ICW Borneo 2026 Officially Launched in Kota Kinabalu, Advancing East Malaysia's Role in National Construction Industry Growth

The Opening and Launching Ceremony was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi Bin Manjun, Deputy Chief Minister II of Sabah, representing YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah, in the presence of YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Works, Malaysia, and YB Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Minister of Works, alongside senior government officials, industry leaders, and built environment professionals.

Hosted by the Ministry of Works Malaysia and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, and jointly organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, ICW Borneo 2026 builds on the success of its inaugural edition in Kuching, Sarawak, last year. The event reflects a continued commitment to enhance access to industry knowledge, strengthening regional participation, and ensuring more inclusive development across Malaysia’s construction ecosystem.

With East Malaysia experiencing growing infrastructure development and an increasing emphasis on sustainability, ICW Borneo 2026 serves as a timely platform to support Sabah’s evolving construction landscape.

In his officiating address read by YB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi Bin Manjun, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor said:

“Sabah today stands at an important turning point. For many years, we have been known for our natural beauty and at times defined by our development challenges. But that narrative is changing — and it is changing with intention.

Through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Roadmap (2026–2030), we are entering a new phase of growth — one that focuses on strengthening our economic resilience, improving productivity and creating long-term value for our people.

The construction sector will play a central role in this transformation. Moving forward, our priority is clear: to strengthen execution, improve coordination and ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, transparently and with lasting value.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Works Malaysia, YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and CIDB Malaysia, has invested more than RM150 million to strengthen Sabah’s construction ecosystem through digitalisation, technical excellence and human capital development.

“The construction sector remains a key driver of Malaysia’s development, and Sabah holds tremendous potential in infrastructure, sustainable development and regional connectivity.

That is why the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and CIDB Malaysia, has

made substantial investments to strengthen the State’s construction ecosystem.

CIDB Malaysia has established BIM training facilities in Kota Kinabalu with an investment of RM2.25 million to help local industry players build capability and competency in Building Information Modelling (BIM), a critical technology for improving productivity and project delivery.

It has also strengthened Makmal Kerja Raya Malaysia (MKRM) Sabah, which now operates as an internationally accredited testing facility providing advanced material testing, inspection and technical support services. With a Federal Government investment of approximately RM19.4 million, the facility enables industry players in Sabah to access world-class testing services locally, accelerating project delivery and enhancing ease of doing business.

In addition, CIDB has invested RM130.6 million to build a new eco-campus in Sabah, which will be the most modern Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) campus in Malaysia and will accommodate up to 700 trainees at any one time. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new campus in Beringgis, Papar was officiated last year by the Chief Minister of Sabah together with the Minister of Works.

Since 2001, ABM Sabah has trained more than 195,000 Sabahans, creating pathways to meaningful employment in the construction industry both locally and internationally.

Together, these initiatives represent investments of more than RM150 million and underscore our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Sabah has access to the same world-class facilities, technical expertise and skills development opportunities available elsewhere in Malaysia.”

“The strong participation in ICW Borneo 2026 is itself a powerful vote of confidence in Sabah’s future.

Through BuildXpo Malaysia (Borneo), we are showcasing technologies and solutions from companies from Europe, China, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak and Sabah. Their presence demonstrates the growing recognition that Sabah offers tremendous opportunities for infrastructure development, sustainable construction and industrial growth.

ICW Borneo demonstrates what can be achieved when government, industry leaders, technology providers and practitioners come together on one platform to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and develop practical solutions.

To illustrate the potential of such platforms, ICW and BuildXpo 2025 in Kuala Lumpur generated significant business outcomes. Seven memoranda of understanding were signed with companies from Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, China and South Korea. Through the International Sourcing Programme organised with MATRADE, foreign buyers from 11 countries participated in 89 business meetings, generating projected sales of RM1.4 billion.

These achievements demonstrate the tremendous potential of ICW and BuildXpo as platforms not only for knowledge sharing, but also for creating real business opportunities, attracting international partnerships and opening new markets for industry players.

ICW Borneo is a model with significant potential for further expansion in Sabah. With the strong support of the Sabah Government and the private sector, such a platform can continue to strengthen the State’s construction ecosystem and position Sabah as a leading hub for innovation, skills development and sustainable infrastructure in the region.”

Aligned with the broader ICW 2026 theme, “Beyond Limits,” this year’s Borneo edition calls on the industry to move beyond conventional practices and accelerate transformation through innovation, collaboration and digitalisation.

A key highlight of ICW Borneo 2026 is the Construction Sustainability Summit (CSS) 2026, themed “From Ambition to Action: Delivering Sabah’s Sustainable Future,” which brings together policymakers, industry leaders and professionals to explore practical pathways in advancing sustainable infrastructure, ESG adoption and low-carbon construction.

The event also features a series of technical and industry-focused sessions, including “Fair Contracts, Fair Outcomes – Managing Risks and Avoiding Disputes in Construction Projects,” “BIM Beyond Design: Towards Digital Construction in Borneo,” and the National Crane Competition Bootcamp & Talk.

Participants will also take part in a technical visit to Makmal Kerja Raya Malaysia (MKRM) Sabah, while approximately 150 trainees from Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) Sabah and CIDB Technologies will be celebrated during a graduation ceremony on the final day of the event.

ICW Borneo 2026 has brought together approximately 1,000 participants from across Malaysia and beyond, including industry leaders, policymakers, technical experts and exhibitors from Europe, China and various parts of Malaysia, reinforcing Sabah’s growing importance as a strategic hub for construction innovation and collaboration.

ICW Borneo 2026 also serves as a precursor to the flagship International Construction Week (ICW) and BuildXpo 2026, which will take place from 10 to 12 November 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. The event will feature a large-scale international exhibition and the co-location of Glasstech Asia & Fenestration Asia 2026, offering expanded opportunities for business, innovation and collaboration.

ICW Borneo 2026 underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Sabah’s construction ecosystem through substantial investments in technical infrastructure, digital capability and workforce development. At the same time, the strong participation of international and regional industry players highlights growing confidence in Sabah’s development potential and reinforces the State’s position as an emerging hub for construction innovation and collaboration in the region.

For more information and updates, visit https://icw.my/