Advancing BIM Adoption in Malaysia’s Construction Industry: Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Operations and Facility Management

2.1 Definition of BIM

The fast-growing sector of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) is altering BIM [13]. BIM has been defined in various ways throughout its development, and a universally accepted definition has yet to be established [1]. In the early 2000s, BIM was used pre- and post-construction to simulate building components. In the late 2000s, BIM revolutionized the way AEC processes and tasks were conducted, increasing communication, collaboration, and efficiency by reducing the amount of paperwork required. To date, BIM has permeated the entire industry, making it easier to plan, design, produce, and operate facilities more efficiently [14]. Delivering products via rational 3D virtual models in design is one of the BIM methods [13]. In other words, BIM is digital information that combines all of the information regarding building during every phase of a project's lifespan [15, 16]. BIM is defined as a new approach to managing and improving AEC performance in project completion and management. The current definition of BIM emphasizes its role as an industry paradigm shift which affects every aspect of projects throughout the design and construction cycle [15]. The concept of BIM appeared in the early 1980s, and researchers described its concept and applied it to actual CAD software applications [13]. Until the mid-1990s, BIM was not widely adopted due to technical limitations. Over time, BIM technology evolved from basic 3D modeling to include additional dimensions based on product lifecycle management (PLM), expanding into 4D, 5D, and even 6D capabilities. Today, this enhanced 3D BIM is readily available. On construction sites, however, BIM use remains mostly limited to managers who provide guidance and manage information, as construction activities heavily depend on effective communication [17]. BIM is rarely used on construction sites. Visualization technology can help workers better understand the planned building. Access to BIM models can give workers continuous insight into current planning work [18].

Construction managers play a vital role in the planning and production aspects of the construction industry [17]. A common problem in the construction industry is inadequate or incorrect construction documentation, which construction managers must correct or interpret during the production process, wasting time and money. BIM helps construction companies manage data and maintain graphical elements [19]. BIM affects quantity aspects like cost, schedule, and material inventory, which speed up decision-making, and quality aspects like structure and environment data analysis. From 2014, all United Kingdom (UK) government contracts must include fully collaborative 3D BIM in construction projects, reducing transaction costs and errors. Project management benefits from BIM because it reduces documentation time and improves stakeholder communication [20]. Business interest in BIM is growing due to its ability to promote information exchange and reuse across a project lifecycle [13]. BIM can improve construction efficiency by increasing participant participation, reducing disputes, and eliminating the need for constant correction and adaptation. It is not only beneficial for large projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Stadium but also can be used for smaller projects [20].

BIM is a technology that uses computers and software to simulate building structures virtually, integrating all the information required for construction. The physical characteristics of building components are transformed into a 3D model, which then evolves into a 4D model by incorporating the element of time. When cost information is added, this model becomes 5D, and further dimensions can include aspects such as sustainability, energy performance, and facility management. BIM can be understood as both a process and a technology that involves creating, managing, and sharing detailed data about an asset’s physical and functional attributes. This is done within a collaborative digital environment, using simulation models that support the entire lifecycle of a project [21]. This subsection provides an extensive literature review on the definition of BIM and its evolution from the past to the present day, as well as its benefits and importance in the construction sector. The following subsection presents the challenges facing BIM implementation in the construction sector.

2.2 Challenges in BIM implementation

An extensive literature review was conducted to determine the four challenge categories as follows:

• Cost: Several studies show that the initial cost of BIM adoption in Malaysia is very high [22-24]. The comprehensive BIM adoption is thereby based much on the incorporation of all BIM software. The cooperation of all the authoring software demands a high cost to buy for the BIM stakeholders. In addition, Ismail et al. [25] stated that the great investment should be conducted financially by the company to adopt BIM technology. Only large organizations in Malaysia can afford the cost of BIM technology and training programs. Roseli and Mohd [26] indicated that the cost regarding BIM adoption in the construction industry needs a great initial investment in terms of software, hardware, and personnel training. Alterations in workflow and processes are costly when innovative technologies are applied.

• Workforce: BIM adoption faces several obstacles related to the workforce in the construction industry. BIM projects comprise several offices and locations, with staff working in silos and following different goals. Another challenge to BIM execution is that employees and staff resist changing their attitudes. Sometimes staff resist and have a diverse attitude toward sharing data. In addition, BIM adoption in Malaysia is very slow since learning new skills is considered a long procedure for employees and staff [27]. Elhendawi [28] found that the Malaysian construction workforce doesn’t have adequate BIM experience, although personnel generally possess enough academic qualifications. Furthermore, the lack of guidance and supervision from BIM experts has hindered effective implementation.

• Technology: Numerous studies show that the lack of interoperable software or inadequate information technology (IT) infrastructure are the main causes behind slow BIM adoption in Malaysia [24, 29]. Ahlam and Abdul Rahim [30] found that the technological barriers to BIM adoption are primarily associated with issues of interoperability, compatibility, and technological complexity, including licensing policies, risks related to data sharing, version control problems, data loss during file exchange, lack of software compatibility, and inadequate information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. In addition, the situation of small construction companies was not favorable for adopting new technology, which acted as one of the management barriers to implementing BIM [31].

