< Previous8 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #136 From the Desk of Oliver HC Wee MBAM President Let us work hand in hand to ensure that Malaysia’s construction sector remains resilient, innovative, and ethical — ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Greetings to all fellow members, friends, and partners of the construction industry. As we welcome the final quarter of 2025, it is timely to reflect on the recently announced Budget 2026, which outlines the government’s continued commitment to infrastructure growth and national development. MBAM welcomes the various projects and allocations unveiled in the Budget, particularly those that will stimulate economic activity and create new opportunities within the construction sector. These initiatives will certainly provide much-needed momentum for our industry as we look towards a more robust and sustainable recovery. However, while we appreciate the government’s efforts, we sincerely hope for more incentives and support measures in key areas that will define the future of Malaysian construction — namely ESG adoption, digitalisation, and automation. These elements are no longer optional but essential if we are to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability in line with global standards. We also urge that more development projects be allocated to Peninsular Malaysia, ensuring balanced growth and opportunities across all regions. In addition, MBAM has continued to appeal to the government to ensure that the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on construction services is only imposed on contracts executed after 1 July 2025. As the government has yet to provide clear guidance on this matter, there remains a high level of uncertainty that could cause serious financial implications for contractors caught in the transition period. It is our strong view that clarity and fairness must prevail to avoid unnecessary disruption and financial strain to our members and the wider construction community. On a special note, I am pleased to share that MBAM’s new building was officially celebrated on 17 October, marking a significant milestone in our association’s journey. The event was graced by many distinguished guests, including our past presidents, presidents from fellow industry associations, captains of the industry, and most notably YB Dato Ir Haji Yusuf bin Haji Abd Wahab, Chairman of CIDB Malaysia, who honoured us as the Guest of Honour. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all who attended and supported this momentous occasion. Your presence symbolised the unity, strength, and resilience of Malaysia’s construction fraternity. As we move forward, I would like to call upon all members and industry players to continue supporting MBAM’s initiatives and programmes, particularly our ongoing “Fast Track” ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) Programme – Ke Arah Pensijilan Sistem Pengurusan Anti-Rasuah. This effort underscores MBAM’s steadfast commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and good governance in all aspects of our industry. Let us work hand in hand to ensure that Malaysia’s construction sector remains resilient, innovative, and ethical — ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and dedication to MBAM. Together, we will continue to build not just structures, but a stronger and more sustainable future for our nation. Yours sincerely, Oliver HC Wee KMN, AMN MBAM PresidentN O W A V AIL A BLE N O W A V AIL A BLE O N L I NE ! O N L I NE ! 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Visit MBAM website at mbam.org.my and click Publications to read the latest Master Builders Journal For advertising enquiries, please contact Mr Hanif10 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #136 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 Ir Anthony Teoh Teik Thiam WCT 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 Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) Lim Chun Heng Chong Lek Engineering Works Sdn Bhd Datuk Ivan Chong Fu Seong DPSM George Kent (Malaysia) Berhad Frankie Voong Choon Yee Glocomp Systems (M) Sdn Bhd Chan Tze Ming IJM Corporation Berhad Ng Eng Aan The Johore Master Builders Association (JMBA) Ir Dr Kong Weng Keong Makna Setia Sdn Bhd Liew Jor Ho MMC Corporation Berhad Shafidz Iswandi bin Azhar Mudajaya Corporation Berhad Alvin Chew Chee Wai Ong Brothers Petroleum Sdn Bhd Dato’ Ong Thai Hean DIMP Pertama Crane & Engineering Sdn Bhd Alec Chong Sun Park Sarawak Master Builders Federation (SMBF) Ha Tung Ing 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 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 11 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #136 MBAM New Members as at October 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. Dunham-Bush Sales & Services Sdn Bhd 2. Megah Armada (M) Constructions Sdn Bhd 3. Tanco Builders Sdn Bhd 4. Urban Empire Builders Sdn Bhd 5. West Lake Construction Associate Members 1. Amazon Web Services Sdn Bhd 2. Ebcotech Machinery Sdn Bhd 3. Express Mission Sdn Bhd 4. Fellow Engineering Sdn Bhd 5. Mega Win Steel Sdn Bhd 6. Novade Solutions Pte Ltd 7. PDT Construction Sdn Bhd 8. Serendah Steel Manufacturing Sdn Bhd 9. Soiltechnics Sdn Bhd Graduate Alumni Members 1. Chau Thin Yee 2. Law Jing Yang 3. Nurfarah Hanim Mohammad Fadzil 4. Tan Hoe Yin 5. Ten Kang YeawCOVER FEATURE Digital Technology Shaping the Future of Construction 14 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #136 AI Innovation & COVER FEATURE COVER FEATURE COVER FEATURE In Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, this