Kuala Lumpur, October 27, 2023 – A consortium of experts from the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China came together in Malaysia as part of a ground-breaking initiative backed by the British Council Research Grant of UK-China-BRI Countries Partnership Grants. The Malaysia Workshop Programme was organized as part of the main research grant activity, titled “Upskilling and Pedagogical Improvements in Advanced Construction Manufacturing Skills Leveraging BIM,” which aimed to explore the future of construction technologies. Esteemed professionals participated in the workshop to share their insights and discuss the latest developments in the field.
Dr. Muhammad Adeel Arshad from the University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quan Nguyen from the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Vietnam, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Syazli Fathi from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) were the research team members under the direction of Professor Zeeshan Aziz from the University of Salford, UK.
The Malaysia workshop programme, which took place from October 23–26, 2023, provided a platform for industry experts, researchers, and professionals to explore the integration of digital innovations, modern methods of construction (MMC) and industrialized building systems (IBS). The event featured insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and productive sessions aimed at reshaping the future of the construction industry.
Key Highlights from the Malaysia Workshop Programme:
October 23, 2023 (Monday)
The day began with a UTMKL campus tour where participants explored the innovative facilities of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. A research meeting was held to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among the international research team. The day ended with a networking lunch where participants could exchange and develop ideas.
October 24, 2023 (Tuesday)
Participants attended “Navigating the Future: Road Mapping and Focus Group Discussion on Advancing Digital Construction and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)/IBS.” This session provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the future of construction technologies. A stimulating lunch that followed the discussion prompted participants to expand their networks and collaborate.
October 25, 2023 (Wednesday)
The event culminated in a seminar and discussion on digital construction and modern methods of construction (MMC) at Dewan Seminar, Menara Razak. This important event was organised in conjunction with Razak Research Week 2023 (RRW2023) by the Razak Faculty of Technology & Informatics, UTM. High-profile speakers, including Prof Dr Zeeshan Aziz, Mrs Maziah Mohamad (CEO, DK Composite Sdn Bhd) and Ts. Lim Hui Yan (Executive Director, Gamuda Engineering) shared their expertise and insights during the seminar.
Prof. Dr Zeeshan Aziz emphasised the transformative power of digital innovation and MMC and highlighted their central role in transforming the construction industry. Ms Maziah Mohamad explored the future trends of composites in MMC and highlighted their potential to revolutionise construction. Ts. Lim Hui Yan demonstrated the seamless integration of digital technologies in MMC and IBS projects and illustrated how technology improves the efficiency and precision of construction processes.
The Seminar on Digital Construction and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)/IBS served as a central platform for knowledge dissemination and collaboration to lead the construction industry towards a more efficient, sustainable and innovative future.
October 26, 2023 (Thursday)
As part of the ongoing British Council Research Grant of UK-China-BRI Countries Partnership Grants, the international research team embarked on a transformative journey on 26 October 2023. Two key visits took place on the day, providing an insight into the latest advances in construction technology.
Visit to Gamuda IBS Factory: Revolutionizing Construction with Digital Precision
On the morning of October 26, the research team explored the Gamuda Industrialised Building System (IBS) Factory, a beacon of innovation and digital precision. The factory, known for its advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies, demonstrated the seamless integration of digital innovation into the manufacturing processes of building components. Participants could see first-hand the efficiency and accuracy achieved through automated systems, robotics, and data-driven methods. This visit not only inspired the researchers but also provided valuable insights into the future of construction manufacturing.
Tour of Putrajaya Command Centre: Navigating the Smart City Landscape
In the afternoon, the research team had the privilege of visiting the Putrajaya Command Centre, a hub of technological marvels in the heart of Malaysia’s smart city, Putrajaya. The command centre served as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to driving digital transformation in urban development. The researchers were given an insight into the intricate network of sensors, real-time data analytics and smart infrastructure that make Putrajaya a model smart city. The visit highlighted the importance of integrating building technologies with urban planning and emphasised the role of digital innovation in creating sustainable, efficient, and liveable cities.
Implications and Future Endeavors
The visits to the Gamuda IBS Factory and Putrajaya Command Centre reinforced our belief that digital innovation is at the forefront of reshaping the construction industry and urban landscapes. The insights gained from these visits will undoubtedly feed into the ongoing research work under the British Council Research Grant. International collaboration between the UK, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China continues to flourish, and the researchers are determined to implement these transformative technologies in their respective countries. The research team would like to thank Gamuda Engineering and the Putrajaya authorities for their hospitality and knowledge sharing.
This experience has ignited a new wave of enthusiasm among the researchers, spurring them to explore innovative solutions and contribute significantly to global construction and urban development. The participants left the workshop in Malaysia inspired and equipped with valuable insights to revolutionise the construction landscape in their respective countries.
For further inquiries, please contact Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr Mohamad Syazli Fathi at syazli@utm.my for further details.