21/08/2025

PROPERTY THURSDAY | AUG 21, 2025

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CIDB: Foreign construction workers must be up to par

Setia advances smart housing via AI & PropTech Challenge SHAH ALAM: SP Setia Bhd (Setia) launched the Setia AI & Proptech Innovation Challenge, a key initiative under the Bengkel Inovasi GLC (BIG) Programme aimed at addressing two significant agendas: inclusive homeowner ship and improved construction quality. These agendas are instrumental to Setia’s mission of creating sustainable and inclusive communities. The Malaysia Madani agenda focuses on promoting equitable access to home ownership for all segments of society. By leveraging AI, Setia aims to streamline the homebuying process, making it more accessible and efficient for potential home owners. This initiative underscores Setia’s dedication to ensuring that everyone can own a home, regardless of their background or financial status. Setia president and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai opined, “Setia believes that the future of homeownership and construction is intrinsically linked to the transformative power of AI and technology. Through the Setia AI & Proptech Innovation Challenge, we are not just fostering innovation and collaboration; we are actively driving forward our vision of creating inclusive, high-quality housing that meets the needs of all Malaysians.” He added that this challenge represents a significant step in their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to address business challenges and improve the quality of life for their communities. In line with these commitments, Setia invites innovative and capable startups to participate in the challenge which is designed to identify and support startups that are developing AI and proptech solutions that align with the Madani and BIG agendas. Selected startups will collaborate with Setia – gaining access to resources, mentorship, and potential investment to bring their innovative ideas to life. Antler partner and Ibex global head Deepak Jayaraman said, “S P Setia is demonstrating forward, pragmatic leadership, working directly with startups on real challenges that matter to the industry. Their approach to innovation is the kind of ambition Ibex exists to support; real problems, real collaboration, and measurable outcomes.” Antler Ibex is the world’s first full-service vertical growth engine for established corporates. Meanwhile, the BIG agenda is dedicated to enhancing the quality of home constructions. Through the integration of AI technologies, Setia is committed to improving construction processes, ensuring higher standards of safety, durability, and sustainability. This agenda highlights Setia’s focus on delivering homes that not only meet but exceed the expectations of modern homeowners.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia has emphasised that all employers are required to comply with the accreditation and compliance process for construction personnel as outlined under the Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 (Act 520). This requirement ensures that all foreign construction workers nationwide possess the necessary competency level, adhere to occupational safety standards, and hold recognised qualifications within the national construction sector. This compliance also aims to enhance the industry’s professionalism and public confidence in the credibility of Malaysia’s construction sector. CIDB Malaysia has introduced the Accreditation and Competency Programme for Foreign Construction Personnel, a strategic initiative operated by the Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (CLAB). The main objective of this programme is to ensure that every foreign construction worker holds the Construction Skills Competency Certificate (SKKP) as part of compliance with o Board introduces accreditation and competency programme in collaboration with CLAB Mah Sing acquires Corus Hotel land for KLCC precinct project KUALA LUMPUR: The MUI Group and Mah Sing Group Bhd have inked an agreement which saw the MUI Group divesting its prime 1.485-acre freehold parcel of land in the heart of KLCC precinct. The strategically located land, housing Corus KLCC hotel and within 5 minutes walking distance of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, was transacted at RM260 million. MUI chairman and CEO Andrew Khoo said: “It is the right time for our group to divest the hotel property as part of our rationalisation strategy. We have found Mah Sing the right organisation to lead the redevelopment of this project and to create an iconic, landmark project that will maximise the full potential of the land.” “In view of our long 40 years’ association with this property starting from Ming Court Hotel opening in 1984 and subsequent rebranding to Corus KLCC, we envisage that this redevelopment will enhance the KLCC skyline and add to the current vibrancy of this prestigious locality”.

