Sarawak to host inaugural ICW Borneo Edition - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KUCHING (April 16): Sarawak is set to take centre stage in Southeast Asia’s construction sector as the state plays host to the inaugural International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo Edition, which will be held from May 13 to 14 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

Organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia in partnership with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the event carries the theme ‘Innovative Construction for a Sustainable Future.’

This groundbreaking event aims to highlight East Malaysia’s strategic role in driving sustainable infrastructure and regional collaboration.

More than 3,000 participants are expected to attend the event, which will feature high-level forums, networking sessions, and the official trade exhibition —BuildXpo— showcasing over 60 booths of smart materials, sustainable technologies, and advanced construction solutions.

CIDB corporate communications division general manager Noryani Ismail said the Borneo Edition underscores East Malaysia’s growing importance in infrastructure development.

“We are incredibly excited to bring ICW to Sarawak for the first time. Sarawak is emerging as a model for sustainable and renewable construction, and it offers a fertile ground for innovation in the sector,” she told a press conference at CIDB Sarawak here yesterday.

She added that Sarawak’s unique infrastructure approach, particularly its emphasis on renewable energy, makes it a natural choice for ICW’s expansion beyond Peninsular Malaysia.

Furthermore, she announced that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate the event on May 13.

A highlight of the event is the Construction Sustainability Summit, which is limited to 300 participants and requires a registration fee of RM150.

The summit will feature prominent local and international speakers who will address topics related to green construction, circular economy, and innovative design.

“The Construction Sustainability Summit has limited seats, so I urge those interested to register early, as the speaker line-up is truly amazing,” said Noraini.

Distinguished local speakers include Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who will deliver a keynote address titled ‘Transforming Sarawak: Advancing Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy for a Greener Future.’

Other speakers include Sarawak Economic Development Corporation general manager Datu Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir, Sarawak Energy Group CEO of Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, and Cahya Mata Cement head Sofrizan Osman.

International speakers include a senior advisor of infrastructure and regional development, Executive Office of Indonesia’s President, Dr Resdiansyah; Prof Patrick Bellew, a global expert in designing and integrating low and net-zero carbon engineering solutions in architecture; and Prof Neil Thomas, a world-renowned speaker in innovative construction materials.

Also featured are Green School Balico-founder John Hardy, who incorporates innovation and sustainability in design; Rubner Timber Engineering business development director Phyllis Chong, who will highlight timber as a renewable building material; and Gamuda Engineering executive director Si Kok Siong.

CIDB is also calling on companies to sponsor students and young professionals to attend the summit.

“We want to invest in the future of the industry by giving students the opportunity to learn directly from global leaders,” Noraini added.

On the second day, ICW Borneo will also feature a business networking session aimed at fostering cross-border partnerships and strategic collaborations across Asean.

BuildXpo will be open to the public for free with online registration, while talks and side sessions will also be held throughout the exhibition hall at BCCK.

Following Borneo’s debut edition, CIDB will host the main ICW event in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 28 to 30 under the theme ‘Constructing the Future of Asean,’ in line with Malaysia’s asean Chairmanship.

Industry players, academics, policymakers, and students are encouraged to register early at http://www.icw.my.