transformation is especially urgent. The region’s rapid urbanisation, coupled with ambitious infrastructure agendas, demands faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally responsible methods of building. Traditional approaches alone are no longer sufficient to meet the scale and complexity of what is required. From smart cities and mega infrastructure projects to the growing demand for affordable housing, the pressure on the construction sector has never been greater. Governments and industry players alike recognise that embracing digital tools—such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and 3D printing—is vital for staying competitive. In Malaysia, policies such as the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP), the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) have been designed to accelerate this transition. Similar efforts are also being observed across Southeast Asia, where digital innovation is increasingly seen as the backbone of economic growth and sustainable development. Yet digital transformation in construction is not just about technology. It is also about mindset, collaboration, and the ability to rethink how projects are designed, built, and maintained. For industry leaders, contractors, and policymakers, the imperative is clear: adapt to the digital age or risk being left behind in a region where innovation is fast becoming the new foundation of progress. The Malaysian Landscape: Digital Push in Construction Malaysia’s construction industry has long been recognised as a vital driver of national development, contributing significantly to economic growth and providing the backbone for industrialisation, urbanisation, and The construction industry is at a pivotal moment of change, where digital technology and innovation are no longer optional enhancements, but critical enablers of growth. Around the world, the shift towards Industry 4.0 has redefined how businesses operate, and in construction this transformation is taking shape through Construction 4.0. Digitalisation promises not only improved efficiency and productivity but also safer worksites, greater sustainability, and better delivery of complex projects. connectivity. In recent years, the sector has faced mounting pressures—rising costs, labour shortages, environmental concerns, and the demand for higher productivity—all of which have made digitalisation no longer a distant vision but an immediate necessity. The Malaysian construction landscape today reflects a growing push towards innovation, driven by both government policies and the private sector’s pursuit of competitiveness. Central to this transition is the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP), introduced by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to raise the overall quality, safety, and sustainability of the industry. One of its most impactful legacies is the emphasis on digital adoption, particularly Building Information Modelling (BIM). Since 2019, BIM has been made mandatory for certain categories of public projects, a move that has not only accelerated uptake among contractors but also encouraged architects, engineers, and consultants to rethink collaboration and project delivery. BIM is increasingly viewed not just as a design tool but as a cornerstone for integrated project management across the entire lifecycle of a building. The government has further reinforced this momentum through the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan 2021–2025. These policies place construction firmly within the country’s broader digital transformation agenda, recognising that the sector must harness technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, robotics, and big data analytics. The objective is clear: to build a smarter, more resilient, and globally competitive industry. On the ground, Malaysian companies are increasingly stepping up. Leading contractors and developers have begun integrating digital solutions into their operations—from drones that monitor site progress in real time, to IoT-enabled sensors that enhance worker safety, to AI-driven systems that optimise cost and schedule management. Some firms are also exploring modular construction and 3D printing, signalling a gradual but promising shift towards advanced methods of construction. Meanwhile, universities and training institutions are aligning their curricula with industry needs, producing a new generation of digitally literate construction professionals. Despite this progress, the transition remains uneven. Larger firms and government-linked companies are often at the forefront of innovation, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up the bulk of Malaysia’s construction players, continue to face barriers in financing, technical expertise, and readiness for change. Addressing this gap will be crucial if Malaysia is to achieve its ambition of becoming a regional leader in Construction 4.0. Malaysia’s journey illustrates that digitalisation in construction is not just about adopting new technologies but about transforming the culture of the industry itself. With sustained government support, stronger industry collaboration, and greater investment in talent development, Malaysia is steadily laying the foundation for a construction sector that is not only digitally enabled but also globally competitive. Southeast Asia in Transition: Regional Developments While Malaysia has made significant strides in advancing its Construction 4.0 agenda, it is not alone in recognising the transformative potential of digital technology. Across Southeast