12–13 May 2026 | Sunway Resort Hotel, Petaling Jaya
The Association of Construction Project Managers Malaysia (ACPM) participated in the MBAM Annual Safety & Health Conference 2026, a two-day industry conference organised by the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) under the theme:
“Strengthening CDM Compliance: From Implementation to Industry Excellence.”
Representing ACPM was PMr Dr Abdul Rahman Ramakrishna Bin Abdullah, Vice President of ACPM, who contributed to the conference as both a speaker and forum panelist, sharing the construction project management perspective on the implementation of the Construction Work (Design and Management) Regulations 2024 (CDM 2024).
Day 1 – The Project Manager’s Role in CDM Implementation
On 12 May 2026, PMr Dr Abdul Rahman delivered a presentation entitled:
“The Roles Played and the Challenges Faced by Project Managers in Implementing CDM Regulations in Construction Projects.”
The presentation examined the important coordinating role of Project Managers within the CDM framework.
While Project Managers are not specifically listed as CDM duty holders, they occupy a central position in coordinating the various parties who carry statutory responsibilities throughout the project.
The presentation highlighted how effective CDM implementation requires Project Managers to move beyond general safety oversight and take a more active role in facilitating coordination, communication and compliance among clients, principal designers, work designers, principal contractors and contractors.
From Project Delivery to CDM Compliance
A key message shared during the presentation was that successful project delivery should no longer be viewed solely in terms of achieving time, cost and quality objectives.
Under the evolving CDM environment, project leadership must also facilitate full compliance with safety and health requirements, proactive risk management and the ultimate objective of zero fatalities.
Among the challenges highlighted were:
additional compliance responsibilities and the need for greater involvement;
achieving the necessary cultural shift towards proactive risk management;
coordination and communication between CDM duty holders;
ensuring competency and understanding of CDM responsibilities;
late appointment of key duty holders;
time and budget constraints;
management of CDM documentation and information; and
maintaining effective coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
The presentation reinforced the position of the Project Manager as a central coordinator capable of influencing how effectively CDM requirements are integrated into overall project delivery.
Day 2 – Industry Forum on CDM Implementation
On 13 May 2026, PMr Dr Abdul Rahman continued ACPM’s contribution to the conference as a panelist for the forum:
“CDM Implementation in Construction: Are We on the Right Track?”
The forum provided a platform for industry practitioners to discuss the practical realities of implementing CDM requirements within construction projects.
Through its participation, ACPM contributed the Project Manager’s perspective to the wider industry conversation on CDM compliance, coordination among duty holders and the challenges encountered in translating regulatory requirements into effective project practices.
Shared Responsibility for Safer Project Delivery
One of the central principles highlighted throughout ACPM’s contribution was that safety and health is a shared responsibility across the project ecosystem.
CDM 2024 promotes a proactive approach where risks are anticipated, addressed and, wherever possible, eliminated or reduced from the early stages of project planning and design.
For Project Managers, this reinforces the importance of understanding the CDM framework and ensuring that safety, health and risk management are effectively integrated with the wider objectives of project delivery.
Strengthening Professional Competency
ACPM believes that construction Project Managers must continue strengthening their knowledge and competency in CDM to effectively coordinate increasingly complex regulatory and project requirements.
Greater understanding of CDM enables Project Managers to contribute more effectively towards compliance, collaboration, proactive risk management and safer project outcomes.
ACPM remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen the competency of construction project management professionals and contribute towards higher standards of safety and health across Malaysia’s construction industry.
Appreciation to MBAM
ACPM extends its appreciation to the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) for the invitation and for providing ACPM with the opportunity to contribute professional project management perspectives at the MBAM Annual Safety & Health Conference 2026.
Such industry platforms provide valuable opportunities for professional bodies, regulators and construction stakeholders to exchange knowledge and collectively strengthen safety and health practices within the industry.
Association of Construction Project Managers Malaysia (ACPM)
Agent of Change for a Productive Malaysia