CIDB’s building info modelling centre to start ops in May

CIDB chief executive Datuk Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid said the centre plays a major role in transforming the industry, in order to push the adoption of BIM or building information modelling systems within the local construction industry.

BIM systems provide a platform to digitally create and model construction projects, giving the stakeholders a clearer representation of the particular project to be embarked on.

“The primary function of this centre is to act as a centre of reference for BIM, so if a company would like to get more information on BIM, they can refer to the centre. Secondly, MyBIM Centre will also be a training centre, as we will provide facilities to conduct training for developers, contractors, consultants and suppliers for BIM,” he said.

Additionally, the MyBIM Centre will also provide access to BIM software and hardware on a pay-per-use basis, for companies that find it costly to make their own BIM investment.

Ahmad Asri said the BIM software costs about RM9,000 per annum on average, while a basic hardware setup to cater for the software costs about RM50,000. A company would also have to spend on training its staff to use the software.

Cost factor is said to be a major hurdle for the uptake of BIM in the Malaysian construction industry, he said, adding that a lack of awareness on BIM, as well as companies’ low emphasis on planning have also resulted in low adoption of BIM.

However, he pointed out there are many companies interested in BIM, including UEM Sunrise Bhd, Gamuda Bhd and IJM Corp Bhd, while other companies like the Sunway group and Brunsfield already have their own BIM technology. — theedgemarkets.com

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