang Batu-Bata Malaysia 23. Persatuan Kontraktor Bumiputera Malaysia 24. Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia 25. Persatuan Mesin Angkat & Kren Menara Malaysia 26. Persatuan Pembina Johor (Johore Master Builders Association) 27. Persatuan Pembinaan Terengganu 28. Persatuan Pemborong-Pemborong & Pembekal-Pembekal Barang Barang Bangunan Kedah 29. Persatuan Rakan-Industri Rekabentuk Dalaman Malaysia (Malaysia Interior Industry Partners / MIIP) 30. Persatuan Tinsmith Wilayah Persekutuan Dan Selangor (Tinsmith Association Selangor And Federal Territory) 31. Port Dickson Builders’ Association 32. Sabah Builders Association 33. Safety Glass Processors Association of Malaysia (SGPAM) 34. Sarawak Master Builders Federation (SMBF) 35. Sarawak Sibu Division Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Association 36. Segamat Builders Association (1973) 37. Selangor & Federal Territory Builders Association 38. Selangor & Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Kin Cho Hong 39. The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia 40. The Malaysian Lift & Escalator Association (MALEA) Council Members Aneka Jaringan Sdn Bhd Pang Tse Fui Bauer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Ir Chua Young Yau Bina Puri Sdn Bhd Png Choon Yam Chong Lek Engineering Works Sdn Bhd Ivan Chong Fu Seong George Kent (Malaysia) Berhad Teoh Cy Kuan Glocomp Systems (M) Sdn Bhd Chan Tze Ming MMC Corporation Berhad Shafidz Iswandi bin Azhar Mudajaya Corporation Berhad Alvin Chew Chee Wai Pertama Crane & Engineering Sdn Bhd Alec Chong Sun Park Setia Precast Sdn Bhd Lee Chee Wai Sugu Construction Sdn Bhd Dato’ Sri Sukumar Subrayalu SSAP Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd Abdul Aziz bin Mohamed V-Cool Engineering (KL) Sdn Bhd Dato’ Lim Chee Tong DIMP DSPN VSL Engineers (M) Sdn Bhd Nalla Sundran WCT Berhad Ir Anthony Teoh Makna Setia Sdn Bhd Howard Liew Jor Ho Ong Brothers Petroleum Sdn Bhd Dato’ Barry Ong Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) Lim Chun Heng Sarawak Master Builders Federation (SMBF) James Ha Tung Ing The Johore Master Builders Association (JMBA) Ir Dr Kong Weng Keong HONORARY LIFE PRESIDENTS Datuk Lai Foot Kong, PJN, JSM Lai Moo Chan, JMN, KMN Dato’ Ng Kee Leen, DIMP, KMN HONORARY BUILDERS Lau Mun Cheong, JMN, KMN Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng PSM, PGDK, ASDK, JP Dato’ Ir Tan Kia Loke DSNS, JMN, AMN, AMT, PJK HONORARY ADVISORS Dato’ Ir Tan Kia Loke DSNS, JMN, AMN, AMT, PJK Dato’ Ng Kee Leen, DIMP, KMN Datuk Matthew Tee Kai Woon, DPSM HONORARY ADVISOR (LEGAL) John Tong, AMN HONORARY ADVISOR (EDUCATION) Chua Siow Leng, KMN HONORARY ADVISOR (TAXATION) Yee Wing Peng 13 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135 MBAM New Members as at June 2025 About MBAM The Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) plays an important role in the development and advancement of the construction industry. For the past few decades, we have represented Malaysia’s construction industry as its voice during various key phases. Dedicated towards promoting and developing the construction industry in Malaysia, MBAM has evolved into a cohesive umbrella organisation. We have earned international recognition through our affiliations with the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) and the ASEAN Constructors Federation (ACF). We have also successfully hosted the 20 th , 29 th and 44 th IFAWPCA Conventions in 1983, 1998 and 2018 respectively. Through the memberships in IFAWPCA and ACF, the MBAM members are part of the international construction fraternity. MBAM is also a member of The Building Industry Presidents’ Council (BIPC), where members comprise of Presidents from Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM), Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA), Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) and Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM). The formation of BIPC is a quantum leap in terms of cooperation among the industry players in the country to look into the interest of the construction industry from a wide spectrum of trades. MBAM members are also from entities that are directly and indirectly linked to the construction industry. This includes specialist sub-contractors, building material suppliers, manufacturers and trading companies. With both local and international presence, MBAM is well poised to effectively represent the Malaysian construction industry as a single, unifying voice to the relevant government authorities as well as various organisations and bodies. MBAM Membership Registration Ordinary Members 1. Cocwonder Digital Engineering Sdn Bhd 2. Conspec Construction (M) Sdn Bhd 3. CR SEA (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd 4. Grande Build Sdn Bhd 5. INTRIX Renewable Sdn Bhd 6. JLL Project and Construction Management Sdn Bhd 