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Thursday August 20, 2009

Construction companies urged to adopt ICT


KUALA LUMPUR: Construction companies should adopt information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance their capability, says Public Works Department director-general Datuk Seri Prof Judin Abdul Karim.

He said the awareness of using ICT was there but the cost of investment prohibited companies from adopting the technology.

“Big companies can afford ICT investment while most of the small companies find its adoption unaffordable,” he told a press conference after the opening of the two-day Infrastructure & Construction Asia’s Building Information Modelling & Sustainable Architecture 2009 conference on Wednesday.

Some small companies had already adopted ICT to enhance their operations but could not afford to upgrade due to the higher cost, he added.

“It is not a problem of knowledge and information on the usage of ICT; it is always about the cost,” he said.

From left: Professional Services Development Corporation Sdn Bhd president Ir. Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid, Infrastructure Asia Sdn Bhd president Raj Lawrance, Public Works Department director-general Datuk Seri Prof Judin Abdul Karim and Medialink Berita Sdn Bhd chairman Shaifubahrim Salleh officiated the Infrastructure & Construction Asia’s Building Information Modelling & Sustainable Architecture 2009 conference on August 19. - Starpic by Sam Tham

Judin said it was important to have a integrated software system as a lot of professionals like architects and engineers within the same companies were using different kinds of software.

“Standardisation is important in obtaining effective workflow for the project development and implementation,” he added.

On the 10th Malaysia Plan, Judin said it would be exciting and not be conventional.

“The Government welcomes any ideas and suggestion on the plan. For construction related works, ICT usage will be one of the essential parts that the Government would emphasise,” he said.

He said the Government hoped the software companies would support the Government effort in promoting the usage of ICT.

The conference is organised by Infrastructure Asia Sdn Bhd, the publisher of the Infrastructure & Construction Asia magazine and an event management company.

The conference provides insight about building information modelling, a digital design aiding the construction and maintenance of structures.

Leading experts from across the Asia-Pacific region would be sharing their thoughts on different topics regarding the construction industry at the conference.

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