• Awareness: Al-Ashmori et al. [32] stated that BIM implementation in the Malaysian construction industry is low due to lack of awareness of its benefits. Since 2007, the government has implemented BIM, but industry stakeholders are unaware of its benefits. In Malaysia, there is still a shortage of knowledge about the advantages of using BIM. There is a shortage of workshops, lectures, and conferences aimed at increasing public awareness of BIM. When a firm applies BIM to its daily processes, the level of BIM knowledge and staff awareness tends to enhance; however, teaching or facilitating seminars becomes passive if BIM is not applied [33]. From a technological awareness perspective, there is also a lack of understanding regarding BIM techniques, innovative technologies, and their applications [34]. Waqar [31] found that there is limited awareness of the benefits of BIM adoption in Malaysia, particularly among project staff, which exacerbates challenges in BIM execution. Most of these challenges involve the knowledge, technology, and processes of BIM adoption [35]. Some BIM adoption barriers are easier to overcome than others. Several obstacles have slowed BIM adoption in construction as follows:

• Uncertain BIM benefits with regard to growing techniques.

• The duties and accountability for incorporating data into a model and maintaining it are unclear.

• A lack of understanding of the adoption of BIM.

• A lack of hardware and software resources for using BIM technologies.

• The project's stakeholders are not integrated enough to use the model at various project stages.

• A lack of tools and a proper legal framework for incorporating owners' opinions into design and construction [19].

• The adoption of BIM in the construction industry involves several risks, including technical and software challenges, unsustainable user development, security vulnerabilities, selecting unsuitable development partners, communication issues, and accidental data leaks [30].

A real-world case study examining 32 non-residential buildings in the UK highlighted the limitations encountered when migrating to BIM-based facility management. These risks emphasize the importance of careful planning and risk management to ensure successful BIM implementation and to mitigate potential setbacks during the transition process [36]. The case study findings illustrate how BIM can improve staff and operational efficiency as well as the accuracy of geometric data capture using real-life examples. Interviews with real estate experts in the case study revealed the challenge, i.e., there are significant differences between BIM technology, facility management technology, and the building lifecycle. Therefore, facility management organizations must prepare for different information and data standards in the medium and long term, rather than adapting their business processes to specific technologies.

Kassem et al. [37] selected the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a case study to examine the barriers hindering the adoption of BIM. The choice of the UAE reflects the diversity of its local AEC sector, which attracts contractors, consultants, and suppliers from around the world. The study revealed a general lack of motivation within the industry to engage with BIM, which significantly slows its adoption. Key challenges identified include resistance to change, insufficient support from senior management, significant differences in workflows, absence of BIM requirements from owners and clients, limited BIM experience, uneven adoption among stakeholders, shortage of skilled BIM personnel, high costs associated with BIM, low interoperability between systems, issues with project procurement, difficulties in BIM model management, and unresolved legal and contractual concerns. These factors collectively contribute to the slow and uneven implementation of BIM across the UAE construction sector.

Re Cecconi et al. [38] investigated the challenges faced by large construction companies in Brazil regarding the full implementation of BIM. The research focused on understanding the difficulties in adopting BIM and enhancing infrastructure projects using 3D and 4D modeling. As a case study, the analysis included company documents and project records, supported by data collected through two questionnaires. The first questionnaire gathered information on BIM applications, while the second explored the understanding of BIM implementation in projects and identified key limitations in using selected 3D and 4D modeling projects. Several major limitations emerged from the case study, including:

• Limited awareness and experience with BIM feasibility among design subcontractors.

• Insufficient information within 3D models, which restricts advancements in other dimensions like 4D and 5D.

• A lack of understanding about how BIM applies to design and its connection to construction processes.

• Tight project timelines driven by Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract requirements, which constrain design development and verification.

• Client reluctance to invest in BIM development due to concerns about increased time and costs.

• Difficulties in optimizing projects when working with international contractors.

• Challenges in sharing common models and databases due to intellectual property concerns.

The AEC industry faces significant challenges in adopting BIM, largely due to its fragmented, project-based nature and varying levels of market readiness across countries [39]. These factors have slowed the pace of BIM implementation. Additional obstacles include the high costs associated with projects, the extensive training required, and resistance from many designers who prefer traditional methods, all of which negatively affect overall productivity [40]. Surveys of AEC academics and practitioners highlight that the high cost of human resources and the lengthy time needed for training are among the main barriers hindering wider BIM use [41]. For large projects, new BIM management roles have been introduced, but managing change during BIM implementation remains difficult [39]. Employees require better training and engagement to adapt to new workflows [20]. Furthermore, after BIM adoption, the specific roles and daily responsibilities of project managers remain unclear. There is also ongoing debate about whether BIM can effectively address the longstanding fragmentation within the construction industry that hinders seamless information sharing throughout a project’s lifecycle [22].

