Robotics is one of the advanced technologies that is used in various aspects of the construction industry to improve the efficiency and the performance of construction projects. The adoption of construction robotics technologies is significant strategies to maintain and improve productivity in the construction industry. Even though the implementation of construction robotics technologies can improve productivity, many Malaysian contractors do not embrace the existence of robotic technology and still practicing the traditional method due to many challenges. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to investigate the challenges of the implementation of construction robotics technologies in the Malaysian construction industry and the improvement method. The data of the research were achieved through a quantitative method, which questionnaires were distributed to 180 G7 contractors in Kuala Lumpur. Subsequently, 50 valid responses were retrieved and the collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings revealed that the two (2) main challenges of the implementation of construction robotics in Malaysia were the high cost to maintain and update process the technologies. The finding also showed that strategic partnership with a high technology company was the best method to improve robotics implementation. In conclusion, this study is believed to be useful information in improving the implementation of robotics technologies in construction projects particularly around Klang Valley.

Existing commercial buildings in Malaysia account for one third of the total electricity consumption. They present a great opportunity for refurbishment to reduce carbon dioxide. However, sustainably refurbished commercial buildings that is Green Building Index (GBI) certified is still low. This study aims to investigate barriers that impede commercial building owners to implement sustainable refurbishment and explore ways to increase numbers of sustainable refurbishment implementation. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews. The respondents were commercial building owners' representative, who were mainly building managers. The findings indicated that higher cost of sustainable refurbishment than conventional method and lacking of sustainability awareness among Malaysian were the main barriers of sustainable refurbishment. This study will be useful in helping building owners and developers to enhance economic, social and environmental benefits of sustainable refurbishment.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the local insurance in Malaysia for the period 2014-2015. The major challenge in the insurance industry is increasing competition in this market. Besides that, problematic in performance measurement to evaluate performance is another challenge in insurance industry. 24 local insurance companies involved in this study using quantitative method of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) output-orientation CCR model. This study utilizes three inputs and three outputs; operating expenses, equity capital and commission as well as net premium, net investment income, and net incurred claim. The secondary data sources were derived from official data of local insurance companies’ annual report respectively. The DEA-Solver-LV version 8 tools were used to analyze the data that have been collected to evaluate the performance of local insurance company. This DEA model allows integration of the performance for the insurance companies and provides management overall performance evaluation. The results showed that there are 8 efficient companies in 2014 and 9 efficient companies in 2015. The average efficiency score in 2014 was increased from 78.9% to 79.1% in 2015. The findings from this study will benefit the insurance associations in Malaysia, management of insurances companies and policy makers.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study of the top listed property companies in Asia based on capital market value on internet business strategy, and to examine the relationship between top companies and the internet business strategy index.Design/methodology/approachData for the research were collected from the top 30 property companies in Asia through their web sites. The services and information offered in these web sites are discussed and used to describe the growth of internet usage in the real estate business.FindingsFrom the findings, most companies in Asia realised the importance of the internet as a marketing tool. This has been proved from the good average score of the internet business strategy attributes. The results indicated that top property companies in Asia implemented good internet business strategy.Research limitationsThe research is based on a study from the top 30 companies in Asia based on market capital values as at 30 June 2009. Only three countries were selected in this study: Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.Originality/valueThis paper examines the practice of property companies in Asia of using the internet as a marketing tool in property business in order to enhance the marketing strategy in this borderless world. The findings provided some insight and guidelines for the industry as well as academics on the use of information and communication technology in the property business.