competitiveness and reputation in the in creasingly demanding construction industry. This Accreditation Programme provides employers with the opportunity to identify foreign construction workers for formal accreditation based on their practical experience at construction sites. The evalua tion process is systematic and aims to align workers’ skill levels with industry standards; uphold professionalism and enhance work efficiency; and foster a culture of safety and high-quality work practices at construction sites. This approach is intended to ensure that the construction industry remains com petitive and reputable. As the official facilitator of this programme, CLAB is committed to conducting assess ments in a systematic and organised manner to ensure workers’ skills align with industry needs and standards. This effort not only strengthens pro fessionalism but also promotes a culture of safety and excellence in work quality at construction sites. Through this holistic approach, CIDB is confident in its ability to elevate the reputation and competitiveness of the national construction industry. Employers are encouraged to review the status of foreign construction workers under their companies and proactively submit accreditation applications through CLAB if there are still workers who have not been officially certified for their skills.

existing legal requirements. Additionally, this certification serves to recognise the skill levels and experience of foreign construction workers at project sites, thereby strengthening professionalism and safety standards in the national construction industry. This programme is implemented in response to the current situation, where the government has imposed a temporary freeze on the intake of new foreign construction workers from source countries into Malaysia, effective since May 31, 2024. This move creates a crucial opportunity for the cons truction industry to carry out a compre hensive identification and assessment process of the existing active foreign workers, most of whom have served for over two years since the freeze was implemented. This situation also provides the industry with a chance to ensure that every worker meets the required competency standards and safety regulations. CIDB CEO Zainora Zainal said: “CIDB takes non-compliance with skill recognition requirements seriously. Failure to comply not only breaks the law but also risks project productivity, lowers work quality and safety standards, and may affect approval to hire foreign workers for future projects.” The implementation of this accreditation involves no hidden costs and directly benefits contractors not only in terms of legal compliance but also by improving operational effectiveness and efficiency. Ultimately, investment in accreditation can drive a firm’s

From left: Mah Sing CEO (property subsidiaries) Yeoh Chee Beng, Leong, Khoo, and MUI Group senior vice-president Ong Hung Ming during the signing ceremony.

Mah Sing founder and group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum shared, “This acquisition aligns with our strategy of unlocking value in prime urban locations with strong demand fundamentals. More than just a redevelopment, it’s an opportunity to create a prestigious address in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. We are excited to reimagine this prime site into a landmark development that complements the KLCC skyline. With its freehold status, unrivalled connectivity, and prime city-centre location, we

believe the project will have strong international appeal and deliver long-term value to our homebuyers and stakeholders.” The prime freehold parcel will be redeveloped into a premium freehold serviced apartment project with an estimated GDV of RM1.28 billion. Units are indicatively priced from RM898,000. This marks Mah Sing’s second land acquisition of the year, reinforcing the group’s strategy of unlocking value from prime urban locations with strong demand fundamentals.

Sunway breaks ground on RM1.1b Lakehills project in Johor Bahru JOHOR BAHRU: Sunway Property has broken ground on its RM1.1 billion Sunway Lakehills development in Taman Molek, marking the first high-rise phase within the 88-acre Sunway Lenang Heights masterplan. first phase offering 862 units priced from RM560,000. Completion is slated for 2029. Positioned as the tallest residences in Taman Molek, Sunway Lakehills offers unobstructed 360-degree views of Johor Bahru’s skyline, a golf course and a 30-acre twin-lake garden. jogging path, basketball court and playground. “Sunway Lakehills represents our continued momentum in Johor, where we are strengthening our presence across key growth corridors, from Johor Bahru City Centre to the Second Link via Sunway City Iskandar Puteri,” said Sunway Property CEO (Southern Region) Gerard Soosay at the groundbreaking ceremony. The project will feature three residential towers, two 46-storey blocks and one 33-storey block, comprising 1,200 premium units, with the The garden, enhanced in collaboration with the Johor Bahru City Council includes a boardwalk,

Aligned with GreenRE and CASBEE sustainability standards, the project includes electric vehicle charging stations, recycling facilities and design elements inspired by Feng Shui principles. The launch forms part of Sunway’s broader Johor portfolio, which includes the RM4 billion Sunway Majestic at Yahya Awal and the RM2.6 billion Bukit Chagar transit-oriented development.

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