Legal issues related to BIM can be grouped into four main categories: (1) incompatibility between existing procurement systems and BIM processes, (2) increased liability risks such as design errors, data transcription mistakes, data loss, and misuse, (3) questions around model ownership and intellectual property rights, and (4) unclear roles, responsibilities, and obligations among project participants. Since BIM affects the traditional collaboration among project stakeholders, the legal issues mentioned can also have legal consequences for these traditional procurement methods, depending on the existing roles of project stakeholders in the contract structure. When BIM is applied to relational project delivery systems such as project partnerships, project alliances, and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), procurement system incompatibility is no longer an issue. Accountability issues and unclear roles and responsibilities should not be viewed as obstacles to project operations, as these procurement systems, to varying degrees, incorporate collaborative elements (e.g., early involvement of key parties, transparent finances, shared risks and opportunities, joint decision-making, and collaborative multi-party agreements) into contractual arrangements. However, since formal contracts represent a protection mechanism that ensures transactional security among project participants, those involved in project delivery systems should carefully consider the potential legal implications of BIM use. It is recommended that the cooperation terms for coordinating BIM-related services between the parties be clearly defined within the formal contract to prevent unnecessary disputes [42].

Wong and Gray [43] found that there are many legal barriers to BIM implementation in the Malaysian construction industry, with copyright issues being the biggest legal barrier. In addition, uncertainty in ownership structure poses another barrier. BIM projects lack formal contracts and documentation. The construction industry is reluctant to invest in BIM due to its fragmented nature. Lack of formal documentation also makes it difficult to determine the ownership of BIM data. This subsection reviews all challenges and obstacles that hinder BIM implementation in construction projects and addresses the role of BIM in the construction sector. The following subsection provides an extensive literature review of factors affecting successful BIM implementation in the construction sector.

2.3 Factors affecting successful BIM implementation

The following factors influence the successful implementation of BIM in any organization:

• Top management: Top management plays a crucial role in driving BIM adoption within an organization [44].

• Training and learning: Intensive training and learning can improve workforce competency. Additionally, most novice engineers have theoretical knowledge of BIM application. Therefore, they should be welcomed and make a difference in the organization. Experienced staff can proactively learn new topics and technical skills [45].

• Interoperability and compatibility: Sunil et al. [46] found that competitive pressure strongly influences organizations’ BIM adoption. Only a few Malaysian companies use BIM, while most use the traditional method.

• Project management: Project types are also important for BIM implementation in Malaysia's construction industry. Van Tam et al. [45] identified project size, complexity, and requirements as critical considerations affecting the application of BIM in different project types.

2.4 Role of BIM in the construction industry

2.4.1 BIM for facility management

BIM can streamline operations for facility managers. It can provide information to facility managers in the form of electronic copies such as PDF documents, CAD drawings, and as-built BIM models in a BIM-based project environment. With the introduction of BIM in construction projects, there is a growing need for non-geometric information in the form of the Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) standard [47]. In addition, they have demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating BIM with the Internet of Things (IoT) for smart building management [25, 48, 49], thereby improving the efficiency of long-term asset maintenance. Re [26] identified the requirements of asset managers and asset management practices: (1) space occupancy management; (2) mechanical equipment condition management; (3) qualitative assessment of building conditions; and (4) life assessment of building components and systems according to ISO15686-8.

2.4.2 BIM and sustainable development

BIM as a digital platform has been developed to enhance real-time collaboration and simulate construction processes, making it a valuable tool for boosting efficiency in construction projects [31]. A study focusing on Perak, Malaysia, highlighted BIM’s role in promoting sustainable development within building projects. The research aimed to evaluate how BIM influences resource efficiency, energy conservation, waste reduction, and decision-making processes geared toward sustainable construction. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between BIM adoption and early design optimization, energy performance analysis, material selection, lifecycle assessment, and waste minimization. This evidence supports the integration of BIM in construction practices, demonstrating its potential to improve environmental sustainability and contribute to achieving greener building outcomes. Furthermore, multiple studies have confirmed BIM’s critical role in advancing sustainable development by reducing waste, lowering energy consumption, and encouraging adherence to green building standards [50-52]. This complies with Malaysia’s goals for sustainable urban development [53, 54].

2.4.3 BIM and Industry 4.0

Information integration for smart industry is an important step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the construction and renovation of existing buildings. While smart sustainability technologies such as BIM and IoT continue to evolve, challenges exist for a single technology and the integration of both technologies is needed to address these evolving challenges. The database created through BIM-IoT integration takes full advantage of application programming interfaces (APIs) and relational data by developing new queries, languages, semantic web technologies, and hybrid technologies [2]. The integration of IoT with BIM can significantly enhance six essential functions within facility management: energy management, operation and maintenance, space management, project management, emergency response, and quality control. By combining these technologies, IoT-BIM offers a practical and effective platform to drive the digital transformation of facility management. This integration helps optimize building performance, improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of facility operations [55]. Furthermore, building a data-driven digital twin framework that brings together BIM, IoT, and data mining for advanced project management can facilitate data communication and exploration, enabling physical construction operations to be better understood, predicted, and optimized [56].

image007.png

Figure 3. Demographic analysis of respondents

Table 4. Demographic distribution of respondents

	Frequency	%	Cumulative Frequency
Gender
Meal	199	78%	199
Female	33	22%	152
Total	152
Age
30 years and below	98	64%	98
31-40	37	24%	153
41 and above	17	11%	152
Total	152
Education
Diploma	4	3%	4
Bachelor’s degree	31	20%	35
Postgraduate	110	72%	110
Other	7	5%	117
Total	152
Years of experience
5 years and below	93	61%	93
6-10 years	34	22%	127
11-15 years	15	10%	142
16 years and above	10	7%	152
Total	152
BIM experience
Yes	47	31%	47
No	105	69%	152
Total	152

