Building together: CDL Academy upskills workforce to build a sustainable future

This article was first published in The Edge Malaysia on 14 October 2024.

The transition to sustainable construction is no longer a choice but a necessity. As the construction industry faces growing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices, it becomes clear that this shift requires not only technological innovation but also a collective effort from all stakeholders. A critical aspect of this transformation is upskilling the workforce to ensure that every player is prepared to meet the challenges of a greener future.

Recognising this need, YTL Cement Bhd launched the CDL Academy in 2019. It is an extension of YTL Cement’s Construction Development Laboratory (CDL), its building materials R&D centre. The academy draws on CDL’s team of experts to deliver its training programmes, merging technical knowledge with practical experience to equip the next generation of professionals for an evolving construction landscape.

Upskilling: Key to success

“In today’s evolving construction landscape, continuous upskilling is essential to keep the industry competitive and resilient,” says CDL Technical Manager Nursyuhada Che Hussain, who leads concrete training. “Training not only improves technical skills but fosters innovation and sustainability — vital in an era of technological advancement and growing demand for green solutions.”

CDL Senior Quality Control Manager Chew Siok Hoon, who oversees cement training, adds, “A skilled workforce is key to adapting to modern construction practices and positioning Malaysia as a leader in both sustainable development and quality construction. This enhances our competitiveness in the global economy.”

Both trainers emphasise that proficiency in digital tools, sustainable building practices, and low-carbon methods is crucial as the industry aligns with global sustainability standards. “At CDL Academy, we combine theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training to ensure that workers can apply their skills confidently in real-world settings,” says Nursyuhada, highlighting the importance of collaborating with industry associations to keep the curriculum relevant.

Elevating skills through CDL Academy

As Malaysia’s rapid urbanisation continues, the construction industry must meet demand while balancing sustainability and efficiency. Rising environmental awareness and changing customer expectations are pushing builders toward sustainable practices, while innovations like Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones and AI are reshaping how projects are executed.

To ensure success, upskilling the workforce remains crucial. CDL Academy’s Seminar Series, launched in 2019, addresses this by offering a platform for knowledge sharing on key topics like sustainable construction. These seminars, integral to YTL Cement’s continuous learning strategy, have contributed to over 80 sessions and benefited more than 8,000 industry professionals, advancing skills across the sector.

Nurturing future builders with masterclasses

In addition to upskilling current professionals, the CDL Academy supports the next generation of industry leaders through its Masterclass Series, aimed at tertiary students. These sessions provide architecture and engineering students with practical, hands-on training in cement and concrete, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

“Our Masterclass Series offers students a deeper understanding of cement and concrete as core building materials while emphasising sustainable construction practices,” says Chew. “By instilling a commitment to environmentally conscious building, we prepare future leaders to foster innovation and sustainability in the industry.”