WSMB Boosts Construction Industry, Skill Levels As Part Of Transformation Agenda

By Mohd Noor Iqram Rosli

(The final instalment of the WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) series highlights the role of the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) in ensuring that the competition serves as an effective platform for discovering talent and developing internationally competitive skilled workers, while nurturing a new generation of professionals who will drive the transformation of the construction industry)

KOTA BHARU, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) serves as a strategic platform for identifying and nurturing outstanding talent in skilled trades, particularly in the construction sector, by assessing participants against industry-aligned competency standards.

The competition also provides participants with opportunities to enhance their technical skills, professionalism and commitment to a culture of quality.

Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia Chief Executive Sr Ahmad Farrin Mokhtar said WSMB complements the human capital development agenda outlined in the CIDB Malaysia Construction Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Implementation Plan 2026–2030.

He said this is achieved through stronger governance, digital transformation, clearly defined career pathways and closer collaboration with industry players.

“At the same time, WSMB supports efforts to strengthen the construction TVET ecosystem and serves as a platform for selecting talent to represent the country in higher-level skills competitions.

“CIDB remains committed to talent development initiatives, viewing them as a long-term investment to ensure that the construction industry has a workforce capable of meeting the nation’s current and future needs,” he told Bernama recently.

Ahmad Farrin said the approach also supports the aspirations of the Construction Action Plan 2026–2030 (CAP30), CIDB’s strategic blueprint for transforming the national construction industry.

A key focus of CAP30, he said, is the development of a competent and competitive construction workforce that is prepared to meet future challenges through greater professionalism, digital integration and the adoption of new technologies.

CAREER PROSPECT

Ahmad Farrin said CIDB’s long-term goal is to position WSMB as a talent development platform capable of identifying and nurturing more highly skilled youths to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.

“For CIDB, the success of the competition is measured not merely by the medals won, but by its ability to produce competent talent, individuals who earn the confidence of industry players, contribute to the development of the nation’s construction sector and represent Malaysia on the international stage.

“This effort is supported by CIDB’s training ecosystem, spearheaded by the Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) and CIDB Technologies, which produces about 4,000 youth graduates annually across various construction-related skill trades,” he said.

He said the effectiveness of the ecosystem is reflected in a graduate employability rate of about 85 per cent, demonstrating industry confidence in the quality of training and the competence of CIDB graduates.

“Through this approach, CIDB remains committed to continuously strengthening talent development to meet industry needs and enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s construction sector.

“Moreover, we will continue to establish collaborative initiatives with construction industry stakeholders to ensure that the skills training provided remains aligned with market needs, thereby producing a workforce that is competent, professional and capable of adopting modern construction technologies and practices,” he said.

STRENGTHENING TVET ECOSYSTEM 

Ahmad Farrin said the employment landscape today increasingly values individuals who possess competence, recognised certifications and practical experience, in addition to academic qualifications.

He said WSMB demonstrates that excellence can be achieved through mastery of high-level skills that meet industry standards, while providing youths with an opportunity to showcase their abilities in a competitive and professional environment, thereby strengthening public confidence in the TVET pathway.

“CIDB believes that TVET is no longer merely an alternative route but has emerged as a key pathway for producing the professional workforce required by the construction industry.

“This initiative reflects CIDB’s commitment to strengthening the construction TVET ecosystem through competency development, improved training quality, technology adoption and strategic collaboration with industry players,” he said.

He added that the commitment is further reinforced by the Construction TVET Implementation Plan, which focuses on digital transformation, the development of a Construction TVET Smart Hub, the implementation of Training Needs Analysis (TNA), and the development of technology-driven curricula.

-- BERNAMA