Asia, countries are embarking on their own journeys to modernise construction practices, each shaped by their national priorities, regulatory environments, and levels of economic development. What emerges is a dynamic regional landscape 15 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #136where digital innovation is becoming a common thread in responding to urbanisation pressures, infrastructure needs, and sustainability goals. Singapore stands at the forefront of digital construction in the region, often serving as a benchmark for its neighbours. Through the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Built Environment Industry Transformation Map, Singapore has made Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) mandatory for key projects. The city-state’s broader Smart Nation initiative ensures that digital adoption in construction aligns with a vision of interconnected, intelligent urban living. The result is an ecosystem where digital twin technologies, robotics, and data-driven project management are rapidly becoming the norm. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has also placed strong emphasis on digital innovation, particularly in relation to its ambitious infrastructure development programme. With the relocation of the national capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, the country is embracing digital technologies such as BIM and smart city concepts on an unprecedented scale. Digital platforms are being deployed to manage project complexity, enhance transparency, and ensure sustainability, while a growing number of Indonesian construction firms are experimenting with drones and modular techniques to speed up delivery. Thailand is likewise accelerating its digital agenda. The Thai government has introduced regulations to promote BIM adoption, particularly in large-scale infrastructure and public works. At the same time, the country’s push towards Thailand 4.0 has integrated construction into a broader framework of digitalisation and innovation. From Bangkok’s urban transit projects to smart city developments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), digital tools are playing an increasing role in planning, design, and execution. Vietnam and the Philippines, though at earlier stages of their digital transformation, are showing strong momentum. In Vietnam, rapid economic growth and rising foreign investment have created a demand for more sophisticated construction methods. Digital adoption is being driven by large urban developments and industrial projects, where AI-driven project management and modular construction are gaining traction. In the Philippines, where the government’s Build, Build, Build programme has triggered an infrastructure boom, there is growing interest in BIM, drones, and 3D printing to improve efficiency and address labour shortages. Collectively, these developments suggest that Southeast Asia is entering a new phase of regional competitiveness. The shared challenges—urbanisation, climate resilience, affordability, and the need for skilled labour—are pushing governments and industry players towards innovation. At the same time, cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and regional platforms under ASEAN are facilitating the spread of best practices in digital construction. For Malaysia, this regional momentum presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, neighbouring countries offer valuable lessons and potential for partnerships in research, technology, and training. On the other, the rapid progress of peers underscores the urgency for Malaysia to maintain its pace of digital adoption, or risk being overtaken in a race where innovation is becoming the new currency of competitiveness. Technologies Reshaping Construction The construction sector in Malaysia and Southeast Asia is witnessing a quiet revolution. Once seen as a traditionally labour-intensive industry, construction is now being reshaped by digital technologies that are streamlining workflows, improving safety, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability. While adoption remains uneven across the region, the momentum is undeniable. A growing number of firms—spanning developers, contractors, consultants, and suppliers—are experimenting with or fully embracing these tools, signalling a shift towards a smarter, data-driven future. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twins BIM has become the foundation of digital transformation in construction. More than just a 3D design tool, it enables project teams to collaborate in real time, identify clashes before construction begins, and integrate cost and time management into design processes. In Malaysia, the mandatory use of BIM for certain public projects has accelerated its adoption, while Singapore has taken it further with its Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) framework. The next frontier is digital twin technology, where BIM models are connected to live data from IoT sensors, enabling real-time monitoring and lifecycle management of IoT applications are enhancing site management and safety across the region. In Malaysia, contractors have begun deploying wearables and site sensors to monitor worker health, detect unsafe conditions, and track equipment usage. Singapore and Thailand have pioneered the use of smart sensors in large-scale projects, integrating them into predictive maintenance systems that reduce downtime and extend asset lifespans. For Southeast Asia, where safety and efficiency remain pressing challenges, IoT offers a practical solution that can be scaled across