KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 23): The government is expanding technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to ensure Malaysia’s workforce is equipped to handle advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (Al) and robotics, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Noting that technological advancement alone will not suffice and recognising the shortage of skilled labour, he said the government is committed to addressing this through robust training programmes and upskilling initiatives.

“This is how Malaysia will continue to meet the growing demand for skilled workers,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the International Construction Week (ICW) and BuildXpo2024 here on Wednesday.

The text of his speech was read out by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Anwar said that as of September, over 1.12 million personnel had been registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), which was a testament to professionalising the workforce.

Regarding the event, the prime minister said this year’s theme of ‘Envisioning the Future of Construction’  was not only timely, but also a clarion call for harnessing the massive opportunities for Malaysia's construction sector and the broader economy.

He said the world is on the cusp of a new era in construction, one where digitalisation, sustainability and collaboration will be key drivers of success.

“Together, we can ensure that Malaysia not only remains a regional leader, but emerges as a global powerhouse in construction, setting the benchmark for innovation and excellence,” he said.

The three-day event, which began on Tuesday, is organised by the CIDB, the Works Ministry and Qube Integrated, and is expected to attract 15,000 visitors, including industry leaders, innovators and visionaries from around the world.

According to the CIDB, BuildXpo 2024 features a wide range of products and services from leading industry players, occupying nearly 10,000 square metres of exhibition space, with 500 booths and 200 exhibitors.

In addition to the exhibition, the ICW 2024 also hosted a series of conferences, including the Future Cities Summit and Conference on Conflict Avoidance and Dispute Resolution.

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