As industry practices evolve, experts say student misconceptions need correction
MENTION construction careers and one is likely to associate them with being dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D).
This perception has led to a lack of interest in the sector among Malaysian students and graduates, contributing to the shortage of manpower in the industry.
However, this notion does not always reflect reality, especially with the advent of technology and the myriad of roles available in the field, say stakeholders.
According to Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zaid Zakaria, technological advancements such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and building information modelling (BIM) are revolutionising construction careers.
“These innovations mitigate physical strain and improve safety while creating more appealing job prospects,” he told StarEdu.
Citing automation and robotics as examples, he said these innovations streamline repetitive tasks like bricklaying and heavy lifting, enhancing efficiency and reducing labour-intensive work.
Mohd Zaid
“AI-driven safety systems monitor construction sites in real time, identifying potential hazards and enforcing safety protocols to protect workers.
“BIM facilitates precise project planning and coordination by creating digital representations of structures, minimising errors and ensuring seamless collaboration among stakeholders,” he added.
A statutory body under the Works Ministry, CIDB Malaysia, said Mohd Zaid, plays a pivotal role in promoting these technologies and improving construction practices.
“By endorsing BIM, AI and safety innovations, CIDB Malaysia enhances industry standards and supports the sector’s evolution towards safer and more efficient operations,” he assured.
He encouraged students, especially recent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school-leavers, to consider courses aligned with the critical occupations identified in TalentCorp’s Critical Occupations List (MyCOL) 2022/2023, particularly in the construction sector.
In the TalentCorp report published on April 5 last year, it was found that 228 construction firms took part in a Call for Evidence (CfE) survey and nominated 315 critical occupations for the industry.
Of the nominated occupations, half (50%) were from the professional group, followed by technicians and associate professionals at 20%, managers at 16%, and craft and related trades workers at 10%, indicating a shortage of workers across varying skill levels (see infographic).
Among the job titles included in the final MyCOL 2022/2023 – which named 37 critical occupations in three sectors, namely, aerospace, construction and manufacturing (food processing) – were business services managers, construction managers, industrial and production engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, construction supervisors and electrical engineers (see infographic).
Mohd Zaid said the construction industry offers stable career opportunities with significant demand for skilled workers.
To ensure competency in various specialised fields, he shared that CIDB Malaysia has allocated RM55mil this year to support youth training and skills development in construction.
“Programmes under Akademi Binaan Malaysia and CIDB Technologies Sdn Bhd emphasise training in areas such as heavy machinery operation, welding, and mechanical and electrical disciplines. These courses are crucial for meeting industry demands and enhancing graduates’ job prospects,” he said.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said with the shortages, aspiring entrants into these occupations can be assured of a strong employment market.
He added that government initiatives aimed at boosting technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and upskilling workers have been significant (see infographic).
Pointing to the recent National Training Week 2024, he said such initiatives are vital in preparing the workforce to meet the demands of modern industry and ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.
“CIDB, for example, through its construction TVET programmes, boasts an 85% employment rate for its graduates, demonstrating that the industry is seeking properly trained and certified workers,” he said.
Building awareness
Emphasising the importance of promoting awareness of opportunities in the industry, Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Oliver H.C. Wee called on public and private institutions of higher learning to hold career fairs to expose school-leavers to construction-related TVET programmes available through these institutions.
He said MBAM, through its Graduate Alumni Committee, plays a role in exposing undergraduate and final-year students to various career opportunities in the construction industry, highlighting views and advice from industry players and alumni who have succeeded in their respective fields.
“The perception that construction work is 3D depends on one’s mindset,” he asserted.
He noted that the government had introduced enhanced laws and regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act (OSHA) 2022 and the Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health in Construction Industry (Management) 2017.
“These ensure the safety of construction personnel is held at the highest level, further improving the safety and health standards of our construction industry.
“Parallel to this, MBAM also provides safety training to construction personnel and collaborates with machinery manufacturers to provide proper training on how to operate machinery in terms of technical knowledge and safety,” he said.
Syed Hussain
Weighing in, Syed Hussain said while the construction industry may appear to be a more hazardous work environment compared to others, the sector only accounted for 2.3% of the total accidents reported to the Human Resources Ministry Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) between January and October 2023, based on the department’s Occupational Accident Statistics by Sector report.