projects of varying sizes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics AI is increasingly being used to interpret the vast amounts of data generated on construction sites. From forecasting project delays to optimising scheduling and predicting equipment failures, AI-driven analytics are proving to be invaluable. In Vietnam and Indonesia, developers have begun experimenting with AI platforms that provide real-time COVER FEATURE 16 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #136bridging the gap between design and execution. AR and VR are being used for training, safety simulations, and client engagement, allowing stakeholders to “walk through” a project before construction even begins. In Singapore, immersive digital platforms are already integrated into public housing projects, while Malaysian firms are experimenting with AR-enabled smart helmets that overlay digital plans onto the physical site. As these technologies evolve, the concept of a “metaverse for construction” could redefine collaboration and stakeholder engagement in the near future. Together, these technologies are not just reshaping how projects are executed, but also how the industry defines value. Efficiency, safety, sustainability, and stakeholder satisfaction are becoming central performance indicators, all of which are directly enhanced by digital adoption. For Malaysia and its regional peers, the challenge lies in scaling these innovations beyond flagship projects to everyday construction, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach across the entire industry ecosystem. Challenges and Barriers to Digital Adoption While the promise of digitalisation is clear, the journey towards Construction 4.0 in Malaysia and Southeast Asia is far from straightforward. For many industry players, especially small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) that dominate the construction ecosystem, adopting new technologies presents as many challenges as it does opportunities. These barriers are not merely technical—they are structural, cultural, and financial, requiring collective action to overcome. High Implementation Costs and Limited Access to Financing The initial investment required for technologies such as BIM platforms, drones, IoT devices, and AI-driven software can be prohibitively high for smaller contractors. Unlike large developers or government-linked companies, SMEs often operate on thin margins and face difficulties in securing financing for digital upgrades. Although there are government incentives and grants available in Malaysia and some ASEAN countries, many firms remain unaware of them or find the application process too complex. This financial barrier risks creating a digital divide within the industry, where only the largest players reap the benefits of innovation. Shortage of Skilled Workforce Digital construction demands a new skill set that blends technical expertise with digital literacy. Engineers, architects, and site supervisors must now be proficient in BIM modelling, data analytics, and software platforms that were previously outside their traditional roles. Malaysia and its regional peers face a shortage of such talent, with universities and training institutions racing to close the gap. While there are promising efforts in upskilling, particularly through CIDB and regional equivalents, the pace of demand often outstrips the supply of qualified professionals. Resistance to Change and Industry Culture The construction industry has long been rooted in conventional practices that prioritise experience and established workflows. For many seasoned professionals, the transition to digital tools is seen as disruptive rather than empowering. This cultural resistance—whether due to lack of familiarity, perceived risks, or fear of redundancy—slows adoption, especially in organisations without strong leadership advocating for change. Overcoming this barrier requires not only training but also a shift in mindset that positions technology as an enabler rather than a threat. dashboards for project monitoring. In Malaysia, some early adopters are integrating AI into cost estimation and project risk management, creating more resilient project planning frameworks. Robotics and Drones The use of drones has become one of the most visible signs of digitalisation in the construction sector. They are widely used for site surveys, progress monitoring, and safety inspections, providing accurate aerial data at a fraction of the traditional cost and time. In Malaysia, drones are increasingly deployed for highway and large-scale infrastructure projects. Robotics, while less widespread, is gaining interest in areas such as automated bricklaying, concrete printing, and rebar tying. For countries like Singapore, where labour shortages are acute, robotics are fast becoming a strategic solution. 3D Printing and Modular Construction Emerging methods such as 3D printing and modular construction hold great promise for Southeast Asia, especially in addressing housing shortages and reducing waste. In the Philippines, 3D-printed housing prototypes have been developed to provide affordable shelter in disaster-prone regions. Malaysia has seen private developers explore modular techniques to accelerate housing delivery while maintaining quality. These innovations not only improve speed and cost-efficiency but also align with sustainability goals by minimising material waste. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Metaverse Applications Visualisation technologies are 17 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #136 COVER FEATURE Next >