Demographic information such as gender, age, experience and education directly influences respondents’ attitudes and opinions of BIM adoption in construction projects. Sometimes, women may be less exposed to advanced technology in some sectors due to under-representation in technical roles, which may affect their attitudes towards BIM. As for age, younger generations are more open to adopting new technologies such as BIM, as they are more exposed to digital technology in education and training. Older groups may face greater challenges in adapting to technological changes, but greater practical experience may contribute to appreciating the benefits of using BIM. Individuals with long experience in the construction sector may be more reluctant to adopt BIM if they have not previously dealt with similar technologies, due to familiarity with traditional working methods. Education level plays an important role in shaping opinions about BIM. Individuals with academic backgrounds in engineering or management are often more familiar with advanced technologies, which facilitates their adoption of BIM [67]. On the other hand, individuals with less formal education or in non-technical disciplines may find it difficult to adopt BIM tools due to lack of technical knowledge. In contrast, individuals with experience in technology-based projects tend to be more welcoming of BIM, as they recognize the benefits of improved efficiency and reduced errors.

4.3 Questionnaire validation

A pilot study was conducted to test the reliability of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 30 participants, and its reliability was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha test. Sections B and C each have 16 questions. Table 5 shows alpha values of those two sections, and Figure 4 displays data. Section B's alpha is 0.861, which is good; the alpha value of Section C is 0.741, which is acceptable according to the criteria presented in Table 1, as indicated by McClave et al. [59].

Table 5. Reliability test

	No. of Questions	Alpha Value	Judgment
Section B	16	0.861	Good
Section C	15	0.741	Acceptable

4.4 Challenges in implementing BIM

This study examines the challenges of integrating BIM into Malaysia's construction industry. Four criteria were found through a literature review. A Likert scale from 1 to 5 was used to identify the sectors' most common issues. Figure 4 shows the ranking based on RII.

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Figure 4. Reliability validation of the research questionnaire

4.4.1 Cost

Table 6 shows the mean and SD for each cost-related question. The mean is 3.82 (out of 5.00) and the SD is 0.94. With a mean of 3.76 (out of 5.00) and an SD of 0.85, the results indicate that the respondents moderately agree that the implementation cost is high (C1). It was found that companies avoid BIM projects due to cost issues (C2). The mean is 3.68 (out of 5.00) and the SD is 1.01. Other costs of BIM were investigated (C3). With a mean of 4.05 (out of 5.00) and an SD of 0.89, the results indicate that respondents agree that other costs of BIM implementation are high. Many project clients reject high-budget projects due to implementation costs. This affects the project budget. However, BIM implementation does not necessarily guarantee a Return on Investment (ROI). The mean is 3.78 (out of 5.00) and the SD is 1.01, indicating a moderate level of agreement.

Table 6. Mean score distribution of cost

Cost		Mean	SD
C1	High implementation cost	3.76	0.85
C2	Refusal of the company to invest in the project	3.68	1.01
C3	Other costs associated with BIM adoption, such as training and IT, are high.	4.05	0.89
C4	Project budget and project size do not guarantee a good ROI for BIM implementation.	3.78	1.01
	Overall	3.82	0.94

These results are compatible with the results of many studies, i.e., the high costs of BIM are caused by many reasons. Apart from being expensive and having high licensing fees, the BIM-related software requires computers with strong processing units and enormous specifications that further increase the overall cost [68, 69]. In addition, companies also incur great costs to provide training for employees to effectively use BIM software and acquire the necessary expertise [65, 70]. The cost barriers in Malaysia underscore a critical gap between BIM’s potential and its perceived affordability. Policymakers could prioritize fiscal incentives and ROI frameworks to align industry expectations with BIM’s proven efficiency gains.

4.4.2 Workforce

This part examines workforce competency and BIM adoption as the next challenge. The workforce usually writes the success story for a new system or technology. Worker acceptance is crucial. Respondents moderately agreed that construction workers have BIM capabilities (W1). As shown in Section A, most respondents do not have BIM capabilities, which confirms this problem. The average score was 3.87 with an SD of 0.95. This result is consistent with a question showing that personnel aren’t skilled enough in BIM technique. Workers were moderately willing to learn and adapt, according to respondents. An SD of 0.92 and a mean score of 3.85 (out of 5.00) align with the findings of Moshood [70], i.e., workshops are conducted regularly to keep staff adapted to changes in the Malaysian construction industry.

The training needs were also examined. Respondents agreed that BIM's technical complexity makes workforce training time-consuming, which aligns with the findings of Waqar [31]. To make BIM user-friendly, they must train current and new staff. They must also establish a support group for BIM application issues. W3 averages 4.11 out of 5.00 with an SD of 0.98. W4 examines project stakeholder integration. Respondents moderately agreed that project stakeholders must integrate to use the BIM model at different phases. The score averaged 3.96 out of 5.00 with an SD of 0.88. Overall, workforce scores average 3.95 out of 5.00 with an SD of 0.93. The workforce mean score distribution is shown in Table 7.

