ICW Borneo 2026 To Advance Sabah And Sarawak's Construction Industry
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2026 was officially launched in Kota Kinabalu yesterday, marking the second edition of the regional construction industry event focusing on industry development, technical discussions and engagement with stakeholders in East Malaysia.
Hosted by the Works Ministry and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia and jointly organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the inaugural edition of the event was held in Kuching, Sarawak last year.
The opening and launch ceremony was officiated by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, in the presence of Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, senior government officials and industry representatives.
CIDB Malaysia said in a statement that the event reflects continued efforts to improve access to industry knowledge, strengthen regional participation and support more inclusive development within Malaysia’s construction sector.
“With East Malaysia experiencing growing infrastructure development and an increasing emphasis on sustainability, ICW Borneo 2026 serves as a timely platform to support Sabah’s evolving construction landscape,” it said.
In his speech delivered by Masidi, Hajiji said Sabah is undergoing a period of development transformation aimed at strengthening infrastructure and economic growth.
“Through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Roadmap (2026-2030), we are entering a new phase of growth that focuses on strengthening economic resilience, improving productivity and creating long-term value for the people.
“The construction sector will play a central role in this transformation, and our priority is to strengthen execution, improve coordination and ensure projects are delivered efficiently, transparently and with lasting value,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nanta said the federal government, through the Works Ministry and CIDB Malaysia, has invested more than RM150 million to strengthen Sabah’s construction ecosystem through digitalisation, technical development and workforce training.
“The construction sector remains a key driver of Malaysia’s development, and Sabah has strong potential in infrastructure, sustainable development and regional connectivity, which is why the federal government, through the Works Ministry and CIDB Malaysia, has made substantial investments to strengthen the state’s construction ecosystem,” he said.
CIDB Malaysia also said it has established Building Information Modelling (BIM) training facilities in Kota Kinabalu with an investment of RM2.25 million to help industry players strengthen capabilities and technical competency in the technology to improve productivity and project delivery.
It further said it has strengthened Makmal Kerja Raya Malaysia (MKRM) Sabah by upgrading it into an internationally accredited facility providing material testing, inspection and technical support services.
“With a federal government investment of approximately RM19.4 million, the facility enables industry players in Sabah to access world-class testing services locally, accelerating project delivery and enhancing ease of doing business,” CIDB Malaysia said.
In addition, the board said it has invested RM130.6 million to develop a new eco-campus in Sabah, which will become the country’s most modern Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) campus and accommodate up to 700 trainees at a time.
“Since 2001, ABM Sabah has trained more than 195,000 Sabahans, creating pathways to meaningful employment in the construction industry both locally and internationally,” it said.
Besides that, CIDB Malaysia said BuildXpo Malaysia (Borneo), an international building and construction trade exhibition held alongside ICW Borneo 2026, features technologies and solutions from companies based in Europe, China, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak and Sabah, reflecting growing interest in Sabah’s infrastructure, sustainable construction and industrial development sectors.
CIDB Malaysia further said a key highlight of ICW Borneo 2026 is the Construction Sustainability Summit 2026, themed “From Ambition to Action: Delivering Sabah’s Sustainable Future,” which brings together policymakers, industry leaders and professionals to explore practical pathways in advancing sustainable infrastructure, environmental, social and governance adoption, and low-carbon construction.
The event also features a series of technical and industry-focused sessions, including “Fair Contracts, Fair Outcomes: Managing Risks and Avoiding Disputes in Construction Projects,” “BIM Beyond Design: Towards Digital Construction in Borneo,” and the National Crane Competition Bootcamp and Talk, it said.
CIDB Malaysia said ICW Borneo 2026 also serves as a precursor to the main ICW and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026, which will take place from Nov 10 to 12, 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
“The event will feature a large-scale international exhibition alongside the co-location of Glasstech Asia & Fenestration Asia 2026, offering expanded opportunities for business, innovation and collaboration,” it said.
Members of the public may obtain more information and updates at https://icw.my/
-- BERNAMA
