BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & GILLIAN NESSLYN
KUCHING: Sarawak is ramping up efforts to embed digital innovation and sustainability into its construction industry, with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said these technologies would enhance project delivery from planning to implementation and monitoring, while supporting the state’s green development goals.
“As the world moves deeper into the digital age, the use of digital technologies and AI is no longer optional; it’s essential,” he said.
Delivering his keynote address titled ‘Advancing Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy for A Greener Future’ at the International Construction Week (ICW) 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Tuesday (May 13), Awang Tengah called for a shift towards circular construction, a model that reuses materials, reduces waste, and relies on local resources to cut emissions and logistics risks.
“Imagine a building where nothing is wasted, where every tile and timber tells a story of reuse.
“We have spent decades in a linear world: extract, build, and discard. But that model is no longer sustainable,” he said.
He stressed the importance of sustainable procurement in helping the construction industry make environmentally and socially responsible decisions, beyond just economic considerations.
Awang Tengah also stressed the role of architecture in tackling climate challenges through passive and energy-positive design.
“In our tropical climate, heat is not just a condition, it’s a challenge. Passive design is the silent hero of sustainable construction,” he said.
“Let buildings capture breezes and cast shadows. Use natural ventilation, shading devices, green walls, and daylighting that reduces reliance on mechanical cooling. Let the sun in where it brings light, and block it where it brings heat.”
He said companies that integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are not just doing the right thing. They are future-proofing their businesses, attracting green investments, and building long-term trust.
“So, in the end, what are we actually building? Walls? Roofs? Roads? Bridges? Yes, those matter. But more importantly, we are building resilience, sustainability, trust and a better tomorrow for our future generations,” he said.
The keynote session was also attended by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, his deputy Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, and Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
