www.b-i.biz PUBLISHER B & I Worldwide Sdn Bhd EDITOR Eric Tan DEPUTY EDITOR Selina Messner ADVERTISING Josephine Lim EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Pete Wong Christopher Fernandez SENIOR DESIGNER Mohamad Azhar Kasim PHOTOGRAPHER Jacky Lum CIRCULATION Tan Wee Aik HONORARY ADVISORS Datuk Merlyn Kasimir Dato’ Dr Ken Yeang Datuk Ar Tan Pei Ing Ar Chan Seong Aun OFFICE Suite 201, Block A Mentari Business Park Jalan PJS 8/5, Bandar Sunway 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603 5631 9395 (Hunting line) E-mail: b-i@b-i.biz PRINTER WELLPRINT DESIGN ADVERTISING No 40, Jalan PBS 14/3 Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia ENDORSED/SUPPORTED BY Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Architects Regional Council of Asia (ARCASIA) Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) Malaysian Green Building Confederation (MGBC) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) 4 Building & Investment | www.b-i.biz
EDITOR’SNOTE A research from industry experts has reported total deals for global construction and real estate industry is worth US$9.5 billion for December 2019. The value marked a decrease of 49.4% over the previous month and a drop of 40.7% when compared with the last 12-month average of US$16.6 billion. As we move further into year 2020, we are still plagued with all the lows from the previous year. This has spurred many industry players into action by looking at alternative options to improve the way they do business. Most recently, it has been highlighted that the construction industry is increasingly exploring the use of robots to speed up work and alleviate skills shortages – but where could this lead? The construction industry seems largely in agreement that automation and robotics could be the answer to address the issue of declining skilled workforce as they can remove humans from tedious and dangerous tasks, freeing up their time to complete more fulfilling work and thus improve overall productivity. The report also indicated that the end goal is not just about automating tasks that humans can do but developing new construction manufacturing methods that are only possible through robotics and therefore opening new possibilities for building design and performance. What’s your take on the matter? As a leading Digital and Print building publication since 1991, B&I stands firm in our commitment as a trusted platform for you to explore and expand your expertise, and consequently facilitate your business growth. In addition to featuring current happenings and market trends, we offer exclusive insights to the latest products, services and projects for a more sustainable society as well as one-on-one interviews with prominent players and authoritative figures in the industry. With a print & digital readership of around 100,000, we reach people that matters especially those with ongoing or new projects. Capitalise on digital marketing and contact us today for the best advertising packages that best suit your marketing needs. With respect to our editorial calendar, we welcome opinion papers and other contributions for the benefit of the construction industry and our readers. B&I reserves the right to edit any editorial contribution. We thank our Advertisers, readers and contributors for their continuous support and wish them a profitable 2020. ERIC TAN, EDITOR b-i@b-i.biz This magazine and its contents are provided “as is” and “as available”, without warranty of any kind, implied, express or statutory. The Publisher does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the contents and expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in the contents. The content available in the magazine and its website represents the opinions and judgments of the respective information provider.