(From left) MBAM secretary-general Datuk Astaman Abd Aziz, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia chief executive Datuk Seri Mohd Zaid Zakaria, CIDB Malaysia chairman Yusuf Abd Wahab, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, MBAM president Oliver Wee Hiang Chyn, DOSH deputy director general (occupational safety) Bahruddin Mamat, and MBAM OneBuild executive director Roger Lim at the opening ceremony of MBAM OneBuild held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Thursday. (Photo by Zahid Izzani/The Edge)

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 29): As the challenges faced by the construction industry are more complex than ever, Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Oliver Wee Hiang Chyn urges industry players to embrace the disruption of technology and advocate for sustainability.

In his welcoming address at the launch of the 10th edition of the Malaysia International Construction & Infrastructure Technology Exhibition (MBAM OneBuild) on Thursday, Wee noted that the challenges include increased project demands, complexities, supply chain issues, as well as an ageing workforce, among others.

“The construction industry is in for a bumpy ride if we still refuse to embrace the disruption of technology and advocate for [sustainability]. If our efforts in transforming the industry remain stagnant, the industry as a whole will fail to deliver the infrastructure the world needs,” said Wee, adding that it is time for industry players to take charge and revolutionise the way they work in the sector. 

He noted that the presence of industry players in the MBAM OneBuild exhibition signifies a call for collaboration. “I am positive that these collaborations are the ones that merge perspectives, break barriers and turn challenges into opportunities.”

“The construction sector plays a crucial and integral part in our economy. And this year’s exhibition theme, ‘Building Beyond Boundaries’, aligns seamlessly with the ministry’s efforts to transform the construction and infrastructure sectors into a highly sustainable and productive industry,” said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi in his keynote address while officiating the exhibition. 

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony also saw the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between MBAM and China International Contractors Association (CHINCA). The MOU is aimed at promoting mediation to resolve disputes among local and international stakeholders in the industry.

Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Aug 28 to 30, the MBAM OneBuild exhibition features some 200 exhibitors and 320 exhibiting booths. It is expected to attract some 8,000 professionals from 15 countries and regions.