Malaysia could soon play a bigger role in the development of 3D construction printing (3DCP), with V3D Asia and its Malaysian commercial arm, Nuvah Sdn Bhd, outlining plans to build a locally developed industry around the technology.
Operating under the philosophy “Designed in Japan, Built in Malaysia,” V3D Asia’s industrial printing platform is engineered in Japan, while its workforce development, materials science, structural engineering and quality control capabilities are being developed locally.
Rather than simply introducing 3D printing equipment into the Malaysian market, the group wants to establish the expertise and infrastructure needed to design, build and eventually supply 3D construction solutions from Malaysia.
Bringing 3D Printing Into Mainstream Construction
A major part of that ambition involves working with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) towards recognising 3D construction printing as the seventh system under Malaysia’s Industrialised Building System (IBS) framework.
Nuvah also announced a collaboration with SIRIM Academy Sdn Bhd in June 2026 to support the development of Malaysia’s first industry standards for 3D construction printing.
According to V3D Asia Group Chairman Kazuhiro Ono, developing local talent is just as important as bringing the technology into the country.
“Any country can buy a printer. What is far harder, and far more valuable, is a workforce that understands the technology, the materials, and the craftsmanship behind it,” he said.
Certification will be particularly important if 3DCP is to move beyond demonstration projects, allowing the technology to eventually be considered for tenders, financing, insurance and larger-scale developments.
Malaysia’s First 3D-Printed Luxury Bungalow Is Coming
Nuvah has already completed a pilot project in collaboration with the Government of Brunei and is now looking towards residential, commercial and infrastructure applications.
Its next major project is Villa Bayu at Eco Majestic, Gentlebre, which is set to become Malaysia’s first 3D-printed luxury bungalow. Construction is targeted to begin in November 2026.
This will be followed by a 12-villa development in Bali, Indonesia, which is targeted for completion by December 2027.
The technology could also address some of the challenges facing Malaysia’s construction industry, particularly its reliance on foreign labour, lengthy construction cycles and uncertainty around costs.
V3D Asia and Nuvah ultimately see Malaysia as more than just a market for 3D construction printing. By developing the technology alongside local skills, standards and manufacturing capabilities, the companies hope Malaysia could eventually become a regional supplier of 3DCP expertise and solutions across Southeast Asia.