Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s infrastructure sector must move beyond conventional approaches by strengthening compliance with standards, embracing technology and developing a highly competent workforce, said Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) Director Baharuhom K.K. Sogon.
He said the construction and infrastructure industry was undergoing rapid change as development needs increased and public expectations for quality project delivery continued to rise, adding that projects could no longer be assessed merely on whether they were completed, but also on their compliance with standards, efficiency, safety, quality and their long-term benefits to the public.
“We can no longer rely solely on conventional approaches. The industry must move in tandem with technological developments, strengthen workforce competencies and reinforce a culture of compliance with standards,” he said at the Borneo Empowerment in Standards and Transformation (Best) Conference 2026 on Tuesday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Director (Roads Sector) Hafez Shabuddin.
Baharuhom said standards remained the foundation of quality in infrastructure development, ensuring that processes were carried out systematically, specifications were followed and safety was prioritised.
However, he stressed that maintaining standards was not solely the responsibility of JKR Sabah.
“Compliance with standards is a shared responsibility. It involves contractors, consultants, suppliers, training institutions and every party within the infrastructure development chain,” he said.
He said the growing adoption of technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analytics, was transforming the way infrastructure was planned, delivered and maintained.
“Technology is no longer an option; it has become a necessity. Through the effective use of technology, we can improve productivity, strengthen quality control, reduce risks and make more accurate, data-driven decisions,” he explained.
Baharuhom said JKR Sabah would continue to support the state’s development as its technical agency by delivering infrastructure projects that were of high quality, efficient and sustainable.
He also called for closer cooperation between government agencies, professional bodies, educational institutions, industry players and technology providers.
“Successful infrastructure development cannot be achieved by one organisation alone. It requires close cooperation among all stakeholders,” he said.
He hoped that Best Conference would eventually become an annual platform for strengthening professional excellence and producing more professionals capable of leading Sabah’s infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, Programme Director Hidayat Syeh said Best was established not merely as an annual conference but as a platform to strengthen Sabah’s professional community.
He said the initiative was created around the question of who would build and strengthen the professional community supporting Sabah’s infrastructure development.
“Best was created not merely to be an annual conference. It is intended to become a platform that brings together the professional community, promotes knowledge sharing, builds networks and supports Sabah’s development, while encouraging safe working practices across industries,” he said.
Hidayat said the conference theme, “Strengthening Standards and Empowering Infrastructure Technology,” reflected the industry’s need to combine robust standards with technological advancement.
However, he stressed that both elements had to be supported by competent human capital, continuous learning and a willingness to embrace change.
As part of the initiative’s longer-term development, he said Best would continue its knowledge-sharing efforts beyond the conference through BEST Podcast, which would provide a platform to discuss industry issues, challenges, innovations and emerging developments.