Gamuda Berhad: Pioneering digital innovation in construction
By Sustainability Matters November 15, 2024
- Gamuda Next-Gen Digital IBS completes projects 40% faster than traditional methods
- In-house developed Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine introduced in Australia’s Sydney Metro West tunnelling works
In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, Gamuda Berhad has emerged as a notable player in the construction and infrastructure sectors. This regional company is not just adapting to change; it's influencing it, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and technological integration in an industry often seen as traditional.
The Digital Revolution and Innovation in Construction
At the heart of Gamuda's success is its unwavering commitment to digital innovation. The Group is committed to leading change in digital transformation, exemplified by its early adoption of the SMART project (Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel), a critical national climate mitigation initiative.
"Innovation has been a strategic differentiator for us since 1976, enabling us to stay ahead of the competition," says Justin Chin Jing Ho, managing director of Gamuda Engineering.
The establishment of the Gamuda Excellence Transformation (GET) programme in 2021 marked a significant milestone in the company's digital journey. This initiative has elevated Gamuda’s digital excellence by deploying advanced technologies across the Group. At its core is the Gamuda Digital Operating System (GDOS), a cloud-based platform that supports 4D and 5D Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems, Gamuda’s Next-Gen Digital Industrialised Building System (IBS), and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).
Regional Expertise Showcase at ICW and BuildXpo 2024
Recently, Gamuda showcased its regional expertise in digital transformation, renewable energy, and green construction solutions at the International Construction Week (ICW) and the Malaysia International Building and Construction Industry Exhibition (BuildXpo) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The exhibition was organised into five clusters: Building, Machinery, Technology, Construction Materials, and Related Services, and featured key innovations which include Building Information Modelling (BIM), AI applications, robotics, drone technology, and smart building solutions.
One of the key showcases featured by Gamuda is Gamuda’s Next Generation Digital Industrialised Building System (Next-Gen Digital IBS).
Gamuda's Next-Gen Digital IBS has revolutionised the construction process by enabling the prefabrication of building components in controlled factory environments. The Group’s digital IBS portfolio includes data centre, high-rise residential and commercial, as well as landed residential.
From cloud design, BIM integration, robotic automation and production – this full suite of digital solutions offers flexibility in design, fast construction and superior quality finish.
Projects are now completed 40% faster than traditional methods, significantly accelerating timelines and enhancing productivity. On-site labor requirements have been reduced by up to 55%, reflecting a major shift towards more efficient and less labor-intensive practices. Environmental benefits are also notable, with a 40% reduction in embodied carbon, aligning with Gamuda's commitment to sustainability.
But Gamuda's innovation doesn't stop there. The company has developed the world's first autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (A-TBM), leveraging in-house AI algorithms to navigate with minimal human intervention. This groundbreaking technology, first deployed in Malaysia's MRT Putrajaya Line, has now been introduced in Australia’s Sydney Metro West tunnelling works, marking a first for the country.
In a bold move that further cements its position as an industry leader, Gamuda is integrating generative AI (GenAI) into its operations. This cutting-edge technology is being deployed across various aspects of the business:
- Tunnelling Operations: A GenAI-powered conversational agent for the Tunnel Insight platform, built using Google Cloud's Gemini models on the Vertex AI platform.
- Tender Proposals: Utilising Vertex AI Search and Conversation to develop generative search and chat applications for market intelligence, design, and technical teams.
- Employee Empowerment: The creation of BotUnify, an internal marketplace enabling employees to develop customized GenAI applications.
Sustainability at the Core
Gamuda's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its ambitious environmental targets outlined in the Gamuda Green Plan 2025. The plan includes the Group’s commitments to reducing emissions intensity by 30% by 2025 and 45% by 2030, with a goal to achieve net zero by 2050. Guided by four pillars: Sustainable Planning and Design for Construction; Our Community in Our Business; Environmental and Biodiversity Conservation; and Enhancing Sustainability via Digitalisation. Gamuda Green Plan 2025 illustrates Gamuda’s holistic approach to industry advancements with environmental stewardship.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
Gamuda's digital transformation has not only improved its domestic operations but has also facilitated its entry into new markets. The company's innovative approaches have provided a competitive edge in emerging markets such as Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating the global applicability of its digital solutions.
As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to become more sustainable and efficient, events such as ICW and BuildXpo 2024 provide the industry with an important platform to showcase their latest innovations.
Gamuda's technology showcase at the event serves as a model for others to follow. By integrating cutting-edge technologies with sustainable practices, the company is redefining what's possible in construction and infrastructure development.
In conclusion, Gamuda Berhad's journey from a traditional construction company to a digital innovator exemplifies the transformative power of technology in even the most established industries. As it continues to push the boundaries of innovation, Gamuda is not just building structures; it's constructing the future of the industry itself. For businesses across sectors, Gamuda's story offers valuable lessons in the importance of embracing digital transformation, fostering a culture of innovation, and balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility.
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