Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia must shift from being a passive consumer and importer of technology to developing its own industrial capabilities, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among local industry players, researchers, and government agencies to adapt, manufacture, and eventually export technological innovations tailored to the country's domestic needs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Works and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in exploring 3D concrete printing technology. He highlighted this initiative as a crucial step for Malaysia in moving beyond mere technology adoption towards developing its own technological capabilities.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the International Construction Week (ICW) and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The event is hosted by the Ministry of Works, Malaysia and the CIDB, with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Qube) as a joint organizer. Key figures present included Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Anwar underscored the necessity for local contractors, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to be included as the sector embraces new technologies like modular building, automation, robotics, and digital design. He stressed that industry partnerships should extend beyond discussions to create practical opportunities for testing, training, and expanding local market adoption.
He concluded by stating that the success of this transformation should be measured not just by the number of technologies introduced or projects completed, but by the capabilities developed and the opportunities created for local businesses. The ICW 2026, aligned with the Malaysia MADANI framework, features BuildXPO Malaysia as its official trade exhibition and is co-located with Glasstech Asia and Fenestration Asia.