Table 7. Mean score distribution of workforce

Workforce		Mean	SD
W1	The current construction team is familiar with BIM.	3.87	0.95
W2	Employees are willing to learn and adapt to new changes.	3.85	0.92
W3	Employee training takes longer.	4.11	0.98
W4	To ensure that the model can be used at all stages of the project, all project stakeholders are involved.	3.96	0.88
	Overall	3.95	0.93

The importance of training lies in enabling workers in the construction sector to acquire the necessary technical skills to deal with the digital tools provided by BIM, which contributes to improving the quality of projects and increasing productivity and efficiency. Training programs also guarantee reducing human errors and improving risk management in construction sites, which reduces the total costs of projects and enhances work safety. Moreover, the development of the workforce helps enhance the understanding of the economic and technical benefits of BIM adoption, such as improving communication between the different parties in the project and achieving integration between the various stages of design, construction and operation. Without appropriate training, developing countries face difficulties in applying this technology as a result of a lack of knowledge, fear of change and high costs, which aligns with the findings of Kineber et al. [71] and Syed Jamaludin et al. [72].

4.4.3 Technology

Technology was identified as the third challenge through the literature review. Technology is a major issue for Chinese construction [34]. Construction companies must evaluate IT resources and technical bottlenecks before implementing BIM. Many general issues were identified and used as sub-issues in this challenge for this study. Table 8 shows that the mean score is 3.95 out of 5.00 with an SD of 1.00. The need for BIM implementation was assessed in T1. A mean score of 4.16 (out of 5.00) and an SD of 0.91 indicate that good hardware is required for BIM implementation according to the respondents. The rapid evolution of technology necessitates BIM software to have technical properties that address associated issues and increase the efficiency of AEC projects. Technical considerations include the functionality of software, interoperability, usability, BIM standards and regulations, data security and privacy, application integration/extension, accessibility, and the handling of large datasets. In addition, respondents moderately agreed that multiple stakeholders can lead to data integrity issues, with a mean score of 3.91 and an SD of 1.05. In addition, respondents generally concurred that BIM software is technically intricate (T3) and that traceability may be impaired because multiple parties can access data simultaneously (T4). As shown in the table, the average score for T3 is 3.93 out of 5.00, with an SD of 0.96, and for T4 it is 3.80 with an SD of 1.08.

Table 8. Mean score distribution of workforce

Technology		Mean	SD
T1	BIM implementation requires high-quality hardware.	4.16	0.91
T2	Data integrity issues (data ownership and protection)	3.91	1.05
T3	Software complexity	3.93	0.96
T4	Poor traceability (tracking of changes and accountability)	3.80	1.08
	Overall	3.95	1.00

Several studies have mentioned the same technological barriers while others have reported additional barriers. Malaysia, like many developing countries, faces significant technological challenges in adopting BIM technologies. Compared to other developing countries, the technological challenges in Malaysia include several key aspects, including the lack of technical skills, as there is a significant shortage of professionals in Malaysia who specialize in using BIM technology [73]. Adopting BIM requires advanced expertise in software and 3D data management, which a large number of workers in the construction sector lack. This shortage leads to delays in the implementation of the technology and difficulty in realizing its full benefits. In addition, the weakness of the technological infrastructure poses a major challenge, as BIM relies on fast internet connectivity and advanced computing devices. In Malaysia, like many developing countries, the digital infrastructure is still insufficient to support complex applications such as BIM on a large scale. Compared to other developing countries [55], Malaysia faces similar challenges in terms of a lack of government support and awareness of the importance and benefits of BIM. However, the Malaysian government is seeking to promote this technology through strategies aimed at improving skills and providing financial support for companies to adopt BIM [71].

4.4.4 Awareness

One of the key challenges remaining is to raise awareness within the industry about the implementation and practical use of BIM. According to Table 9, the average rating for this aspect is 3.92 out of 5, with an SD of 0.92. Understanding BIM and its benefits is crucial for improving project productivity. Many researchers have highlighted that increasing industry knowledge about how BIM works, along with its advantages and potential drawbacks, is essential to encourage its adoption as a new project delivery method. For example, BIM adoption has been slow in Malaysia largely due to a lack of sufficient knowledge [9]. Successfully adopting BIM involves building confidence in the technology, developing expertise, choosing the right BIM tools, understanding project scope, and managing contracts effectively. Therefore, boosting awareness can help overcome these obstacles and unlock the benefits that BIM offers. Survey respondents generally agreed that experienced workers and managers are familiar with BIM, giving average scores of 3.93 and 3.97 (out of 5), respectively. They also acknowledged the availability of BIM training courses, which received an average score of 4.00 with an SD of 0.83. Additionally, there was strong agreement that university graduates possess knowledge of how to apply BIM in the industry, with an average score of 3.78 and an SD of 1.16.

