Malaysia Leads ASEAN’s Construction Transformation

29 October 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The ICW & BuildXpo 2025, comprising the 27th International Construction Week (ICW) and the third edition of Malaysia’s International Building and Construction Industry Showcase (BuildXpo), officially opened today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). This event signals Malaysia’s leadership in shaping a resilient, sustainable, and digitally-driven construction future for ASEAN.

Hosted by the Ministry of Works, Malaysia, and jointly organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia and Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., the exhibition covers 10,000 square metres and features over 350 booths from 200 companies across 10 countries.

Taking place from 28th to 30th October 2025 under the theme “Constructing the Future of ASEAN,” this year’s edition highlights Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair 2025, emphasising commitment to regional collaboration, sustainability, and digital innovation within the construction sector.

In his opening address, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Works, affirmed Malaysia’s dedication to driving innovation and inclusivity across ASEAN’s construction landscape.

“This year’s ICW coincides with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. Under the theme ‘Constructing the Future of ASEAN’, we are united in our aspiration to build a region that is sustainable, digital, and inclusive. Infrastructure remains a vital driver of progress across ASEAN,” he stated.

He further highlighted that the Asian Development Bank estimates ASEAN requires approximately USD 2.8 trillion in infrastructure investment between 2016 and 2030—around USD 184 billion annually. Under Malaysia’s stewardship, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030 aligns regional infrastructure development with global sustainability standards, fostering resilience and connectivity in a low-carbon, future-ready ASEAN.

The opening ceremony was attended by over 1,000 delegates, including senior officials from ASEAN member states, China, and the Middle East, alongside representatives from government agencies, industry associations, academia, and the private sector.

During his speech, CIDB Chairman Dato Ir. Haji Yusuf Haji Abd. Wahab emphasised the event's significance as a regional platform for innovation and collaboration.

“ICW 2025 is more than an exhibition; it is a vibrant knowledge hub where industry professionals, educators, and innovators converge to share ideas, explore new technologies, and foster partnerships. The programme has been carefully curated to engage every segment of our construction ecosystem, from students and young professionals to industry veterans and global experts,” he said.

The opening also featured the launch of the Malaysian Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Roadmap 2030 by the Ministry of Works, alongside the formalisation of collaboration on the Construction Digital Maturity Index (CDMI) programme and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CIDB and Lembaga Perumahan dan Harta Tanah Perak (LPHP).

As a key industry partner, Gamuda Berhad reaffirmed its commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability in construction. Meanwhile, global professional services firm Turner & Townsend led the International Construction Transformation Conference (ICTC), offering insights into ASEAN construction trends and the rapidly expanding data centre industry.

The event also features participation from ASEAN, Sarawak, and Sabah pavilions, along with international exhibitors from China, Korea, Japan, and Europe. Over 350 booths showcase the latest in construction technology, materials, and systems.

Through the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), organised in partnership with MATRADE, Malaysian companies are engaging in B2B sessions with 17 international buyers from 12 countries, fostering export opportunities and regional alliances.

A highlight was the debut exhibition of a modular home unit by Scandinavian Industrialised Building Systems (SIBS), one of the world’s leading modular construction technology providers. This marks SIBS’s first showcase of its innovative units in Malaysia, in partnership with CIDB IBS.

ICW & BuildXpo 2025 builds on the success of ICW Borneo 2025, held in Kuching in May, which showcased Sarawak’s burgeoning role as a construction hub and served as a precursor to the Kuala Lumpur event.

Richard Teo, Executive Chairman of Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, reaffirmed the event’s importance and outlined future plans.

“At Qube, our vision is to create meaningful platforms where innovation meets opportunity, enabling businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow. We are committed to expanding BuildXpo’s international reach and elevating Malaysia’s profile in the global built environment, especially with collaborations such as the upcoming GlassTech Asia & Fenestration Asia (GAFA) 2026, organised by Messe Muenchen Asia,” he stated.

ICW & BuildXpo 2025 features an extensive programme, including the ICTC, Digital Construction Summit, Women Way Forward (W2F) Conference, BINA Modular Asia Forum, Facilities Management Conference, CIDB QUEST Day, and Youth Arena Programme.

Expected to attract 12,000 visitors, with participation from government agencies and industry players, the event continues to serve as a catalyst for regional growth, industry excellence, and professional development.

BuildXpo 2025 is endorsed by MATRADE and supported by CIDB’s key agencies—including CIDB IBS, e-Construct, CREAM, and CLAB—as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Perkeso, and over 20 industry associations.