28/05/2026

PROPERTY THURSDAY | MAY 28, 2026

12

Malaysian construction sector cannot afford to stand still on AI

Wolo Mont Kiara clinches ‘Best Residential High-rise Architecture’ award KUALA LUMPUR: Wolo Mont Kiara KL, a hotel & residences developed by Magma Kiara Sdn Bhd under Magma Group Bhd’s property arm Magma Property, has earned the five-star “Best Residential High-Rise Architecture Malaysia” award at the 2026-2027 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Besides that, the development also received a nomination for Best Residential High-Rise Architecture, repre-senting the Asia Pacific region under the International Property Awards. Located in Mont Kiara, Wolo reimagines the essence of Kuala Lumpur through architecture in spired by the city’s origins, diversity, and fluid identity. Designed by Bangkok-based firm Openbox Architects, the project transforms layered geological forms into ver-tical structures that feel grounded yet light, modern yet timeless. The award recognises Wolo’s architectural approach, which inte grates design solutions responsive to Kuala Lumpur’s climate and context. The building’s façade uses sculptural panels inspired by tradi tional Asian clay tiles, providing shading and managing daylight. Interior spaces are designed for flexibility, responding to how resi dents and guests use the building. The project incorporates sus tainable materials and passive design strategies suited to the tropical climate. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels and part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. “This award validates our belief that thoughtful architecture creates enduring value,“ said Alan Wong from Magma Property. “Wolo was conceived around a different question: how do we build a place where people genuinely want to live and stay, rather than how do we build a luxury develop ment?”

MALAYSIA’S construction sector is facing a quiet but compounding crisis. While much attention has been paid to rising material costs and project pipelines, a more structural issue is tightening its grip: a severe labour shortage, estimated at 2.5 million workers across the broader industry value chain. At the same time, new data suggests that inefficiencies within projects themselves are eroding margins faster than many realise. When these two pressures collide, can Malaysia construction afford to not adopt AI? Recent findings from the Construction Survey Report 2026: Managing Project Changes in the Age of AI reveal a stark reality. Mid project changes, from variation orders to RFIs, are now a routine source of financial strain. Two in three construction professionals report that such changes lead to budget overruns in many or most of their projects, while one in four say delayed approvals can add more than a month to timelines. In a labour-constrained environ ment like Malaysia, these delays carry a heavier cost. Every additional week on-site means extended manpower commitments, higher overheads, and increased exposure to contractual penalties. When workers are already in short supply, inefficiency doesn’t just hurt margins, it compounds the workforce gap. Yet much of this inefficiency is not driven by complexity alone, but by fragmented processes. Nearly 8 in 10 respondents say that at least half of their project documentation is scattered across emails, calls and messages – making it harder to track decisions, assign accountability, and respond quickly. The result? Delays are absorbed, costs go unrecovered, and project

productivity: administrative work load. Today, nearly half of project professionals spend more than 11 hours a week on admin tasks, the equivalent of more than a full working day. For teams already using AI enabled tools, two-thirds report saving at least two hours per week per project. These are not marginal gains. In a sector where experienced project managers are stretched thin, even small time savings scale rapidly across multiple projects. More importantly, these tools help reduce the need for additional manpower in the first place; a critical advantage in a market where hiring is increasingly difficult. There is also a growing human dimension to this issue. The construction sector is not just competing for projects, but for talent. Skilled professionals are under pressure, juggling complex coordination tasks

teams time reconstructing what should already be clear. This is where the conversation around AI needs to shift – away from hype, and towards practical impact. The same survey shows that more than half of firms have already adopted centralised digital tools to manage project changes, and the benefits are tangible. Among adopters, four in five report better cost control and stronger margin protection. Faster approvals, clearer accountability, and greater visibility into change impacts spend valuable

and ageing workforce means that retaining experienced talent is just as critical as attracting new entrants. Better tools can ease workloads, reduce burnout, and allow professionals to focus on higher-value work, from decision making to stakeholder man agement. Of course, barriers remain. Concerns around cost, integration, and trust in AI outputs continue to slow adoption. But the data suggests that these are less about technical feasibility, and more about organisational readiness. The tools already exist, and their impact is measurable. What is becoming increasingly clear is that “doing nothing” carries its own cost. Firms that delay digital adoption are more likely to face project delays, struggle with documentation, and absorb avoidable overruns. In a tight labour market, these inefficiencies are amplified. Malaysia’s construction sector has always been resilient, adapting to economic cycles and evolving demands. But the current con vergence of labour shortages and operational inefficiencies presents a different kind of challenge, one that cannot be solved by scaling manpower alone. AI will not replace the human expertise that underpins con struction. But it can augment it, reducing friction, improving visibility, and freeing up scarce talent to focus on what matters most. In today’s environment, the cost of inaction is rising and for construction, standing still on AI may soon become the most expensive decision of all. This article is contributed by PlanRadar regional lead (Apac) Avtandil Mekudishvili ( pix ).

help tackle some of the industry’s most persistent pain points. AI builds on this

foundation by tackling one of the b i g g e s t

h i dden drains on

alongside administrative burdens that add little value. The survey

highlights a clear signal: more than half of res pondents say they would be more likely to stay with their organisation if it invested more in digital and AI tools. In other

w o r d s , technology is no longer just an operational upgrade, it is becoming a retention strategy. For Malaysia, this matters. A shrinking

SP Setia unveils Balinese-inspired homes Damaira in Semenyih SHAH ALAM: SP Setia Bhd is set to unveil Damaira, an exclusive Balinese-inspired enclave of freehold double storey semi-detached homes in Setia Mayuri, Semenyih this month.

seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and flexible layouts, from side gardens and balconies to adaptable spaces that can evolve into bedrooms, study areas or multi-purpose rooms.” Embracing sustainability and a green lifestyle, Damaira residences seamlessly integrate Setia eGreenLiving features such as green switches, solar PV readiness, rainwater harvesting and EV charging points to cater to various family sizes and living needs. This aligns with the green street concept throughout Setia Mayuri, where cables are concealed underground for a safer and cleaner streetscape to accommodate more cycling paths, pedestrian walkways, and landscape parks. For those looking to put their own personal stamps in this serene, green township, Setia Mayuri has made 13 bungalow land lots available for sale, all located within a stone’s throw of Lamantara Park. With freehold, individual titles, lot sizes range from 6,346 sq ft to a massive 24,014 sq ft, and prices start from RM571,000.

With a total GDV of approximately RM87.93 million, Damaira comprises 54 units of two storey semi-detached houses sitting on land sizes of 40’ x 80’, 49’ x 80’, and 40’ x 94’. With individual titles and spacious built-ups ranging from 2,740 sq ft to 2,957 sq ft, Damaira homes prices will range from RM1.47 million to RM2.27 million. Styled as a secure luxury eco-resort, the 209 acre Setia Mayuri is framed by the vistas of nearby Broga Hill and caters to those seeking a city escape or an upgrade within the Semenyih Kajang growth corridor. Setia chief operating officer Datuk Yuslina Mohd Yunus said, “ With only four to five homes per acre within a fully guarded and fenced community, it offers privacy, space and exclusivity that are increasingly rare today. Each home is designed with generous proportions,

Damaira offers low-density luxury living with only four to five homes per acre in a guarded enclave.

Banking & Finance

Education News/Health & Wellness TUES

ESG

Property

WED

MON

THUR