7. Maha Asia Global Sdn Bhd 8. Meccilect Sdn Bhd 9. Pembinaan Unicons Sdn Bhd 10. Sanyog Builder Sdn Bhd 11. Shanghai Tunnel Engineering and Construction (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Affiliate Member 1. Malaysian Integrated Builders Association (MIBA) Associate Members 1. CLL Systems Sdn Bhd 2. Contract Solutions i PLT 3. Epicor Software (M) Sdn Bhd 4. Midway Finhub 5. MP Industries Sdn Bhd 6. Multiventure Resources 7. OVM Prestressing Technology (M) Sdn Bhd 8. Peikko Malaysia Sdn Bhd 9. PMCC-International Sdn Bhd Graduate Alumni Members 1. Cemlyn Soo Yi Peng 2. Christine Valirie Sabanal Teti 3. Goh Wei Giap 4. Muhammad Izzat Sulaiman 5. Siti Aishah Binti Yusuf14 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135 essential to maintain a stable, predictable, and sustainable operating environment for the industry to continue supporting Malaysia’s growth and development. MBAM New Building On behalf of MBAM, I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the sponsors who have generously contributed towards the purchase of land and the cost of constructing our new building. Without your invaluable support and belief in our mission, this vision would never have been realised. Thank you for helping to make this milestone possible. On 14 June 2025, MBAM successfully moved into our new building — a significant milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to better serve our members and the construction industry. Our new premises offer modern, upgraded facilities designed to support a wide range of activities and events. The building features three multifunction rooms: two fully equipped training rooms and a large training hall that can accommodate up to 200 participants in total. In addition, the premises include facilities for mediation services and a beautiful open courtyard on Level 1, ideal for hosting social and networking events. All these facilities are available for members to rent at very attractive rates. Whether you are looking to conduct a seminar, a training session, a meeting, or a networking gathering, our new building can accommodate your needs. To further enhance our building and ensure its long-term success, we are also seeking donors and sponsors. We are offering naming rights for our two training rooms, the training hall, and the conference room. This is an excellent opportunity for members and corporate partners to leave a lasting legacy. We also welcome donations of any amount — big or small — as every contribution makes a difference. Yours sincerely, Oliver HC Wee KMN, AMN MBAM President From the Desk of Oliver HC Wee MBAM President Introducing a new tax, especially with the potential for retrospective application, would seriously disrupt existing contractual obligations, budgets, and project timelines. Sales and Service Tax (SST) Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) wishes to express our deep concern regarding the Government’s recent announcement to impose the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on construction services, effective 1 July 2025. The construction industry is already subject to multiple layers of taxation across various aspects of project execution — including building materials, labour, and equipment. Furthermore, most construction contracts are awarded on a fixed-price and fixed-duration basis. Introducing a new tax, especially with the potential for retrospective application, would seriously disrupt existing contractual obligations, budgets, and project timelines. This creates an undue burden on both contractors and clients, and could lead to delays and cost overruns. We appeal for the tax to apply only to contracts executed after 1 January 2026 instead of 1 July 2025. Contractors have no way to absorb such extra costs. This added tax burden would also delay our transformation plans involving ESG and digitalisation. If the implementation of the 6% SST is inevitable, we strongly urge that the rate be reduced from 6% to 4%, as contract values can be very large. It should also not be applied retrospectively. The timeline of 1 July 2025 provides insufficient lead time for the industry to respond. A reasonable grace period must be granted to allow all stakeholders to make the necessary adjustments and financial preparations. Furthermore, service tax should only be levied on the service portion of the contract value, while the non-service portion — including building materials and hardware — should be exempt. We need a clear SOP on SST implementation for the industry to move forward. In addition to SST, the industry is already contributing through a wide array of charges and levies, including upcoming foreign worker EPF contributions, CIDB levies, the multi-tier levy, an expected increase in electricity tariffs, stamp duties on contracts, HRD Corp levies, the increase in US tariffs to 25%, and other