By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 13: The inaugural International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025 kicked off today at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), heralding Sarawak’s readiness to lead in sustainable, inclusive, and digital-first development.
In his welcoming speech, Malaysia’s Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi emphasised that the event marks a significant moment for Malaysia’s construction sector, aligning with the National Construction Policy 2030 and ASEAN Vision 2045.
“The launch of ICW Borneo is more than just a ceremony—it is a testament to our nation’s commitment to inclusive development and the growing role of East Malaysia in driving innovation, sustainability, and progress,” he said.
The event was officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Nanta stressed that this event reflects Sarawak’s ongoing efforts in advancing sustainable infrastructure and innovation, further solidifying the region’s leadership role.
This year’s ICW Borneo 2025 is a groundbreaking event as it is the first time the International Construction Week is being held in East Malaysia. With the theme “Innovative Construction for a Sustainable Future,” the event positions East Malaysia as a strategic hub for future-proof infrastructure development, climate-resilient construction, and digital transformation in the region.
“As we take on the role of Asean Chair in 2025, it is only fitting that this journey begins in Borneo—a region rich in resources, bold in vision, and central to Malaysia’s future-proof infrastructure agenda,” he said.
The two-day event features a range of high-profile forums, including the Construction Sustainability Summit (CSS), which brings together regional leaders to discuss energy transitions, smart city innovations, and the integration of sustainable practices in construction.
Keynotes by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and experts such as Prof Ir Dr Resdiansyah from Indonesia, spotlight the region’s ambitions for greener, smarter infrastructure.
“We are here to explore how construction can be reimagined in the face of climate change, rapid urbanisation, and technological disruption and the urgent call for sustainable development across Southeast Asia. Sarawak is leading by example,” Nanta said.
He highlighted that Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and initiatives like the hydrogen economy, floating solar farms, and the Pan Borneo Highway are clear indicators of the State’s commitment to sustainable development.
The event also saw the ASEAN Build Construction Working Group (BCWG) Meeting, which convened regional leaders to enhance cooperation in standardising building and construction regulations. This meeting underscored the importance of harmonising technical regulations to foster a more integrated and competitive ASEAN construction industry.
ICW Borneo 2025 is not only an industry gathering but a platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The BuildXpo trade showcase, featuring 32 exhibitors, highlights cutting-edge technologies, smart building systems, and sustainable materials. It is a testament to the region’s growing influence in the global construction sector.
“The event marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. Let this be the spark for new partnerships, bold strategies, and actionable change,” said Nanta, emphasising the role of ICW Borneo 2025 in shaping the future of the construction industry.
The event serves as a vital prelude to the 27th edition of ICW & BuildXpo 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, further cementing East Malaysia’s leadership in driving regional and global construction innovation. — DayakDaily
