Malaysia Must Develop Its Own Technological Capabilities, Not Just Remain a Consumer – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move away from being a passive consumer and importer of technology towards developing its own industrial capabilities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said local industry players, researchers and government agencies must work together to adapt, produce and eventually export technological innovations that meet the country’s specific needs.

“Effective collaboration should go beyond discussions and create opportunities for learning, testing, developing local capabilities and expanding market adoption.

“In this regard, I once again express my highest appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry (of Works) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in exploring 3D concrete printing technology. This initiative is extremely important as it demonstrates how Malaysia can move beyond merely using technology towards developing its own technological capabilities,” he said.

Anwar said this in his keynote address when officiating International Construction Week (ICW) 2026 and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today.

The major industry gathering was organised by the Ministry of Works and CIDB in collaboration with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Qube).

Also present were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan and the ministry’s Secretary-General Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the initiative demonstrated that the country could move beyond merely adopting technology towards developing its own domestic technological capabilities.

Anwar also stressed that local contractors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must not be marginalised as the sector adopts modular construction methods, automation, robotics and digital design.

He said effective industry collaboration must go beyond discussions by providing genuine opportunities for testing, training and expanding the adoption of technology in the local market.

“Ultimately, the success of this transformation should not be measured solely by the number of technologies introduced or projects completed, but by the capabilities we develop and the opportunities we create for local businesses,” he said.

International Construction Week 2026, organised in line with the Malaysia MADANI framework, also features BuildXPO Malaysia as its official trade exhibition and is being held concurrently with Glasstech Asia and Fenestration Asia.

BERNAMA