unexpected cost increases. We are deeply concerned about the cumulative financial impact and urge the Government to avoid introducing further inflationary costs in the future. Given the critical role the construction industry plays in national development and economic stability, MBAM respectfully appeals to the Government to reconsider the imposition of SST on construction services. It is COVER FEATURE Renewable Energy As Southeast Asia undergoes rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, energy demand across the region continues to soar. For the Malaysian construction industry, this growing demand presents both a challenge and an opportunity—especially as the world pivots towards more sustainable forms of energy. At the heart of this transition lies renewable energy (RE): energy harnessed from naturally replenished sources such as sunlight, wind, flowing water, geothermal heat, and organic biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and environmentally destructive, renewable energy offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative. Solar photovoltaic panels now adorn rooftops and solar farms across the region. Wind turbines rise over coastal plains and mountain ridges. Hydropower remains a major contributor to national grids, while bioenergy and geothermal resources offer untapped potential. For the construction sector, this shift is more than a technical change—it is a transformation that affects building design, infrastructure development, material use, and even regulatory compliance. The urgency of this energy transition cannot be overstated. The accelerating impacts of climate change, the volatility of fossil fuel prices, and pressure to reduce carbon emissions are pushing governments and industries to act. Construction, being a major energy consumer and carbon emitter, plays a critical role in this transition. Developers and contractors are increasingly aware that embracing renewables can enhance their projects’ value, resilience, and environmental credentials. Master Builders Journal explores the growing momentum behind renewable energy in Southeast Asia, with a special focus on its implications for Malaysia’s construction industry. We trace the historical context of the energy transition, delves into the dominant types of renewable energy in the region, examines both benefits and challenges, and offers insights into innovations and policy frameworks shaping the future. In doing so, we aim to provide construction professionals with a roadmap to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the green energy era. Historical Context and Global Energy Trends To understand the rise of renewable energy in Southeast Asia, it is essential to consider the broader evolution of global energy systems. Since the Powering Progress and the Future of Construction in Southeast Asia 16COVER FEATURE COVER FEATURE COVER FEATURE Industrial Revolution, the world has depended heavily on fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—to power factories, homes, and vehicles. These energy sources facilitated unprecedented economic growth, urbanisation, and technological progress. However, they also came with a heavy price: environmental degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and geopolitical tensions over energy supply and access. The late 20 th century marked the beginning of serious global awareness about the environmental costs of fossil fuels. The oil shocks of the 1970s spurred the first significant interest in energy diversification. However, it was not until the 1990s that renewable energy truly began to enter mainstream policy discussions, driven by growing concerns over climate change and sustainability. Key international milestones accelerated this shift. The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 was the first major global agreement to mandate emission reductions, followed by the Paris Agreement in 2015, which committed nations to limiting global warming to below 2°C. In the years since, more than 130 countries—including Malaysia—have pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions, with timelines ranging from 2050 to 2070. These pledges have spurred policy reforms, investment shifts, and technological innovation in the renewable sector. Globally, renewable energy has experienced exponential growth over the past decade. