KUALA LUMPUR (June 2): Southern Score Builders Bhd, formerly G Neptune Bhd, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with two parties with the intention of forming a partnership to implement and develop robotic construction technologies in Malaysia.

The two parties are MCC Overseas (M) Sdn Bhd (MCC) and Guandong Bright Dream Robotics Co Ltd (GBDR). MCC is a private company registered in Malaysia, which is principally involved in construction and property development. GBDR, a Chinese company, provides solutions for robotic construction technologies, according to a filing by Southern Score Builders.

The three companies agreed to construct 5,000 units of houses in Malaysia using robotic construction technologies.

"The execution of the MOU marks the beginning of a collaboration between the parties to integrate automation and robotics into the design, manufacturing and construction processes of industrialised building systems in Malaysia," Southern Score Builders said.

Under the MOU, MCC will provide overall project design and construction management, provide the suitable construction site for research and testing, and to assist GBDR in setting up a training centre, assembly plant, and a sales, services and spare parts centre in Malaysia. It will also liaise with the relevant local authorities for the utilisation of robotic construction technologies here.

GBDR will provide the suitable solutions for implementation, provide training and technical support, and to provide the identified construction robot for research and testing.

Southern Score Builders, meanwhile, will identify the suitable project to implement the robotic construction technologies, to assist in local procurements, and help promote robotic construction technologies in the local market.

Shares in Southern Score Builders closed unchanged at 22.5 sen on Friday (June 2), giving the group a market capitalisation of RM511 million.