KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move beyond importing and adopting foreign construction technologies towards developing, manufacturing and eventually exporting its own innovations, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said local companies should become active participants in the development, production and commercialisation of construction technologies, particularly modular construction, rather than remain dependent on imported solutions.
"We want Malaysia to be a country that does not simply import and consume technology," he said when opening the International Construction Week (ICW) and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here on Tuesday (Nov 10).
Anwar said the country's modular construction roadmap must be supported by stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities, investment, market demand, skilled talent and a conducive policy and regulatory environment.
He also welcomed efforts by the Works Ministry and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to explore three-dimensional concrete printing technology, describing the initiative as an important step towards developing domestic technological capabilities.
"This initiative is particularly important because it demonstrates how Malaysia can move beyond technology adoption towards developing its own technological capabilities," he said.
Anwar stressed that while Malaysia should continue learning from technological advancements in other countries, such innovations must be adapted to domestic requirements.
"Yes, you must learn and adopt from the best in the West and the East, but you must always remember it must fit domestic requirements," he said.
He cited urban planning as an example, arguing that Malaysian cities should not simply replicate developments in London or New York because of differences in climate, environment and local priorities.
"That is why we must develop the knowledge, talent and industrial capacity to adapt, manufacture and eventually export technologies that we have mastered," he said.
Anwar also called for stronger collaboration between CIDB, private companies, developers, contractors and technology partners to accelerate technology transfer and commercial adoption.
He said partnerships must extend beyond discussions to create opportunities for testing new technologies, strengthening local expertise and expanding market participation.
At the same time, he stressed that small and medium-sized contractors must not be excluded from the industry's technological transformation.
"We must ensure that our local contractors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are not left behind in this transformation," he said.
Anwar said these businesses must be given access to the knowledge, training, technology and commercial opportunities necessary to participate in the emerging construction ecosystem.
