SIBU: Architecture has huge potential in Malaysia as it is vital to the building of a nation.
It is important from the planning of a city to the creation of the most minuscule and most monumental structures and buildings that make up the very fabric of a city.
Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Roland Sagah said architects play a part in building the framework of society by influencing the way people live, work, and socialise via the spaces they design, solutions they devise, and innovations they create.
“It is no wonder that the built environment sector has always been at the forefront of a country’s growth and economic development as it helps a country to generate and restore a functioning market economy, acquire revenue via tourism, create employment opportunities, and improve the efficiency and sustainability of human habitats and infrastructures.
“I strongly believe that architecture has a bright future and a huge potential in Malaysia,” he said when officiating at the MAKARA opening ceremony on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday (Aug 22).
Sagah noted that the country is rapidly progressing into a developed nation with positive economic growth as it transitions into the endemic phase of COVID-19.
“Just last week Bank Negara issued a report that the country has registered an economic growth of 8.9 per cent for the second quarter of 2022.
“Riding on the positive outlook at the national level and most importantly, the robust economic activities in the State, Sarawak is also hoping to register a growth of between six and eight per cent for 2022 to stay on track to become a developed state by 2030,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak is expecting at least RM100 billion worth of investments to be injected into the State’s economy by 2030.
“Sarawak’s government budget at RM10 billion per year and foreign investment in hydrogen production by Samsung and Sumitomo, and two sour gas separation plants in Bintulu.
“Plus, project implementation amounting to RM40 billion by Sarawak Energy is the most significant of these capital injections into the state’s economy.”
Sagah also stressed that commensurate with the state government’s great stride towards progress, there will be a continuous flow of urban mega projects that will see an upward trend in the demand for large-scale infrastructure, residential and commercial development.
“With the robust growth spearheaded there is a serious need for skilled labour and professionals in the built environment sector to serve in the planning and construction of industrial parks, factories, infrastructures, and commercial and residential properties to accommodate the needs of the investors, industries and the workers.
“With the strong prospects of the state’s and national economy, I certainly believe that our community of architects is going to have a bright future,” he said.
He also emphasised that in Malaysia, the architecture field has always been sensitive to changes while aligning itself with the way people and the environment evolved.
“Nowadays people the world over are becoming more environmentally aware and are pushing industries, including the architecture industries, to devise more eco-friendly, innovative, and sustainable solutions to our way of living.
“Hence, architects as the master planner of cities, towns, and nations, must now look forward to these needs and be prepared to develop and incorporate building designs that are sustainable, green, and smart for the masses,” he said.
