PUTRAJAYA, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local contractors must be given opportunities to upskill, access technology and participate in new value chains as part of the digital transformation of the construction industry, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said the digitalisation of the construction industry must be inclusive so that the benefits from technological transformation can be enjoyed by all parties involved and not create new gaps within the industry.
"Digitalisation must increase opportunities, instead of widening the (technological) gap. We must remember that technology does not move on its own; people are the ones who bring it to life.
“We need professionals, contractors and civil servants who not only know how to utilise technologies but are also capable of spearheading changes, crafting solutions and building Malaysia’s own expertise,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Malaysia BIM Day 2026: Putrajaya Digital Built here today.
Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
Nanta said digital transformation also requires an open and interconnected ecosystem, with the government, industry, professional bodies, academia and technology providers moving in the same direction.
He said Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology also served as a bridge towards shifting from a project-based approach to an asset-based approach, whereby information developed during the planning and construction stages could be continuously utilised for operations and maintenance.
“Digitalisation is not merely about using new software. It is about upholding public trust better. When information is more accurate, errors and wastage can be reduced. When assets are managed more intelligently, services to the people become better,” he said.
He said the Works Ministry will continue to strengthen the role of government projects as a driver of industry standards, productivity and digitalisation, while enhancing competency and the adoption of technology that delivers real value to projects, government assets and the people.
“The capability of professionals, contractors and civil servants to master technology and lead change will determine the country’s productivity and competitiveness, as well as help build more sustainable and resilient infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yeoh said Putrajaya needed to shift its focus from building the city to managing its existing assets more intelligently, as the administrative centre approaches its 30th year.
She said the Putrajaya BIM Roadmap 2050 would take Putrajaya from digital project delivery to smart asset management and subsequently towards the capability of Putrajaya Digital Twin, enabling information on the city’s development and operations to be used in a more integrated manner.
“To me, a smart city is not one that has the most technology. A smart city is one that knows how to use information to make better decisions,” she said.
She highlighted that beginning July 1, 2025, new development projects worth RM10 million and above are required to use BIM.
Yeoh said the use of BIM should be assessed based on its actual benefits to the government and the people, particularly in reducing wastage, expediting maintenance, detecting problems earlier and ensuring better management of public assets.
“If BIM can help us to reduce wastage, make proactive decisions and manage public assets better, then it is no longer merely construction technology. It becomes part of reforming the way the government works, and that reform must result in better services for the people,” she added.
-- BERNAMA