ICW Borneo 2025 a strategic turning point for construction industry — Nanta
Nanta delivers his speech at the ICW Borneo 2025 opening ceremony. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 13): The Works Ministry is determined to position Sarawak and Sabah as vital pillars in Malaysia's national development strategy as it transforms the construction sector into a more sustainable, digital and resilient one.
Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this is guided by key frameworks such as the National Construction Policy 2030 and the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan, as well as cross-sector initiatives.
'We are moving with purpose to accelerate Building Information Modelling (BIM) and industrialised building system (IBS) adoption; drive digitalisation and smart infrastructure planning; build industry-wide capacity through training re-skilling and inclusive participation; and foster public-private partnerships that deliver long-term impact,' he said in his speech at the opening of International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today.
Nanta also praised the leadership of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia chief executive officer Zainora Zainal for her efforts in expanding CIDB's presence across Sarawak and Sabah through training programmes, regulatory support and capacity building.
He said ICW Borneo 2025 marked a strategic turning point for the construction industry.
'This is not just an industry gathering—it is a strategic convergence of minds, markets, and missions. The two-day programme offers more than just dialogue—it offers direction.'
Held for the first time in East Malaysia, ICW Borneo 2025 is themed 'Innovative Construction for a Sustainable Future', and has drawn policymakers, industry players and construction technology experts from across Asean and beyond.
Among the highlights was the Construction Sustainability Summit, featuring sessions such as 'The Hydrogen Revolution: Sarawak's Pathway to a Green Energy Economy'; 'Driving Sustainable Growth Through Clean Power'; and 'Green & Innovative Construction Materials' with speakers from Atelier One, Atelier Ten, Green School Bali, Gamuda and Rubner Timber Engineering.
Another major draw was the BuildXpo Borneo showcase.
'Featuring over 20 exhibiting organisations, BuildXpo presents cutting-edge construction technologies, materials, and systems tailored to Southeast Asia's evolving infrastructure needs.
'Here, visitors can engage with AI-powered tools, modular construction systems, smart building solutions, and green innovations,' he added.
Nanta also highlighted the rising international interest in this year's edition.
'This year, I'm pleased to note increased international participation, including from China, underscoring the growing Asean–China cooperation in infrastructure and technology exchange.'
He also encouraged greater collaboration across the region.
'Let this be the spark for new partnerships, bold strategies, and actionable change. Let us move forward not just with ambition, but with alignment between policy, industry, and community,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Urgent road repairs prioritised due to limited funds
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry is prioritising urgent road repairs due to financial constraints, said Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said about RM4 billion is needed to maintain all federal roads, including the East-West Highway Gerik-Jeli stretch. "We have data identifying which roads require attention and the associated costs. To get every road in perfect condition, we would need around RM4 billion. However, due to limited funds, we are taking a phased approach. We prioritise roads that need immediate repair and carry out repairs based on urgency," he said. He was speaking to reporters after the Gawai Open House hosted by the ministry, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. In July last year, it was reported that the ministry needs approximately RM4 billion annually to maintain all federal roads in the country but has only been allocated around RM1 billion for many years. Nanta said RM55 million has been allocated for ongoing maintenance works on the East-West Highway, including resurfacing, street light repairs, and upgrades to non-pavement facilities such as guardrails and signage, which are now 10 per cent complete and expected to finish by August. On June 9, 15 were killed when a chartered bus carrying Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students collided with a Perodua Alza along Jalan Jeli-Grik near Tasik Banding, Perak.
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Borneo Post
RM90 mln MARA college project in Kapit begins after long wait
Nanta (fifth left) witnesses the handover of award letter between Roslan (fourth left) and Hajini. KAPIT (June 14): A long-awaited higher education project in Kapit is finally underway as the government recently handed over the letter of award for the Kolej Profesional MARA (KPM) to its appointed contractor, in the presence of Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The Kapit MP was joined by Public Works Malaysia (PWD) Director-General Datuk Wira Ir Roslan Ismail, where the latter presented the award letter to Wangi Marine Services Sdn Bhd director Hajini Pon. 'We have waited a long time for this. This is what we truly needed – a high-impact project to benefit students from rural areas,' Nanta told a press conference today. The KPM Kapit facility, approved in 2019, will offer diploma-level education with courses such as business studies, e-commerce, plantation management, information technology, and other soft-skill disciplines, he said. The college is expected to accommodate up to 300 students per intake. While a minimum fee is required for first-time enrollees, he said tuition will be free and each student will receive a monthly allowance of RM300. 'Parents need not apply for education loans – all costs will be fully borne by the government,' he assured. Elaborating further, the minister said the project is estimated to cost approximately RM90 million, with the contractor securing the open tender for RM79.7 million. The remaining allocation will be used for additional infrastructure and related purposes. The scope of works includes earthworks, construction of 19 administrative and academic blocks, a cafeteria, student hostels, and a football field. Nanta expressed his gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) for their roles in ensuring the project's implementation in Kapit. 'KPM will not only serve the people of Kapit but will be open to all Sarawakians,' he said. Nanta also urged the contractor to carry out the project with strict adherence to quality standards and a commitment to timely completion, despite the area's challenging terrain, particularly near Jalan Kapit–Song. Also present were MARA deputy director-general Rohayah Mohd Zain; PWD Malaysia deputy director-general Siti Baizura Mohd Nora; deputy minister in the Premier's Department (Native Customs and Laws) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat; Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, and Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang. alexander nanta linggi Kapit Kolej Profesional MARA
Barnama
14-06-2025
- Barnama
New MARA College In Kapit To Narrow Urban-rural Education Gap
GENERAL KAPIT, June 14 (Bernama) -- The construction of a new MARA Professional College (KPM) campus in Kapit, Sarawak is a major step towards bridging the educational gap between urban and rural areas, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the project at Dewan Suarah Kapit here today, Nanta said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that Kapit is not left behind in national development, particularly in terms of access to quality education. 'This SST handover is more than just a symbolic gesture. It demonstrates our firm resolve to bring equitable and high-quality education to rural communities,' he said. Nanta, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the RM79 million project will benefit school leavers in the area by providing more opportunities for higher education and helping to develop a skilled, competitive workforce. Wangi Marine Services Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the main contractor for the project. Nanta stressed that there will be no compromise on quality, safety, or project timelines. 'I have instructed that no extension of time (EOT) will be approved. Instead, the project should aim to be completed ahead of schedule (AOT),' he said, adding that the responsibility lies with all parties involved to ensure the project's success. The new campus is expected to accommodate up to 300 students and will offer diploma programmes such as Business Studies, Plantation Management, and Information Technology. 'MARA has also indicated that additional diploma courses may be introduced based on local demand. 'An added advantage is that students will only need to pay a registration fee, with no tuition fees thereafter. This means parents won't have to apply for PTPTN loans. On top of that, students will receive a monthly allowance of RM300 — a much-needed support for rural families in Kapit,' he said.
