Malaysia Must Develop Own Technological Capabilities, Not Remain Mere Consumers - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must transition from being a passive consumer and importer of technology to developing its own home-grown industrial capabilities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said local industry players, researchers and government agencies must collaborate to adapt, manufacture and ultimately export technological innovations that suit the country's unique domestic requirements.  

“Effective partnership must move beyond discussion and create opportunities for learning, testing, developing local capabilities and expanding market adoption.

“So I reiterate my profound appreciation to the efforts of the ministry and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to explore a 3D concrete printing technology. This initiative is particularly important because it demonstrates how Malaysia can move beyond technology of adoption towards developing its own technological capabilities,” he said.

Anwar said this in his keynote adress at the opening ceremony of the International Construction Week (ICW) 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here, today.

The premier industry gathering is organised by CIDB in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and event manager Qube.

Also present were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim.

Prime Minister said the initiative demonstrates how the nation can move beyond mere technology adoption towards developing its own domestic technological capabilities.  

Anwar also emphasised that local contractors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must not be sidelined as the sector embraces modular building, automation, robotics and digital design.

He said effective industry partnerships must move beyond discussions and create real avenues for testing, training and expanding local market adoption. 

"Ultimately, the success of this transformation should not be measured only 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.  

Held in alignment with the Malaysia MADANI framework, the ICW 2026 features BuildXPO Malaysia as its official trade exhibition and is co-located with Glasstech Asia and Fenestration Asia.

-- BERNAMA