Table 9. Mean score distribution of awareness

Awareness		Mean	SD
A1	Experienced staff are familiar with the use of BIM.	3.93	0.82
A2	Management understands the benefits of BIM.	3.97	0.87
A3	There are awareness programs/courses for BIM application.	4.00	0.83
A4	Graduates will learn how to use BIM in practice.	3.78	1.16
	Overall	3.92	0.92

Despite the Malaysian government’s efforts and initiatives to promote BIM, awareness of this technology remains relatively low within the industry and this finding corresponds to the study by Al-Ashmori et al. [32] which affirmed that the awareness level of BIM in Malaysia’s construction industry is still very low. Several studies have identified key challenges that complicate BIM adoption. One major obstacle is the high cost associated with BIM technology. Implementing BIM requires significant investment in advanced software, powerful hardware and personnel training to use these tools effectively. This financial burden is particularly heavy for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) [71]. Furthermore, the lack of sustained government support acts as a barrier, as indicated by Munianday et al. [74]. Many companies feel that more funding or subsidies are necessary to support training programs and encourage wider BIM adoption [75], which is supported by the results in Table 9 where the awareness for training and courses for BIM is still not very high, with a mean score of only 4. Moreover, the mean values show that the graduates still lack awareness of BIM uses in practice. In addition, unclear guidelines and the absence of standardized policies on how to implement BIM in projects contribute to hesitancy among firms to fully embrace the technology [73]. Addressing these issues is essential to facilitate smoother BIM integration and to realize its potential benefits across Malaysia’s construction sector.

Many workers in the construction sector do not have the technical skills necessary to implement BIM effectively, which leads to a reluctance to change the traditional processes they rely on [76]. The findings in Table 9 can prove that there is still a lack of awareness about staff skills in BIM. Ultimately, these technical and cultural challenges add to the resistance to change that exists among many companies, which consider using traditional systems easier and less risky. Awareness of BIM adoption is also linked to demographic groups in Malaysia and other developing countries. Studies have indicated that demographic factors such as age, education level and professional experience play an important role in the level of awareness and understanding of BIM technologies. Younger individuals, who receive specialized education in technical fields, are more likely to adopt BIM compared to older professionals who may prefer traditional methods [77].

4.4.5 RII ranking of challenges in BIM implementation

BIM implementation challenges in the Malaysian construction industry were identified through RII ranking. Table 10 ranks the challenges, and Figure 5 depicts their levels. Each challenge has an RII value between 0.70 and 0.80, indicating that BIM implementation in Malaysian construction is moderately difficult.

Table 10. RII ranking of challenging factors

Factor	RII Value	RII Ranking
Cost	0.76	4
Workforce	0.78	2
Technology	0.79	1
Awareness	0.78	3

The findings show that technology, workforce, and awareness are the industry's biggest challenges. The fourth challenge is cost. Malaysia's construction industry must overcome many challenges to implement BIM. BIM skills shortages in the building sector are a major workforce issue. Business resistance to BIM is caused by its complexity and high cost. Untrained users could accidentally change data, endangering the project. Fragmented construction projects increase project partners' resistance to BIM adoption. The inability of BIM software to communicate is a major technological issue that hinders collaboration and workflow. BIM implementation and deployment are often criticized as costly. BIM deployment requires a large upfront investment in technology, training and development. BIM has ambiguous legal obligations and processes in policies, standard contracts, data ownership, insurance, risks, and role and duty division. Due to unclear rights and duties, project development is difficult and risky, as shown in Figure 5.

image009.png

Figure 5. RII ranking of challenges

Organizations must change their operations for BIM. Improved cross-disciplinary communication and cooperation yield a fully integrated BIM model. Assigning duties and conducting design reviews and validation require shared procedures and norms. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) then called for national BIM standards and guidelines to control BIM workflow and adoption. Private company adoption was ignored except for government initiatives. Management and leaders are often unprepared to use BIM in their companies.

It can be noted that the technological challenges related to BIM adoption are of primary importance and reflect the reality of the construction industry in Malaysia, where technological development remains limited. The use of BIM technologies requires strong infrastructure and advanced software, which is difficult to achieve for many Malaysian companies, especially SMEs, who suffer from a lack of investment in technology and training. This can be attributed to the fact that the construction industry in Malaysia relies heavily on traditional methods, making it difficult to adopt modern technologies without fundamental changes in infrastructure and skills. Modern technological developments such as cloud computing and AI technologies can help mitigate these challenges. By using these solutions, companies can bypass the high cost of advanced hardware and increase the efficiency of adoption.

4.5 Factors influencing the successful implementation of BIM

BIM is a combination of technological proficiency and advanced processes that employs IT to facilitate collaboration on construction projects. Many Malaysian infrastructure construction companies consider BIM a new technology because its use remains relatively uncommon. There are several key success factors for BIM adoption and implementation. First, success can be defined and described differently depending on the context. It should be noted that even in the construction industry's production phase, success is hard to measure. The fragmented nature of the AEC industry, along with the uniqueness of each project, makes assessing success challenging. However, several general success factors have been identified in the literature, including altering management perspectives on BIM, integrating project teams, balancing knowledge, and providing employee training [6]. In this study, four factors were considered to influence performance: senior management, training and learning, interoperability and compatibility, and project management. As in Part C, respondents rated each question on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. Successful BIM use depends on the integration of several key factors below: senior management support, training, and project management, as shown in the conceptual framework in Figure 1.

• Senior management support is essential for allocating financial and technical resources and adopting a long-term strategy for BIM adoption. Senior leadership provides the vision and drives necessary to adopt the technology and encourage employees to use it.
• Training ensures the development of technical skills among employees, which helps them deal with the complexities of BIM. Continuous training contributes to reducing errors and increasing efficiency in projects.
• The use of modern project management techniques such as integrated planning and coordination contributes to improving workflow and reducing duplication, which enhances project productivity and accelerates task completion. This overlap between these aspects contributes to the success of BIM, as each plays a complementary role in achieving the desired goals.

