KUALA LUMPUR: Youth talent development is key to the technological growth in the construction industry as global markets recover, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

The Works Minister said that talented youth were the future of the industry due to recent challenges in both the economy and society.

"Challenges like an ageing workforce and a need for modernisation amidst rapid technological advancements are becoming ever present in the industry.

"Today’s youth, as digital natives, are inherently adept with technology and their involvement is crucial for bringing about innovation and modernising our industry.

"Their fresh perspectives and proficiency in new technologies can revolutionise construction methods, sustainability practices, and safety standards," he said after officiating the soft launch of buildXpo 2024 on Tuesday (May 14).

To this effort, he reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes among youths to tackle the issue.

Outside of technical skills, Nanta also noted the importance of developing management talents for the industry.

"Manpower will always be key but at a higher level, managerial talents are also key to ensure the success of projects," he added.

Held in conjunction with International Construction Week 2024, the BuildXpo 2024 exhibition will be held later from Oct 22 to Oct 24 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).

The expo is expected to draw over 10,000 industry professionals from across the world with its expected 500 booths placed around its nearly 10,000m² of exhibition space.

Nanta added that this year’s exhibition is projected to bring in RM1bil in sales, double of that achieved by the exhibition in 2023 which saw projected sales of around RM494.3mil.

"This is a result of the construction industry expected to fully recover and reopen from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic," he added.