Tech Weekly: Malaysian Construction Tech (1–7 May 2025)
Bridging Digital Blueprints and Smart Build Strategies in Malaysia
Main Story: Nationwide BIM Labs Boost Digital Construction
Malaysia’s construction industry is taking a digital leap as the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) plans to establish at least one Building Information Modelling (BIM) lab in every state. Five labs are already operational (in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah), providing 3D modeling facilities to streamline project planning and improve efficiency. These labs let practitioners prepare detailed 3D project plans, helping catch design clashes (for example, misrouted cables or pipes) at early stages. By identifying issues before they hit the site, BIM labs aim to reduce costly errors, prevent delays, and enhance long-term asset maintenance for buildings and infrastructure.
Officials note that BIM uptake in Malaysia has reached about 55% – higher than in several other countries – thanks in part to policy mandates. Since August 2024, all government, GLC, and private projects over RM10 million are required to use BIM, accelerating digital adoption across the industry. “BIM…using 3D models…can enhance asset maintenance, reduce construction errors, and lower…costs”, says Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, emphasizing the technology’s benefits. The industry reception has been positive: contractors and consultants are gearing up with training and new workflows to integrate BIM into their projects. With this nationwide push – a key part of Malaysia’s Construction 4.0 strategic plan – the stage is set for more efficient, data-driven construction practices that boost productivity and sustainability in upcoming builds.
Innovation Snippets
AI-Powered Project Management: Malaysia’s embrace of AI in construction was on display at Glodon’s AEC Connect Day 2025 in Petaling Jaya. The annual event on April 24 drew over 700 architecture, engineering, and construction professionals. Themed “The AI-Powered Future,” it showcased Malaysia’s strides in BIM and AI integration. Notably, the event saw the launch of Glodon’s Gsite platform in Malaysia – a digital project management tool to connect stakeholders and cut costs – alongside major AI-driven upgrades to its Cubicost 5D BIM cost management suite. These introductions (including Glodon’s new AEC-GPT model for design) underscore the local industry’s eagerness to adopt AI tools for smarter, more efficient construction workflows.
Green Materials R&D: A new Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) Laboratory has been established at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to drive innovation in sustainable construction materials. Fully funded by Petronas, this first-of-its-kind research facility will explore ways to infuse carbon-capture technology into building materials. The lab’s team is working on “bendable” or CO₂-infused concrete and other novel materials by utilizing industrial by-products. The goal is to develop greener, stronger construction components that could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of future Malaysian projects while maintaining structural performance. Over time, the CCUS lab is expected to foster joint academia-industry projects, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of low-carbon construction research.
Malaysia–Korea Smart Build Ties: Malaysia is strengthening international collaboration in construction tech. The Ministry of Works is formalising a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport focusing on road technology, infrastructure development, and smart construction methods. Announced by Works Minister Alexander Nanta, the partnership comes as Malaysia pushes its National Construction Policy 2030 agenda of digitalization and sustainability in the sector. South Korea’s deep experience in mega-projects is well known – Korean firms have contributed to iconic Malaysian projects like the Penang Bridge and Petronas Towers, with 89 projects (~RM29.3 billion value) since 2018. The upcoming MoU is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange on advanced construction techniques (e.g. prefabrication and smart infrastructure) and could lead to joint pilot projects. Local industry observers say this tie-up will help Malaysian engineers gain insights from Korea’s cutting-edge construction innovations, further accelerating the country’s tech adoption.
Global Innovation
Modular Building on the Rise: In a notable international development, New York-based Turner Construction has launched a new off-site manufacturing subsidiary to capitalize on modular construction trends. The subsidiary, named xPL Offsite, will operate a 200,000 sq. ft. advanced factory in Alabama to prefabricate building components for projects across the U.S.. Turner is initially targeting high-tech builds like data centers, semiconductor fabs, and EV factories that benefit from faster assembly, but it plans to extend modular solutions (prebuilt mechanical/electrical skids, bathroom pods, etc.) to a wider range of projects. This move by one of the world’s largest contractors highlights the global shift toward industrialized construction to boost productivity. It echoes Malaysia’s own drive for off-site construction under its IBS (Industrialized Building System) programs, signaling that prefab and modular methods are becoming mainstream worldwide.
AI & Robotics Investments Surge: A recent report by Nymbl Ventures shows that AI and robotics are dominating construction tech investments globally, a trend very relevant to Malaysia. In the first quarter of 2025, over 55% of the US$3.55 billion in global ConTech funding went into startups developing next-generation AI-enabled solutions and robotics. This is a sharp uptick compared to 2024 (when under 30% of ConTech funding was AI/robotics-related). In fact, AI alone accounted for 46% of total construction tech funding in Q1 – covering everything from generative design software to autonomous construction equipment. This investment surge indicates strong confidence that AI and automation will revolutionize construction efficiency. The trend resonates in Malaysia too: local firms and agencies are increasingly exploring AI for project management, safety analytics, and digital twin modeling. With events like AEC Connect Day spotlighting AI use-cases, Malaysia’s construction sector is aligned with this global push to leverage AI and robotics for smarter building.
Expert Insight
“BIM implementation can reduce design errors and lower project costs while accelerating construction timelines,” noted Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Malaysia’s Deputy Works Minister. He argues that embracing digital methods like BIM and IBS is no longer optional for the industry, but imperative for improving efficiency and transparency. Local experts concur that technology adoption – from BIM to AI – will be key for Malaysian builders to boost productivity and stay competitive regionally.
Next Week’s Tech Teaser
Next week, we’ll dive into International Construction Week Borneo 2025, where East Malaysia showcases how mega-projects in energy, new townships, and infrastructure are advancing sustainable construction. Look out for highlights on indigenous tech innovations and what Malaysia’s construction future holds, straight from Borneo’s biggest construction tech gathering!