He added that with OSHA 2022 and the repeal of the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 having come into effect on June 1, employers are now responsible for conducting and implementing risk assessments related to health and safety risks.
“Failing to do so can result in significantly increased maximum fines for breaches of duties.
“In addition, the Human Resources Ministry may now require employers to monitor the ergonomic, physiological and psychological needs and health of their employees,” he said.
Uniting for progress
Like Mohd Zaid, Wee affirmed that with the emergence of new technologies and methods of construction, negative elements regarding the industry can be reduced.
He, however, stressed that all industry stakeholders must move together towards digitalisation efforts, instead of “depending on contractors alone”.
“For instance, if the project owner is not willing to invest in the industrialised building system (IBS), its adoption will not be able to take off.
“We have to invest in technologies, particularly those that will give better results in terms of quality, safety and delivery,” he said.
Wee
Syed Hussain said although the National Construction Policy 2030 had been launched, increased government support and strategic planning are essential for the construction industry to thrive in an era of rapid technological change.
He added that as businesses adapt to new technologies, continuous upskilling and training will be crucial.
“By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and staying ahead of technological advancements, the construction sector can maintain its competitiveness and innovation. This dual approach of robust government initiatives and proactive business strategies will ensure that the industry is well-prepared to meet future challenges and opportunities,” he said.
Agreeing, Mohd Zaid said collaboration among the government, educational institutions and industry stakeholders is vital to ensure a robust construction sector capable of sustained development.
“Long-term solutions to challenges in the industry depend on developing robust educational programmes, which require commitment from all stakeholders, especially industry leaders.
“Both contractors and project owners must take responsibility for these issues and work together to foster a positive transformation in the construction industry’s practices,” he said.
Go for it, say young trainees
"I’ve always been fascinated by how buildings and structures are designed and constructed. Keningau Vocational College in Sabah, where I’m studying, has a good reputation for its vocational training programmes. In my construction technology course, I’ve learnt a variety of skills and knowledge, including understanding building materials, construction techniques, project management, safety protocols and modern construction technology. We also gain practical experience through workshops and on-site training. As a female in a traditionally male-dominated field, I’ve faced challenges like gender biases and sometimes feeling outnumbered. My advice to girls interested in construction is to go for it with confidence and focus on building your skills. The industry is evolving, and diversity is increasingly valued. – Ara Billa Biton, 18
"Studying bioresource at the Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Industrial Technology is very rewarding, both in terms of knowledge and prospects. Students need to understand that careers in this field offer many opportunities to expand knowledge, experience and skills, as well as to gain the latest industrial updates locally and globally. Our professors, involved in these developments, provide knowledge that fits current industrial demands and desired skills for internships and future jobs." – Leong Weng Sam, 21
In the news government
TVET initiatives
June 11
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said TVET students can now further their studies up to the university level and even pursue a doctorate. This is possible with the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) Advanced TVET 2030 initiative. Students from National TVET Council schools can continue their education in community colleges, then progress to a polytechnic. After that, they can apply to the MTUN and pursue a PhD. The MTUN comprises Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.
June 8
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an immediate allocation of RM200 mil for TVET courses, on top of the RM8bil already provided. The additional allocation is to train 13,000 TVET students in fields such as energy transition, AI, technological and digital based industries, high-powered electronics and farming. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, also national TVET Council chairman, said the government had spent RM6.8 bil this year, which had been channelled to12 ministries overseeing the 1,345 public and private TVET institutions nationwide.
April 3
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told Dewan Negara that the Education Ministry had offered various TVET programmes for post-Form Three students in KV, SMT and SMK. Programmes include the Malaysian Vocational Certificate at KV; technical elective subjects at SMT; and the Senior Vocational Programme, Senior Industrial Apprenticeship and vocational subjects at SMK. He added that the national dual Training System, implemented with industry and KV, is also to meet the needs of skilled workers.
Jan 23
Ahmad Zahid said students can sign up for TVET courses after Form Three, starting with the March intake. He added that the national TVET Council decided to set up a single ratings agency to evaluate programmes offered by TVET providers and ensure uniform quality.
