TWO years of an unprecedented pandemic has taught that we cannot be operating business as usual.
And, after a two-year hiatus from holding its physical exhibition, the Architecture, Interior Design, and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) has launched its 21st annual exhibition on a high note, with exhibitors and suppliers upbeat about making a strong comeback.
And, with the robust success of today’s ARCHIDEX Exhibition, the construction industry – being the life and blood of the country’s economy in playing a key and strategic role in national recovery – was given a huge booster.
“As we gradually move into the endemic phase of COVID-19, an exhibition like ARCHIDEX is important because architects have been playing an important role in the construction sector where they are accountable for design and project planning, as well as the visual appearance of structures and constructions,” commented Deputy Works Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup at the ARCHIDEX press conference today (June 29).
“The construction sector is also considered to be one of the main sources that contribute to the country’s economic growth.”
According to Arthur, every ringgit invested in the construction sector can create up to a three-time multiplier effect as when the construction of a project commences, there is an entire chain of suppliers involved, including architects, designers, steel and cement.
“This is where we have to ensure that the construction sector remains vibrant so that architects, designers and suppliers will always have a lot of projects and demand,” he added.
However, in order for the industry to resume work there is a need for the whole industry to come together. The lesson gleaned from experiencing COVID-19 shows that business cannot be conducted the way it was before.
New technologies, ideas and designs point the way forward as work-from-home (WFH) and working online has become the norm. Now, the home, too, needs to incorporate good working spaces so people can work from home more often with convenience.
In tandem with the demanding nature of the market, exhibitions like ARCHIDEX (which went online last year) serve to address a very present need in the industry whereby exhibitors and suppliers can showcase their products.
Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) president Assoc. Prof. (Ind.) Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum endorsed ARCHIDEX as a powerful platform that will spur further opportunities.
“Recovery is definitely on everyone’s mind and with that, there will be a momentum towards prosperity,” he remarked.
He added that with strong government support, the impetus of this will lead to a sustained period of recovery for everyone in the industry, especially for architects, he said.
“Just being here is a powerful testament to our determination to rebuild stronger together,” agreed CIS president Datuk Vincent Lim.
“Having built ARCHIDEX as a multi-dimensional business platform and marketplace for members of the architecture, interior design and building community to connect, collaborate and create new business ventures and bridges, the aim is to advance the economy and society further together.”
ARCHIDEX 2022 – jointly organised by PAM and CIS – will be held from June 29 to July 2, 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre with its DATUM:KL Conferences running concurrently.
ARCHIDEX Online, its digital platform will be going live from June 29, 2022 onwards. Registration is required for entry. For more information, please visit https://ARCHIDEX.com.my/. – June 29, 2022
Yvonne Yoong is Focus Malaysia’s contributing Property & Lifestyle Editor seasoned in covering the property beat and other industries.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
