Best CEOs from Asia 2024 Ir Ts Zuraihi Abdul Ghani

Driving Construction Revolution 4.0

Ir Ts Zuraihi Abdul Ghani

Chief Executive Officer

CIDB IBS Sdn Bhd

I nnovation and advancement in construction technology are essential for industry progress, demanding leaders who blend technical prowess with visionary insight. Ir Ts Zuraihi Abdul Ghani, CEO of CIDB IBS Sdn Bhd, epitomises such leadership through his strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to excellence. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in engineering (Honours) Civil & Structure, Zuraihi embarked on his career as a project engineer at a contractor firm, refining his expertise in planning, coordinating construction activities, and ensuring material deliveries. Transitioning to a design role, he immersed himself in structural and road pavement complexities, leveraging engineering software and collaborative teamwork to excel. His client-facing role broadened his perspective, necessitating effective communication across disciplines. Zuraihi’s leadership embodies two core qualities: fostering a collaborative work environment through open communication and professional development, and a commitment to innovation in industrialised building systems (IBS). A pioneer in Construction Revolution 4.0 (CR4.0), he integrates advanced technologies to elevate industry standards. His efforts at CIDB IBS Sdn Bhd have not only enhanced efficiency and quality but also cemented his reputation as a transformative leader. In an exclusive interview with TradeFlock, Zuraihi shares insights into his journey and the strategies driving CIDB IBS Sdn Bhd’s success and growth.

What pivotal career moments led to your CEO role at CIDB IBS Sdn Bhd?

My journey to become CEO of CIDB IBS Sdn Bhd has been shaped by pivotal moments in Malaysia’s construction sector. Beginning with roles in private and governmentlinked companies like OPUS International Consultant and PLUS Berhad, I gained extensive experience in infrastructure projects, particularly road and highway expansions. These roles honed my skills in project management, asset and facility management, and business strategy. My leadership path crystallised during my tenure as the programme owner for Sustainable INFRASTAR, Malaysia’s first generic sustainable infrastructure rating tool. Developed under the CITP’s Environmental Sustainability thrust, this tool benchmarked against international standards like CEEQUAL and Envision, ensuring early integration of sustainable elements in projects over RM100 million. Certified as a Professional Engineer and Technologist by Malaysian boards and an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE), I received the REALTY 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award 2022 in Dubai, marking my commitment to advancing Malaysia’s construction industry through innovation and sustainability.

How does Asian leadership differ from Western models, and how has this shaped your leadership skills?

Asian leadership traditionally follows a hierarchical structure, emphasising authority and adherence to established processes, while Western models favour flatter organisations, promoting collaboration and innovation. As a leader, I’ve integrated these approaches, balancing decisiveness with collaboration. This balanced approach involves making clear, decisive choices while also engaging the team in decision-making processes. By fostering a culture where team members feel empowered to contribute, I promote ownership and motivation, aligning with both Asian respect for authority and Western emphasis on teamwork and creativity.

What are your plans to contribute further to the construction industry?

After achieving success in the construction industry, my plan is to continue contributing by prioritising several key strategies. Firstly, I will emphasise building and nurturing a strong, efficient team, ensuring each member excels and communication flows seamlessly. Secondly, I’ll focus on developing a clear strategic vision and actionable plan to guide us towards long-term goals and align with company objectives. Thirdly, I’ll adopt a proactive approach to business development, actively seeking new opportunities and fostering client relationships. Lastly, I will make well-informed decisions, considering all factors, to maintain our industry leadership and reputation for excellence.

What is your standout achievement in advancing the Construction Revolution 4.0 agenda?

My significant achievement in advancing the Construction Revolution 4.0 agenda is spearheading the IBS Affordable Housing Standard Design. This initiative meets Malaysia’s housing demands with 46 standardised designs, encompassing both land and strata types. Each includes type of IBS such as precast or modular systems, architecture, structural and M&E design, building information modelling (BIM), IBS scoring, and construction cost estimates. Moreover, I collaborated with local contractors to explore 3D printing technology, deploying a Danish solution to construct two benchmarksetting showhouse units. Though in the R&D stage, this progress is pivotal towards commercialising advanced construction methods. As CIDB IBS’s certifying authority for IBS products in Malaysia, we facilitate the adoption of prefabricated products and international IBS systems, enhancing construction diversity and promoting innovative technologies vital to achieving Construction Revolution 4.0 objectives across Asia.

What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for the Asian construction industry in the next decade?

Over the next decade, the Asian construction industry will capitalise on technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) to boost productivity, enhance safety, and promote sustainability. Challenges include the need for skilled labour and specialised equipment to support these advancements. Green construction initiatives, aimed at reducing carbon footprints, may pose initial cost challenges. Smart city developments driven by data analytics require substantial investments and regulatory support. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, and modular construction techniques will transform practices, yet managing their adoption and limitations remains pivotal for industry evolution.