Malaysia’s Construction Industry Shatters Records at ICW & BuildXpo 2024
The International Construction Week (ICW) and Malaysia International Building and Construction Industry Exhibition (BuildXpo) 2024, held from 22 to 24 October at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), delivered a record-breaking RM654.4 million in projected trade value, marking a 32 percent surge from 2023’s RM494.3 million.
Hosted by the Ministry of Works, organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, and managed by Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd (QUBE), this premier regional event showcased the nation’s leadership in construction excellence. Nearly 15,000 professionals, policymakers, and innovators were brought together alongside 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. From advanced robotics to next-generation smart building systems and 3D printing technologies, ICW & BuildXpo 2024 positioned Malaysia as a pivotal hub for construction innovation.
Transformative Partnerships Drive Industry Growth
The event was a catalyst for transformative collaborations, underpinned by three key agreements that will shape the future of Malaysia’s construction sector:
- BIM Accreditation Collaboration with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM): A landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between CIDB and UTHM launched a five-year Building Information Modelling (BIM) Accreditation Collaboration Programme. This initiative integrates CIDB’s accreditation expertise with UTHM’s state-of-the-art facilities, aiming to create a new generation of BIM-certified professionals equipped to drive digital transformation in construction.
- Strategic Partnership with PlanRadar: Another significant MoA between CIDB’s subsidiary, CIDBEC, and PlanRadar will introduce bespoke digital solutions to improve construction efficiency. These initiatives include localised tools, extensive training, and innovative marketing solutions tailored to Malaysian industry needs, advancing the Construction 4.0 agenda.
- Pioneering MoU with Wenma Scaffolding Solutions and Services Malaysia: This collaboration elevates construction safety and skill development. Through skill training programmes and adherence to international certification standards, the partnership underscores CIDB’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety benchmarks in the industry.
Global Alliances Enhance Competitiveness
In a strong demonstration of Malaysia’s international appeal, ICW & BuildXpo 2024 featured eight Documents of Understanding (DOUs) signed with partners from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Norway, and Spain. These agreements, projected to deliver RM20 to 30 million in value over three years, span technology transfer, advanced training programmes, and cutting-edge construction methodologies.
The event’s International Sourcing Programme (INSP) also recorded significant success, generating RM152.2 million in trade value. Curated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with QUBE, the INSP facilitated 47 targeted business meetings between 22 Malaysian firms and 11 international buyers from eight countries. Four Letters of Intent from Hong Kong and Australia are under active negotiation, underscoring Malaysia’s appeal as a construction innovation leader.
Recognition of Excellence in Sustainability and Innovation
CIDB’s introduction of the QUEST 2024 Awards added prestige to the event by recognising achievements in safety, health, quality, and green building practices. Honourees included recipients of the Five-Star SCORE Competitiveness Rating, a testament to Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to upholding world-class construction standards.
“ICW & BuildXpo 2024 stands as a testament to CIDB’s relentless drive to elevate Malaysia’s construction industry,” said Yang Berhormat Tuan Ir. Haji Yusuf bin Haji Abd. Wahab, Chairman of CIDB Malaysia. “Our record-breaking achievements reflect the growing global recognition of Malaysia’s construction capabilities and our firm commitment to innovation.”
Yang Berusaha Puan Zainora Zainal, Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia, highlighted the broader implications: “Through initiatives like the Construction 4.0 Roadmap and the promotion of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS), CIDB is charting a transformative path for the Malaysian construction sector. ICW & BuildXpo 2024 affirms our strategic vision and underscores the sector’s critical role in driving economic growth.”
Charting the Path Forward
With its comprehensive focus on digitalisation, innovation, and sustainability, ICW & BuildXpo 2024 has cemented its position as Southeast Asia’s most influential construction event. The event’s success sets the stage for the next edition, scheduled for 28 to 30 October 2025, where CIDB Malaysia aims to solidify Malaysia’s reputation as a global leader in construction excellence.
