(From left) Adil Putra, Teoh, Mohd Zarif, Lim, Mohd Zaid, Tiew, Heng Wai and Richard during the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards (MCIEA) 2024 press conference held at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
A REPUTABLE construction industry drives economic growth, enhances infrastructure and improves the quality of life for the nation.
The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) plays a vital role in regulating, developing and facilitating the construction industry to achieve global competitiveness, ensuring excellence by promoting standards, upskilling talent and advancing sustainable practices.
Recognising industry players who prioritise quality, safety, health, productivity and sustainability in their operations, CIDB honoured these achievers and celebrated their projects through the prestigious Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards (MCIEA) 2024.
This year, CIDB acknowledged the remarkable achievements of 70 industry players at MCIEA 2024 for their dedication and innovative initiatives.
In his welcome remarks, CIDB Malaysia chief executive Datuk Mohd Zaid Zakaria shared the revival of the MCIEA this year, inviting submissions for all projects completed with a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) issued between April 1, 2019 and Dec 31, 2023.
He highlighted that MCIEA 2024 features five award categories: the Prominent Player Award, Builder of the Year Award (G7), International Achievement Award, Best Project Award and Best Contractor Award.
From these categories, 14 awards were presented to 70 deserving recipients, along with three special mentions to recognise exceptional accomplishments.
“The MCIEA awards are not just about celebrating success: they represent the strength, spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our industry.
“Every project submitted, every innovation implemented, is a step towards a better-built Malaysia for future generations,” he added.
Speaking at a press conference, Mohd Zaid emphasised that innovation is a key focus of CIDB’s initiatives to elevate the construction industry and ensure its integration into the MCIEA evaluations.
He explained that CIDB would support the adoption of 12 new technologies, including building information modelling and drones.
He also shared that CIDB encourages contractors at all levels, including smaller entrepreneurs in classes G1 to G4, to embrace digitalisation in their operations.
“For a start, there are many mobile applications that they can use to expedite and implement their projects more efficiently,” he said.
Mohd Zaid recognised that the construction industry faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, but CIDB took responsibility by allowing companies that met enforcement requirements to resume work as restrictions eased.
He highlighted that many companies not only recovered but also used the opportunity to innovate and strengthen their operations, with the industry now witnessing strong growth, especially in the private sector.
Looking ahead, he pointed out that the government’s budget for 2025, with a focus on infrastructure, will further fuel the growth of the construction industry and CIDB has prepared various tools, such as the Score system, to help companies of all sizes improve efficiency and prepare for future opportunities.
“They can reflect on where they are now and how to become better and more efficient in the future.”
Exceptional contributions
Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd chairman Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng was honoured with the “Prominent Player Award” for his significant contributions to the development of the Malaysian construction industry over his 40-year journey.
He credited his success to his late father, a 1966 JKR Class D contractor and his own aspiration to become the best and most successful contractor.
“I didn’t have the chance to go to university, but I’ve built two universities and each time, I’m able to enter them.
“That’s the beauty of being a contractor and a builder,” he shared.
Lim emphasised the importance for the younger generation to have dreams, make proper plans, work hard and learn step by step to turn the impossible into reality.
He also stressed the importance of time management, particularly for project contractors, saying, “Time is crucial for decision-making.
“We must ensure projects are delivered on time, with proper planning and always allow time for the safety of workers.”
Lim further explained that his goal in constructing highways was to alleviate traffic congestion, sharing a personal story of his late father enduring long traffic jams while travelling for kidney treatments.
On inspiring young talent within his company, he said, “We always work together, and I share my journey with them. During meetings, I discuss the dos and don’ts,” he added.
He also mentioned that he shares certain methods for construction projects that other builders can emulate for the safety and benefit of the communities they serve.
Total facility solutions provider for specialised industries, ranging from semiconductors and petrochemical plants to pharmaceuticals, IAQ Solutions Sdn Bhd, took home the coveted “Builder of the Year Award.”
Established for 30 years, IAQ earned this accolade as a Grade G7 contractor for demonstrating excellence in company performance and project implementation.
One of the key projects that contributed to IAQ’s success was their Testing Manufacturing Plant for Robert Bosch.
IAQ Solutions Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tiew Soon Aik expressed his gratitude to CIDB for the recognition of his team’s efforts and the hard work of their engineers.
He shared that the company regularly sends their engineers abroad to prove they can perform at the same level as European companies.
“We aim to continue setting new standards in high-tech engineering and construction while pushing the boundaries of technologies, with a focus on safety, sustainability and excellence.
“This award is both a proud achievement and a powerful reminder of the impact we can make together as we build the facilities that shape the future,” he said.
WCT Bhd, the engineering and construction division of WCT Holdings Bhd, received the International Achievement Award for its outstanding contribution to the Lusail Development Project. The project was commissioned by the Lusail Real Estate Development Company in Doha, Qatar.
WCT earned the award for its successful construction and completion of infrastructure and civil works for the 38sq km commercial boulevard within Lusail City.
Lusail City is a master-planned urban area that includes residential, entertainment and commercial districts, as well as the Lusail Stadium, one of the iconic venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
WCT Bhd’s comprehensive scope of work included constructing roads, underground carparks, the installation of wet and dry utilities as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems for the carpark. The company also carried out structural works and earthing below the raft foundations of four Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations. Additionally, it managed the architectural, structural and MEP works for four substations, alongside installing network and street lighting cables, demonstrating its expertise in delivering integrated infrastructure solutions.
Working alongside its joint venture partner, Al-Ali Projects Co, WCT Bhd overcame numerous challenges, including logistical and extreme climate constraints, the Covid-19 pandemic and a regional blockade on Qatar. Despite these obstacles, the project was delivered on time and met stringent international quality standards.
WCT managing director (engineering and construction) Anthony Teoh Teik Thiam said, “We are incredibly honoured to be recognised for our work on the Lusail Development Project. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team, demonstrating our ability to manage and deliver large-scale international projects that meet stringent quality and safety standards.”
He added, “This award reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation in the construction industry. We are proud to contribute to international infrastructure growth while upholding Malaysian engineering excellence.”
Pushing the boundaries
The Best Project Awards under the Major Building category were given to contractor IJM Construction Sdn Bhd for Menara Affin located in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur and Government Office, Parcel F at Presint 1 in Putrajaya, which was designed based on the concept of sustainable development by contractor Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd.
IJM Construction Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Wong Heng Wai said, “Awards like MCIEA are more than just recognition for individual projects – they shine a light on the construction industry’s role in driving economic progress, shaping our skylines and contributing to nation-building.”
He added that the company remains committed to delivering projects that combine innovation, sustainability and value for the communities they serve.
Sunway Construction group deputy managing director Richard Wong Kwan Song said, “This project was more than just brick and mortar; it embodied countless hours of planning, design and execution.
“We faced numerous challenges but through perseverance and teamwork, we were able to overcome them all.”
The Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit: Sungai Buloh-Serdang- Putrajaya Line received the Best Project Award in Infrastructure (Major Project).
MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP SSP) Sdn Bhd project director Adil Putra Ahmad expressed heartfelt gratitude to the 50,000 personnel who contributed to the completion of the project.
He emphasised their role in introducing technical innovations that have since become the norm in the industry.
Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said the Putrajaya Line is a community project that has enjoyed significant success, enhancing connectivity across various locations with an average ridership of 150,000 passengers per day since its opening in March last year.
The panel of judges was made up of six eminent construction industry leaders.
For more information, visit www.cidb.gov.my
