The International Construction Week (ICW) 2024 emphasises the integration of young talent and digital innovation within the construction industry. Through initiatives like the Youth Arena Programme, Open Ideas Competition, and MyFuture Jobs Career LaunchPad, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) fosters an environment where emerging professionals can thrive and bring fresh, tech-savvy perspectives to a traditionally labour-intensive field.
The Youth Arena Programme serves as an interactive hub designed to engage young professionals and students and provide exposure to groundbreaking construction technologies. This initiative empowers youth by connecting them with industry leaders, enabling them to gain insights into advancements in areas like AI, robotics, and sustainable building solutions. Participants in the Youth Arena can network with potential mentors, opening doors to career development and innovation-driven learning experiences.
In the Open Ideas Competition, young talents were encouraged to present innovative solutions to modern construction challenges. This platform highlights creativity and problem-solving and gives young professionals a voice in shaping the industry’s future. Competitors propose ideas about sustainability, efficiency, and digital transformation—key areas where construction is evolving rapidly. This competition aims to inspire participants to think critically about construction’s future, fostering a new generation of industry leaders who are both skilled and environmentally conscious.
The MyFuture Jobs Career LaunchPad, organised in collaboration with PERKESO, is designed to bridge the gap between young job seekers and employment opportunities within the construction sector. This career platform helps young job seekers explore various roles aligned with emerging digital trends, promoting the industry as an attractive career choice for tech-oriented youth. The integration of digital job-matching tools here reflects CIDB’s commitment to incorporating technology in workforce development, addressing industry needs while appealing to the digital proficiency of younger generations.
These initiatives reflect CIDB’s dedication to nurturing young talent and enhancing technological adoption, setting the stage for a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable construction industry. By investing in youth engagement and digital skills, ICW 2024 positions Malaysia’s construction sector to meet future challenges with agility and creativity.