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables accounted for nearly 40% of new power capacity added worldwide in 2023, led by solar and wind. Costs have plummeted—solar PV, for instance, is now one of the cheapest sources of electricity in many countries, including parts of Southeast Asia. In this context, Malaysia and its regional neighbours are actively reshaping their energy landscapes. Countries like Vietnam and the Philippines have emerged as solar and wind leaders, while Indonesia is investing in geothermal. Malaysia itself is advancing its National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which outlines ambitious targets for renewable integration. For the construction sector, these global and regional trends translate into a rapidly changing energy environment— one that demands innovation, adaptation, and strategic alignment with sustainability goals. Major Types of Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia The Southeast Asian region is endowed with a variety of renewable energy resources, making it well-positioned to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. For Malaysia’s construction industry, understanding the key renewable energy types is essential not just for compliance with emerging sustainability standards, but also for capitalising on new opportunities in building design, infrastructure integration, and energy services. The following are the dominant renewable energy sources currently shaping the region’s energy future. Solar Energy: Leading the Renewable Charge Solar energy is arguably the most accessible and rapidly growing renewable source in Southeast Asia. With abundant sunlight throughout the year, countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia have seen exponential growth in solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Large- scale solar farms are being complemented by rooftop solar panels on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. In Malaysia, the government’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme and the Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme have spurred investment and development in solar infrastructure. For construction firms, this opens doors to integrating PV systems into building envelopes—creating energy-positive buildings and reducing long-term operational costs. Innovations such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are emerging trends that combine function with aesthetic appeal, especially in commercial developments. Wind Energy: Gaining Traction in Coastal and Highland Areas Although less developed than solar in Southeast Asia, wind energy is gaining traction in countries with favourable topographies and wind patterns. Vietnam is leading the regional push, with numerous onshore and offshore wind projects underway. The Philippines and Thailand are also expanding their wind capacity. Malaysia’s potential for large-scale wind farms is limited due to inconsistent wind patterns; however, small-scale wind turbines could still play a role in decentralised or hybrid systems, particularly in isolated or rural areas. For construction professionals, especially those working in infrastructure development or off-grid communities, wind power could become part of hybrid renewable systems alongside solar and battery storage. Hydropower: The Traditional Renewable Backbone Hydropower has long been a cornerstone of renewable energy in Southeast Asia. Countries such as Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar rely heavily on hydroelectricity, while Malaysia has developed several major dams, including the Bakun Dam in Sarawak. Hydropower offers reliable, baseload power, making it a stabilising force within national grids. However, large hydro projects often raise concerns related to environmental impact, displacement of communities, and biodiversity loss. This has led to growing interest in small-scale or run- of-river hydro systems, which are more environmentally friendly and easier to integrate into localised construction projects, particularly in rural electrification schemes. For infrastructure builders, particularly those engaged in regional or public works projects, understanding the environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) tied to hydropower projects is increasingly important. Biomass and Bioenergy: Converting Waste to Power Biomass energy—derived from agricultural residues, palm oil waste, wood chips, and municipal solid waste—is another important renewable source in Malaysia and the wider region. In a country with significant palm oil production, biomass presents an opportunity to convert industry by- products into usable energy. Malaysia’s Renewable Energy Act 2011 encourages the development of biomass and biogas projects, particularly through the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) mechanism. For construction players involved in industrial, plantation, or municipal projects, this opens up potential partnerships in waste-to-energy (WTE) infrastructure. However, sustainability concerns remain, especially regarding deforestation, land use, and carbon neutrality. Construction firms must be aware of international standards and local regulations when engaging in bioenergy-related development. Geothermal Energy: A Niche but Promising Resource 17 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Next >