4.5.1 Top management

First, the top management's role in BIM implementation was examined. Table 11 indicates that the average score is 4.17 (out of 5.00) and the SD is 0.86. The top management must explain the benefits of BIM to the team and make it a part of the company's policy. High implementation costs are a concern. The top management must devote funds to the operational expenditures of BIM. Before implementing BIM, top management must understand and address the constraints in the implementation process. The implementation of new technologies fails due to organizational issues. Some companies are concerned that changing business processes can incur costs and jeopardize existing processes due to an inability to accept uncertainty [47]. Some employees in the company are concerned that technology would replace their jobs and are apprehensive about change, especially with new technology, as few of the managers have knowledge of how to adapt to technological advancement. Many organizations consider BIM to be disruptive to their existing business processes, because the implementation of new technology would lead to a restructuring of their business processes, thereby reducing productivity and putting the results of projects and client expectations in jeopardy [44].

Table 11. Mean score distribution of top management

4.5.2 Training and learning

As discussed in Subsection 4.5, workforce competency is a challenge. Therefore, providing adequate training and learning opportunities can help the Malaysian construction industry implement BIM. The mean score is 4.11 with an SD of 0.91. BIM implementation success is linked to training and learning, according to the respondents. Construction team members need BIM training [78]. BIM should be integrated into engineering curricula so that graduates gain experience before entering the workforce [79]. Companies should fund employee development so that team members can take BIM courses [80]. Team members must be committed to learning new skills and technologies.

It can be noted that inadequate company training increases implementation resistance because a lack of new technology knowledge and expertise can hinder implementation and reduce confidence. Training can accelerate IT adoption. However, it is difficult to ensure that everyone in a company has the appropriate technologies and skills [80]. Therefore, companies can establish a technical support team to address these and future issues. This technical support team could promote a culture of knowledge sharing by demonstrating its value through practice. The new IT implementation also needs support from relevant authorities. Any construction company willing to adopt new IT could receive an interactive package from the authority. Table 12 shows the mean score distribution of training and learning.

When training the adoption of BIM in the construction industry, the training type is significantly influenced by many factors. Researchers have suggested that specialized training directed at specific technical skills in BIM, such as specialized software training, can enhance workers’ ability to use the technology effectively in the day-to-day operations of projects. In contrast, managerial and strategic training that focuses on understanding the organizational benefits and integration between different departments contributes to improving BIM adoption at the senior and middle management levels, as it shows them the long-term value of using this technology in improving efficiency and reducing costs [71, 81]. One of the challenges facing BIM training is the lack of awareness about how to effectively integrate this technology into the existing framework, which slows the adoption process, even in countries where training programs are available. Therefore, it is essential that there is a diversity in the training provided to include technical, managerial and strategic aspects alike to ensure that all project workers are fully aware of how to use BIM in an integrated manner [71].

Table 12. Mean score distribution of training and learning

In addition, continuous training and constant updating of skills are crucial given the rapid evolution of the technology used in BIM. There are successful experiences in other countries such as the United States and the Netherlands, which have witnessed significant progress in adopting BIM after implementing integrated training strategies at all levels within organizations [71, 81].

4.5.3 Interoperability and compatibility

Interoperability enables ICT systems and business processes to exchange data and knowledge. This definition applies to construction, BIM, and interoperability. For successful BIM implementation, interoperability between departments must be ensured. When selecting BIM software, it is essential that the chosen solution aligns well with the company’s existing technologies and available resources. Organizations need to ensure that the software fits within their budget, suits the specific requirements of their projects, and is compatible with their technological infrastructure. Additionally, respondents highlighted the importance of evaluating the software’s complexity prior to implementation, ensuring that it can be effectively integrated into business processes without causing unnecessary difficulties. The transfer of BIM data between departments or stakeholders must be simple. From a technical perspective, data accuracy is a concern. The average rating was 4.05 out of 5.00, with an SD of 0.87. Table 13 illustrates the average rating of each question.

Table 13. Mean score distribution of interoperability and compatibility

Compatibility and interoperability between technology systems, including different BIM software, have a significant impact on collaboration in multidisciplinary projects. When technology systems are incompatible or suffer from operational issues, this can cause barriers that negatively impact the flow of information and communication between different teams, leading to project delays and increased costs. Incompatibility of BIM software with other systems or tools on the project can also lead to difficulties in transferring data between architects, civil engineers, and contractors [71]. Interoperability issues make it difficult for multidisciplinary teams to work smoothly, as design and construction teams rely on accurate and constantly updated models. If data from BIM software are not interoperable with construction management software or engineering systems, this can lead to misunderstandings of designs or unplanned modifications, increasing project complexity and slowing down the completion process [81]. Interoperability can play a crucial role in boosting BIM adoption rates in Malaysia by improving collaboration and system integration between different players in the construction industry. This enables the facilitation of data and model exchange between architects, civil engineers, and contractors. When different BIM tools and software are compatible, it becomes easier for multidisciplinary teams to work together more effectively, reducing errors caused by miscommunication or information loss. This can encourage more companies in Malaysia to adopt BIM, as the direct benefits can be seen in increased efficiency and reduced rework costs [71].

