As outlined out in the Construction Strategic Plan 2021-2025, the twelve emerging technologies are witnessing progressive implementation among the national construction industry stakeholders by far, as lead by the Malaysian Ministry of Works. Spurred to its optimal growth rate, these twelve emerging technologies are grouped into three clusters with implementation plan scaled at short, medium and long terms.

Three Interlocking Clusters of Technology

Lead by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and its subsidiaries, these clusters of technologies are interlocking each other in driving the vision of the nation even further.

CLUSTER 1 : SIMULATION & MODELLING

A central part of Construction 4.0 as every construction project is unique, increasing with complexity and influenced by external factors. Simulations can be applied to improve the construction operations and manage risks.

CLUSTER 2 : DIGITALISATION & VIRTUALISATION

Offering a wide range of simulation-tools, models or framework for project planning, resource planning and/or the management of projects, these digitalization and virtualization technologies focus on the interoperability of digital project data, information management or digitalization in general.

CLUSTER 3 : SMART FACTORY

Comprises a wide range of technologies and concepts to automate the construction process to create a "Smart Factory" ecosystem for the construction industry. The corresponding technologies of this cluster would be able to accommodate the digital integration of engineering, regarded as one of the key features of Construction 4.0.

The 12 Defining Technologies

The 12 emerging technologies in construction are based on the Focus Group Discussion(FGD) conducted among construction industry in Malaysia; bearing utmost reliance in propelling the vision and mission of Construction 4.0.

1. Building Information Modelling (BIM)
A central repository which requires integration of fragmented disciplines of architecture, engineering and construction, and to optimise the lifecycle performance of buildings.

2. Autonomous Construction
A central repository which requires integration of fragmented disciplines of architecture, engineering and construction, and to optimise the lifecycle performance of buildings.

3. Augmented Reality & Virtualisation
A central repository which requires integration of fragmented disciplines of architecture, engineering and construction, and to optimise the lifecycle performance of buildings.

4. Prefabrication & Modular Construction
A completed manufacturing process for volumetric units of building construction systems that generally assembled in factory to form as a component prior to final installation on site.

5. 3D Scanning and Photogrammetry
A completed manufacturing process for volumetric units of building construction systems that generally assembled in factory to form as a component prior to final installation on site.

6. Big Data and Predictive Analytic
A central repository which requires integration of fragmented disciplines of architecture, engineering and construction, and to optimise the lifecycle performance of buildings.

7. Internet of Things (IOT)
A central repository which requires integration of fragmented disciplines of architecture, engineering and construction, and to optimise the lifecycle performance of buildings.

8. 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing
A central repository which requires integration of fragmented disciplines of architecture, engineering and construction, and to optimise the lifecycle performance of buildings.

9. Prefabrication & Modular Construction
A completed manufacturing process for volumetric units of building construction systems that generally assembled in factory to form as a component prior to final installation on site.

10. Blockchain
A completed manufacturing process for volumetric units of building construction systems that generally assembled in factory to form as a component prior to final installation on site.

11. Artificial Intelligence
A central repository which requires integration of fragmented disciplines of architecture, engineering and construction, and to optimise the lifecycle performance of buildings.

12. Paving the way forward
The Ministry of Works through the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) are tirelessly paving a sustainable future of the national construction industry, rallying the industry stakeholders through various initiatives and assistances to achieve the vision and mission outlined in the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Albeit the process is enduringly challenging and prone to difficult corners, all parties must keep moving forward with their efforts and persistence, as the outcomes are not only impactful to the future of the national construction industry but at a larger scale to the future of Malaysia.

For more info on Construction 4.0 and its affiliated initiatives by CIDB, visithttps://www.cidb.gov.my/ or reach out via CIDB Careline at +603-55673300.