Construction Industry Embraces AI Revolution at Glodon AEC Connect Day 2025

26 April 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial Intelligence (AI) took centre stage as more than 700 professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors convened for the annual AEC Connect Day.

Held on 24 April, and hosted by Glodon, a leading digital building platform service provider, the event featured key government officials from the Ministry of Works, the Public Works Department, CIDB Malaysia, the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) under the Ministry of Digital, and the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI). Representatives from the Malaysian BIM Association and other notable industry groups were also in attendance.

Since its establishment in 2018, AEC Connect Day has evolved into a premier regional forum encompassing Southeast Asia and the Middle East, providing a vital platform for industry leaders, innovators, and experts to connect, exchange insights, share impactful success stories, and explore the latest advancements shaping the future of digital construction.

This year's event, themed "The AI-Powered Future," underscored the growing integration of AI and digital tools within the construction industry. A significant focus was directed towards Malaysia's progress in implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and AI-driven solutions, highlighting the nation's commitment to digital transformation in the built environment.

Dato' Mohd Sakeri Bin Abdul Kadir, Deputy Secretary General (Policy and Development) of the Ministry of Works of Malaysia, emphasised the government's dedication to digital transformation within the AEC sector, stating that implementation is no longer optional—it is essential for enhancing competitiveness, profitability, and sustainability throughout the entire construction value chain. He also accentuated the importance of collaborations with private sector technology providers, such as Glodon, to fully unlock the potential of digitalisation within Malaysia's construction ecosystem.

Dr. Yuan Zhenggang, Chairman and President of Glodon Company Limited, opened the event by underscoring the urgency for digital evolution in construction: "The construction sector is at a pivotal moment; the wave of digitalisation and AI is reshaping the entire lifecycle of the built environment—from design and construction to operations—ushering in a transition from experience-driven to data-driven practices."

The keynote presentation by Sr Dr Nazirul Fariq, Product and Growth Strategy Director of Glodon Asia International, showcased the latest developments in AI within the built environment. He introduced Glodon's AI large model, AecGPT, alongside other AI-powered products like Concetto and Zplan, which encompass seven key areas: planning, design, transaction, cost management, construction, operations, and comprehensive management.

The event also marked the official launch of Glodon Gsite, a centralised and integrated digital platform aimed at helping construction contractors streamline stakeholder collaboration, enhance efficiency, reduce costs and risks, and secure competitive advantages.

Furthermore, Glodon unveiled significant upgrades to its Cubicost 5D BIM Digital Cost Management Solutions, representing a major advancement in AI-enhanced integrated cost management capabilities.

As AEC Connect Day 2025 in Malaysia concluded on a high note, Glodon reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its portfolio of AI-powered solutions and deepening regional empowerment initiatives across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.