Running BIM on multiple platforms requires strong compatibility between different software, which reduces operational costs for companies that may be wary of investing in new technology infrastructure. By using operational standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), companies can use their existing software or reduce the costs associated with purchasing new software that better integrates with existing systems. This encourages SMEs in Malaysia to adopt BIM without fear of technology upgrade costs [71, 81]. Interoperability makes the BIM adoption process faster and less complex for companies that may initially find it difficult to transition to this technology. By enabling the seamless flow of data between different design and construction systems, companies can see an improvement in the overall efficiency of projects, which increases their willingness to adopt BIM as a standard. Companies that are able to operate BIM in an integrated manner with other systems are able to innovate more quickly in delivering architectural and engineering solutions. This enables Malaysia to better compete internationally in the construction sector, as companies can deliver more complex and accurate projects, which in turn increases confidence in investing in BIM [71]. Therefore, enhancing interoperability can encourage the widespread adoption of BIM in Malaysia by providing a smoother and more efficient collaborative environment and reducing the costs and challenges associated with transitioning to this technology.

4.5.4 Project management

The final factor examined was the impact of project management on BIM adoption in the Malaysian construction industry. The company should assess project size and needs before consulting with BIM. This helps the company evaluate the application and quote a reasonable price. In addition, the company should investigate how BIM can be integrated into projects of any size or budget to improve customer experience and simplify work. The project management team should highlight BIM-monitored critical factors. The average score was 4.08 with an SD of 0.92. The project management’s mean score distribution is shown in Table 14.

Table 14. Mean score distribution of project management

Table 14 shows that project management adopting BIM is essential in the construction industry and should address several points. The results show that the company must first assess the magnitude and complexity of the project before employing BIM, as indicated by Bakhshi et al. [82]. Additionally, the stakeholders have the responsibility to discuss the critical components that can be monitored with BIM. Several studies have highlighted the responsibility of the project management team to hold regular meetings aimed at addressing critical BIM-related issues [83].

4.5.5 RII ranking of factors influencing successful implementation of BIM

The most influential factors were ranked using RII. Table 15 shows that top management has the largest influence, followed by training and learning. Project management is ranked third, and interoperability and compatibility are ranked fourth on the RII scale. The RII value is 0.80 or higher, which indicates that all of the identified factors are involved in BIM implementation in the Malaysian construction industry, as shown in Figure 6.

Table 15. RII ranking of challenging factors

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Figure 6. RII ranking of factors influencing BIM implementation

Several studies have affirmed that top management is a significant factor influencing BIM execution [76, 84]. Top management plays an important role in the successful adoption of BIM in the construction industry through an integrated planning methodology between management departments. It is not just a tool, but rather an integrated methodology through planning, setting vision and goals and managing resources in an appropriate manner. Additionally, Abbasnejad et al. [84] emphasized the importance of training and education for learning BIM in both the construction industry and educational curricula [85, 86].

In order to further refine the interpretation of the Kruskal–Wallis H test results, additional clarifications were incorporated to strengthen the analytical rigor of this study. The test was applied to three distinct respondent categories: BIM users, partial users with limited exposure, and non-users. The dependent variables included the perceived challenge scores (cost, workforce, technology, and awareness) as well as the success factor scores (top management support, training and learning, interoperability, and project management). The hypotheses were formulated as follows: the null hypothesis (H₀) assumes no statistically significant difference in the median scores across the three groups, whereas the alternative hypothesis (H₁) posits that at least one group differs significantly. Although the test results reveal no significant differences (p > 0.05), the effect size (ε² = 0.02) suggests a very small impact. The mean rank analysis indicates that BIM users tend to perceive the challenges as less severe compared to non-users, while partial users occupy an intermediate position. This trend, although not statistically significant, corresponds with theoretical expectations that exposure to BIM reduces the perceived severity of challenges. The results underscore the importance of considering both statistical and practical significance when interpreting findings. Furthermore, the non-significant outcomes highlight the need for future studies with larger and more diverse samples to capture sector-specific variations, such as those in healthcare, infrastructure, or residential construction. Longitudinal research is also recommended to monitor how perceptions evolve as BIM adoption progresses over time.

The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare BIM-literate and non-BIM-literate respondents. P-values were calculated for each section and respondent group using SPSS Version 22. Table 16 shows the Kruskal–Wallis p-values for each part.

Table 16. Summary of Kruskal–Wallis H test statistics

The Kruskal–Wallis H test demonstrates that the sections don't have a significant difference, because the p-value is greater than 0.05. There is no significant difference in respondents' perceptions of BIM implementation challenges and factors in the Malaysian construction industry. When comparing the responses to BIM challenges and influencing factors in the Malaysian context, the lack of significant differences in the Kruskal–Wallis test could be explained by several possible reasons. For example, the differences in knowledge or experience between educated and uneducated respondents may not be as large as expected. Sometimes, uneducated respondents may have gained practical understanding or knowledge from direct work on projects. In addition, information on BIM challenges and techniques has become widely available through multiple channels, such as the Internet or informal training courses, making the differences between educated and uneducated respondents less pronounced.