CENTEXS, GAMUDA collab to spur construction sector digital evolution

KUCHING: The strategic partnership between Centre For Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) and Gamuda Technologies, the technology arm of Gamuda Berhad (GAMUDA), is set to accelerate Sarawak’s digital transformation in the construction sector with the launch of the state’s first Digital Construction, and AI and Cloud for Construction training programmes.

It marks a significant step towards strengthening local capability, in line with the Sarawak Government’s directive mandating the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for building projects exceeding RM10 million and infrastructure works above RM100 million.

The new three-month training programmes aim to equip Sarawakian talents with the competencies required to meet regulatory requirements, while supporting the state’s broader ambition of becoming a high-income economy under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

A Memorandum of Agreement to formalise the collaboration was signed on Feb 12 by CENTEXS Chief Executive Officer Dato Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abd Rahman and GAMUDA Group Chief Digital Officer John Lim Ji Xiong during CENTEXS’ 10th Convocation here.

In an interview ahead of the signing ceremony, Syeed Mohd Hussien said the strategic partnership represents a decisive step into AI-driven construction.

“Today (Feb 12) is an important first step for us to enter into AI for construction,” he said, noting that the training programmes are expected to eventually expand beyond Sarawak to
other parts of Malaysia.

“Just as the internet revolution changed how we live – through platforms such as e-commerce and social media, AI will be even bigger.”

He said building a high-income economy requires developing highvalue skills, particularly in sectors that drive infrastructure and economic growth.

With BIM now mandatory for major projects, the new training programmes will incorporate the modelling system as a core component of the syllabus.

“This is very important because projects above RM10 million must adopt BIM,” he said, signalling the need for contractors and consultants to have access to local talent capable of
meeting compliance standards.

The first intake for the training programmes is expected to commence in April, with the inaugural batch of graduates within three months.

The Digital Construction training programme will focus on BIM methodologies, cloud-based
collaboration and digital coordination tools.

The AI and Cloud for Construction training programme, meanwhile, will equip participants
with cutting-edge skills in modern web development, basic cloud computing and AI.

During the interview, Lim said the construction landscape was evolving rapidly, moving beyond traditional perceptions of manual, and site-based work.

“People used to think construction was about hard hats and boots on the ground. But today it is increasingly about systems, planning and quality,” he said.

He pointed out that BIM was the ‘gold standard’ in many countries GAMUDA operated in, including Australia and Singapore.

“With AI, the industry becomes supercharged. It changes how we manage information and how decisions are made. The key is ensuring people on the ground have the right data at the right time.”

Lim said the new training programmes would focus on equipping trainees with the ability to build and prototype digital solutions quickly, leveraging AI to extract relevant insights from complex project data.

“We want our young people to be agile, able to code, build applications and adapt to changing conditions. When decisions are made on site, they must be based on the best available information,” he said.

Beyond construction, Syeed Mohd Hussien noted that AI and cloud competencies have wide applications across Sarawak’s economic landscape.

“AI can be applied throughout the value chain, from pre-design approvals to construction planning, safety management and even postconstruction maintenance. This is not just about one sector; it is about transforming how industries operate,” he said.

On the collaboration with GAMUDA, he said GAMUDA was the right partner for the initiative, citing its global footprint and experience.

“We always partner with the best. GAMUDA operates worldwide and brings global standards. We are very pleased to have the best partner for the job,” he said.

Lim also described the partnership between GAMUDA and CENTEXS as a foundation for long-term collaboration.

“This reflects trust between GAMUDA and CENTEXS, it is not short-term. As we develop talent, we are also building a long-term presence in Sarawak and exploring how we can continue contributing to the state’s growth,” he said.