KUALA LUMPUR: Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), a subsidiary of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia responsible for research and development, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YTL Cement to support the transition of the nation’s construction industry to sustainable construction.
CIDB Malaysia chief executive Datuk Ahmad 'Asri Abdul Hamid said the MoU, which is for a two-year period, marks the beginning of a collaboration between the government and the industry to achieve construction excellence and promote sustainable practices, in line with the nation’s 2050 carbon-neutral aspiration.
He said that YTL Cement will be supporting CIDB’s initiatives in developing the construction industry’s workforce, research and innovation, and in enhancing the understanding of sustainable construction practices among industry players.
"Through this MoU, we hope to drive meaningful change as we develop the capacity and capability of the construction industry as well as set the standards for sustainable construction practices in Malaysia. We are glad to be able to collaborate with like-minded players like YTL Cement as we share a common goal to future-proof the construction sector," he said in his speech at the signing of the MoU here today.
YTL Cement managing director Datuk Seri Michael Yeoh said the collaboration offers the company the opportunity to contribute its expertise and experience to support CIDB in its initiatives
"YTL Cement has been part of Malaysia’s growth for over 70 years and we want to continue supporting the nation’s development and construction needs,” he said.
The MoU between CREAM and YTL Cement focuses on three key areas: human resource development, research and development (R&D), and supporting the construction sector to transition to sustainable construction.
Under the human resource development, CIDB and YTL Cement will jointly design training programmes for youths to be certified as concrete technicians and develop the training syllabus for accreditation programmes of qualified personnel in operations.
In the R&D area, YTL Cement is offering access to its laboratory and testing facilities, where CREAM will work together with YTL Cement’s team of experts to conduct R&D on lower embodied carbon alternatives in materials and construction methods.
On supporting the construction sector’s transition to sustainable construction, CIDB and YTL Cement will work together to increase awareness on the embodied carbon of the construction sector by providing channels for discussions and knowledge transfer among industry practitioners and experts.
Moving forward, CIDB and YTL Cement will be forming joint working committees to drive the initiatives under these three key areas.
Ahmad 'Asri said the signing of this agreement symbolises a new partnership between the two organisations which have come together to drive innovation, growth, and progress, an example of how collaboration can lead to the creation of a powerful force and how two entities can leverage their respective strengths to achieve something greater.
"On one hand, we have an organisation that is known for its expertise and excellence in the field of R&D in construction, which is CREAM and on the other hand, we have a business entity that is renowned for its dynamic and innovative approach to the market, YTL Cement.
"By coming together, they will create a synergy that will unlock new opportunities and enhance their capabilities in providing solutions for the industry especially in the area sustainable construction,” he said.
He added that the MoU is not just about business or profits, but it is also about creating value for everyone associated with it, including the construction industry as a whole, creating a win-win situation where both partners can benefit from each other's strengths, and the customers can benefit from a wider range of innovative solutions.
In this era of globalisation and interdependence, he said, cooperative partnerships and strategic alliances will better prepare organisations and strengthen the ability to sustain forward progress.
"I believe that all of us share the same feelings of excitement and optimism as we join hands with YTL Cement, and consider the possibilities that will result from this collaboration.
"In CIDB, our approach has always been to collaborate with agencies, organisations and industry players, by leveraging each other’s strengths and create a win-win situation that will ultimately benefit the construction industry development," he said. - Bernama