In a firm commitment to promoting sustainable construction practices, YTL Cement, Malaysia’s leading building materials group, has announced a significant RM1 million research grant to the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), a subsidiary of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia.
This financial support follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two organizations in April this year, underscoring their shared mission to achieve construction excellence and drive the industry’s transition towards sustainable practices.
The MOU between CREAM and YTL Cement marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration aimed at enhancing the construction industry’s workforce, fostering research and innovation, and promoting the widespread adoption of sustainable construction practices among industry stakeholders. This collaboration signifies a collective effort among industry players to elevate sustainability-focused research and development initiatives.
Dato’ Sri Michael Yeoh, managing director of YTL Cement and co-chair of the MOU steering committee, said, “With our longstanding presence in Malaysia for over 70 years, we understand the importance of investing in our nation’s progress while addressing our construction needs in a sustainable manner. The RM1 million research grant demonstrates our unwavering dedication to aiding CREAM’s initiatives in promoting industry growth, championing research and development, and advancing sustainable construction practices.”
Dato’ Sr Mohd Zaid Zakaria, chief executive of CIDB and co-chair of the steering committee, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the essential role of partnerships with industry stakeholders in achieving a socially and environmentally responsible construction industry in Malaysia. He emphasized the significance of the collaboration between YTL Cement and CREAM in driving transformative change within the construction sector.
The RM1 million research grant will fund three key initiatives:
- Construction Personnel Development: CREAM and YTL Cement will collaboratively design training and accreditation programs to certify youths as concrete technicians and batchers. This initiative aims to attract, retain, and cultivate skilled workers in the construction industry.
- Research & Development (R&D): CREAM will partner with YTL Cement’s team of experts to conduct research and development focused on lower embodied carbon alternatives in materials and construction methods.
- Support for the Construction Sector’s Transition to Sustainable Construction: CREAM and YTL Cement will work together to facilitate the adoption of sustainable construction practices throughout Malaysia.
Ir. M. Ramuseren, CEO of CREAM, emphasized their vision to become a globally recognized institute driving quality, innovation, technology, and skills to achieve sustainability in the construction industry. He acknowledged YTL Cement’s research grant as a significant contribution that strengthens their research capabilities and enables them to meet the evolving demands of Malaysia’s construction industry.
Through this collaborative effort, YTL Cement and CREAM are dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for Malaysia, building upon their shared vision of environmentally responsible construction practices and innovation.
