Sarawak takes centre stage at inaugural ICW Borneo 2025

The inaugural International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025 officially launched by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg

KUCHING, 13 May 2025: The inaugural International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo 2025 officially launched today at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), heralding a pivotal moment for East Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025. 

Organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia in partnership with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Qube), the two-day event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and innovators under the theme “Innovative Construction for a Sustainable Future”.

Officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg and graced by the Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the event positions East Malaysia as a strategic driver of sustainable, inclusive, and digital-first development in line with Malaysia’s National Construction Policy 2030 and ASEAN Vision 2045. The presence of these senior leaders reflects a strong national and regional commitment to transforming how infrastructure is delivered – through technology, climate-conscious planning and cross-border collaboration.

In his opening speech, the Premier of Sarawak said, “The road to ASEAN begins in Borneo. Sarawak is not just participating in the global green transition—we are shaping it, through real and ongoing initiatives that fuse sustainability, innovation and inclusive development. The decision to host this inaugural Borneo edition reflects Sarawak’s growing stature as a leader in shaping the future of infrastructure—not just in Malaysia, but across Southeast Asia.”

The Premier of Sarawak during his launching speech.

Earlier in the ceremony, the Minister of Works emphasised ICW Borneo’s role in fostering regional integration through resilient, forward-thinking infrastructure solutions, “ICW Borneo 2025 is more than an industry gathering—it is a strategic convergence of minds, markets and missions. From Sarawak’s green energy ambitions to ASEAN-wide innovations, this event signals a bold step towards a construction future that is smart, sustainable and inclusive.”

As Malaysia leads ASEAN’s development agenda under its 2025 Chairmanship, ICW Borneo 2025 stands out as a key platform to advance sustainable construction, green energy innovation and digital transformation. Aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045, the event reinforces Malaysia’s role as a regional hub for resilient, technology-driven and inclusive infrastructure growth.

Underscoring its ASEAN-wide relevance, the ASEAN Build Construction Working Group (BCWG) Meeting is being held concurrently at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching. This strategic forum brings together ASEAN member states to enhance cooperation in the standardisation and regulatory harmonisation of the building and construction sector. It also provides a critical opportunity to address developments in construction standards, technical regulations and trade facilitation—aimed at reducing technical barriers to trade (TBT) and fostering a more integrated, competitive and resilient regional construction industry. 

At the heart of the event is the Construction Sustainability Summit (CSS), a high-level thought leadership forum featuring prominent voices from across the region. Among the keynotes delivered was one by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, titled “Transforming Sarawak: Advancing Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy for a Greener Future”, and another by Prof. Ir. Dr. Resdiansyah, Senior Advisor of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Executive Office of the President, Republic of Indonesia, who spoke on “Indonesia Rising: The Next Frontier for Construction & Infrastructure”.

Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan giving his keynote address titled “Transforming Sarawak: Advancing Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy for a Greener Future”

The summit features expert-led panel discussions on sustainable township development, energy transition, and circular construction. These panels bring together leaders from Gamuda Engineering, Sarawak Energy Berhad, and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, alongside international sustainability experts such as Prof. Neil Thomas MBE (Atelier One) and Prof. Patrick Bellew RDI (Atelier Ten). Topics covered include climate-resilient infrastructure, smart city innovation using IoT and green materials, hydrogen economy initiatives, and modular construction systems tailored for Southeast Asia.

Complementing the summit is BuildXpo, the official trade showcase of ICW, featuring 32 local and international exhibitors across 55 booths displaying cutting-edge technologies, smart building systems, and sustainable construction materials. Among the notable exhibitors are CIDB IBS, Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), American Welding Society, Microleap, Cahya Mata Cement Sdn Bhd and Serendah Steel Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.

In addition to the summit and exhibition, ICW Borneo 2025 is hosting several specialised conferences and workshops, including Seminar on Construction Revolution (CR4.0), Seminar Program Pengurus Pembinaan (CCM), Program Pengurus Projek Pembinaan (CCPM) and Pentauliahan Pengurusan Fasiliti (FM). On 15 May, participants will also take part in technical site visits to the Sejingkat Power Plant, the Hydrogen Production Plant and Refueling Station, and Petros Darul Hana Multifuel Station, providing a firsthand look at Sarawak’s energy transformation initiatives.

CIDB Chief Executive, Zainora Zainal explains that ICW Borneo 2025 represents a strategic turning point in how the industry embraces innovation and partnership, stating: “This platform brings together the region’s brightest minds and most forward-thinking organisations to accelerate Construction 4.0, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and drive sustainable, inclusive growth across ASEAN’s built environment.”

CIDB Chief Executive, Zainora Zainal during her opening remarks.

Held for the first time in East Malaysia, ICW Borneo 2025 is not only a prelude to the 27th edition of ICW & BuildXpo 2025 in Kuala Lumpur this October, it is a declaration of East Malaysia’s readiness to lead. With participants from across the region, the event serves as a vital platform to exchange knowledge, showcase technology, and foster partnerships that will define the construction sector’s next chapter.

For more information, visit www.icw.my

Guests of honour during today's launching at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

A group photo at the CIDB Malaysia booth at BuildXpo.

A group photo with guests of honour, delegates of ICW Borneo 2025.

Premier of Sarawak conducting a walkabout of BuildXpo.