INGENIEUR
improvement and cost reduction , industry players can no longer run away from adopting the necessary technologies which will ensure their competitiveness through higher efficiency and productivity ( García de Soto et al . 2019 ; San Cristóbal et al . 2018 ).
It is timely for the construction industry to embrace technology and innovation in line with the new construction revolution . Since the imposition of the Movement Control Order ( MCO ), followed by the Conditional and Recovery MCO , activity in the construction sector declined by 44.5 % in the first quarter of 2020 , as almost all activities were not allowed ( Bank Negara Malaysia 2020 ). The global COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of urgency for industry players to raise their ability in adopting technology and innovation . According to the report produced by McKinsey and Company , the digital shift has already begun , and the COVID-19 crisis will accelerate the transformations ( Ribeirinho et al . 2020 ).
Digitalising the Malaysian Construction Industry
The Ministry of Works , together with the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia ( CIDB ), through the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia ( CREAM ), has developed the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan ( 2021-2025 ). The strategic plan was developed in collaboration with experts from various disciplines and multiple stakeholders in the industry . The document was officially launched by YB Dato ’ Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof , Senior Minister ( Infrastructure ), Minister of Works Malaysia , on November 17 , 2020 during the International Construction Week ( ICW ) 2020 . The document provides a framework that will drive the industry towards embracing the digital revolution in construction . Through the document , we aspire to be the leading country in implementing Construction 4.0 in the Southeast Asia region . With the mission to transform the Malaysian construction industry by empowering smart construction for future society , the concept of agile governance is used to enable a strategy that is more inclusive and “ human-centred ” by involving various stakeholders . The approach used in implementing the initiatives for the strategic plan will be dynamic and holistic . The interactive quadruple helix actions explained at the end of this article will ensure smooth measurable deliveries .
CONSTRUCTION 4.0 STRATEGIC PLAN ( 2021-2025 )
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
We have been listening to a panoply of buzzwords within the industry , known as The Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 . These terms represent two concepts that bring different meanings . The fourth industrial revolution , a term coined by Klaus Schwab , helps people to understand what has already changed . It represents a technological revolution that is characterised by the evolvement of innovations which have an impact on human life . Figure 2 shows stages of the industrial revolution for readers ’ understanding . Industry 4.0 is reminiscent of the fourth industrial revolution , which became the Government ’ s focus in Germany and other European countries .
Industry 4.0 is explained as applying the cyber-physical system within industrial production systems ( Ghobakhloo 2018 ). Industry 4.0 offers a more comprehensive , interlinked , and holistic approach to manufacturing . It connects physical with digital , such as the Internet of Things ( IoT ), Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), additive manufacturing , cloud computing , robotics and others . It allows for better collaboration and access across departments , partners , vendors , products , and people . Industry 4.0 is an integrative value creation system consisting of 12 design principles and 14 technology trends .
The proliferation of Industry 4.0 ( or the digital revolution ) has improved the productivity and sustainability of many industries , and redefined the skills and competencies they need to thrive . In this revolution , the survivors of industry are dependent on their ability to transform their business processes into competitive digital ecosystems . Aware of the impact of this revolution , Governments all over the world have started to plan effective transformation approaches . Due to the complex , transformative and distributed
8 VOL 88 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2021