KUALA LUMPUR: The future of the construction industry hinges on attracting fresh talent, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
This, he said, took into consideration the pressing challenges of an ageing workforce and the need for modernisation amid rapid technological advancements.
For that reason, the International Construction Week (ICW) will serve as an optimal platform to showcase the diverse career opportunities available in the construction sector to the younger generation.
ICW will also include Malaysia International Building and Construction Industry Exhibition (BuildXpo) 2024 for exhibitors to showcase their latest products, services and cutting-edge innovations, spotlighting modern technologies, sustainable practices, and creative solutions
"Today's youth, as digital natives, are inherently adept at technology. Their involvement is crucial in bringing about innovation and modernising our industry.
"Their fresh perspectives and proficiency in new technologies can revolutionise construction methods, sustainability practices and safety standards.
"ICW and BuildXpo 2024 will, therefore, highlight not just technological advancements and career opportunities, but also the significant societal contributions of our industry."
He said this in a speech during the ICW soft launch at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
BuildXpo 2024 is set to achieve a significant milestone with projected sales anticipated to reach RM1 billion, Nanta said.
This ambitious target is bolstered by strong participation expected at the BuildXpo exhibition and strategically planned international business matching sessions.
These sessions aim to attract around 25 buyers from at least 10 diverse markets, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Korea, Japan and India.
He said last year, ICW and BuildXpo facilitated nearly RM500 million in potential sales through business matching activities.
"This includes the International Sourcing Programme , which saw participation of 19 international companies from seven countries.
"This event also welcomed high-level delegations from Zambia and Zimbabwe, presenting various investment opportunities and potential projects.
"Our goal is for ICW and BuildXpo to act as a catalyst for more companies to gain exposure and succeed internationally, thereby contributing to the industry's overall growth and sustainability," he said.
Last year, ICW and BuildXpo collectively generated projected sales amounting to RM494.3 million, with RM376.5 million from trade visitations and RM117.8 million from international business matching activities.
This year's event aims to more than double those figures, reflecting the growing stature and impact of the event.
With the forward-looking theme "Envisioning the Future of Construction", this year's event will feature pivotal industry gatherings such as the Construction Outlook Summit 2024 and the Construction Dispute Resolution Conference.
Nanta said as the premier annual event for the construction industry in Malaysia and the broader region, the ICW — hosted by the Works Ministry together with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) — has consistently been at the forefront of industry advancements.
"This year's theme encapsulates our collective vision to pioneer developments where our industry is a beacon of environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance.
"It is a profound call to action for all stakeholders to unite, innovate, and establish new standards for sustainable development.
"Throughout ICW and BuildXpo 2024, we will convene to discuss the latest trends, technologies and solutions in construction."
Meanwhile, the Construction Outlook Summit, being a key highlight in the event, will provide a strategic platform for high-level discussions, Nanta said.
"Industry stakeholders and business leaders will gain essential insight into the prospects of construction both domestically and globally, preparing us to navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities.
"Additionally, we are proud to introduce the Construction Dispute Resolution Conference.
"This event will increase our understanding of construction disputes by exploring their causes, impacts and resolutions.
"It is an opportunity for professionals across the sector, including contractors, architects, engineers, project managers and legal experts, to forge connections that enhance collaboration and dispute prevention."
Continuing the achievements of ICW and BuildXpo 2023, which saw the participation of 9,470 trade visitors from 37 countries alongside conference attendees, this year's exhibition strives to surpass these numbers by attracting over 10,000 industry professionals.
Additionally, it aims to provide nearly 10,000 square metres of exhibition space accommodating approximately 500 booths.
This year's edition will be supported by the Public Works Department and other associations, including the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, the Chartered Institute of Building and the Malaysian Institute of Architects.
The exhibition component, BuildXpo 2024, will take the spotlight from Oct 22 to 24 in Hall 2 and Hall 3, Mitec.
CIDB Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zaid Zakaria said the "Envisioning the Future of Construction" theme embraces key success factors such as productivity, competitiveness, professionalism, safety, quality and sustainability.
"We invite industry participants to ICW 2024 to discover cutting-edge products, methodologies, and services, and seize opportunities to enhance business networks and collaborations."