Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s small and medium-sized construction firms, many still less exposed to Building Information Modelling (BIM), will be a focus at the upcoming International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo on May 12 and 13 here.
Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia Corporate Communications General Manager Noryani Ismail said an engagement session with more than 40 stakeholders on Thursday showed strong interest in adapting to new requirements.
In July 2025, BIM became mandatory for all public and private construction and infrastructure projects valued at RM10 million and above.
“Other challenges raised included quality infrastructure, building materials, sustainability and construction technology and project management, particularly in addressing delays.
“We plan to bring in more speakers to address issues important to Sabah,” she said, adding that ICW Borneo will serve as a prelude to International Construction Week Kuala Lumpur.
On affordable housing, Noryani said while Peninsular Malaysia has widely adopted the Industrialised Building System (IBS), Sabah stakeholders believe it may not be directly suitable for the state.
“It does not have to be implemented exactly as in the peninsula. We want experts to share their experiences and help the industry in Sabah,” she said.
Organisers are also looking to invite international speakers, including Elora Hardy, known for sustainable bamboo-based designs.
She said Gamuda Berhad, contractor for the Ulu Padas dam project, has expressed interest in speaking.
Qube Integrated Malaysia Assistant Show Director Winston Teh said Sabah has shown strong interest in exploring new technologies, products and materials following the Sarawak edition in 2025.
He added that information systems technology practices in Taiwan could accelerate the sector, noting such systems are not yet widely used in Malaysia.
