Graphisoft, a global leader in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is poised to deepen its impact in Malaysia, driven by surging demand for advanced digital tools amid the nation’s rapid development and growing focus on sustainableconstruction practices.

Graphisoft’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Daniel Csillag emphasized the importance of the Malaysia market during his recent visit to Kuala Lumpur with key executives, including Chief Product Officer, Márton Kiss, and Chief Customer Success Officer, Gergely Kmethy.

“Graphisoft sees Malaysia as an important market in Southast Asia. The region is touted to be the most dynamic in the next 20 years, and Malaysia, with its untapped potential, plays a vital role in our growth story,” said Csillag. “We are excited about the opportunities here and remain committed to strengthen or presence.”  

Established in 1982 by Hungarian architects and mathematicians, Graphisoft has grown into a global powerhouse, often called the ancestor of BIM, with over 200,000 users worldwide and 25 offices across 14 countries. At the heart of Graphisoft’s success is its flagship product, Archicad, the world’s leading 3D architectural design software. Archicad was recently honored as BIM Product of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Construction Computing Awards (The Hammers), marking its 14th consecutive win in the category.

Graphisoft’s confidence in Malaysia is bolstered by its strong positioning and recent success stories, including its role in the iconic Merdeka 118 skyscraper – the world’s second-tallest building –– standing  as a testament to Archicad’s capabilities. The project exemplifies how Graphisoft’s innovative solutions empower architects and engineers to deliver groundbreaking designs while preserving cultural significance and meeting stringent sustainability goals.

The global AEC industry’s rapid adoption of BIM technologies further underscores Graphisoft’s optimism. With the market projected to grow by USD 13.33 billion from 2024 to 2028, and Malaysia’s construction sector recording a 20.2% increase in Q2 2024 driven by civil engineering and residential projects, the time is ripe for deeper engagement. In fact, Malaysia’s Public Works Department (JKR) Strategic Plan 2021-2025, which aims for 90% BIM adoption in projects over RM10 million, reflects this push toward digital transformation.

Graphisoft’s growth plan in Malaysia is supported by a robust network of partnerships designed to meet the unique needs of the local market:

• Industry Collaborations: Partnerships with IME Technology and Malaysia’s Public Works Department (JKR) enable Graphisoft to provide localized solutions and training while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Academic Integration: Collaborations with institutions like Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and HELP University embed Archicad into architecture and engineering curriculums, preparing the next generation of professionals with critical BIM skills.
• Professional Development: Graphisoft works with organizations such as Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) to drive BIM adoption through workshops, conferences, and CPD programs.

“Education is key to growing our reach in Malaysia. Planting the seed early by shaping the mindset of students and future users is critical. Advocacy on the other hand plays a huge role, as professional software adoption often hinges on success stories from architects using our tools. Their achievement is our proof point, and it helps magnify a strong local community and user base,” Kiss shared. 

To meet the industry’s evolving needs, Graphisoft is driving innovation through its robust product development roadmap. The 2024 BIM solutions update focuses on improving collaboration, streamlining workflows, and strengthening environmental design. Features include real-time and AI-powered visualization tools that enable teams and clients to make faster, more informed decisions.

Looking ahead, Graphisoft is set to introduce AI-powered tools that go beyond design inspiration. “While AI-assisted visualization is great for engaging clients early, the true productivity lies in eliminating repetitive tasks and accelerating documentation,” added Kiss.

Csillag also emphasizes that sustainability is no longer optional in the construction industry. He said, “With 57% of global carbon emissions linked to construction, and 20% of materials wasted due to poor planning, adopting lifecycle analysis and other advanced tools is critical. These solutions not only help reduce waste but also enable architects to pitch greener, more resilient designs to clients.”

While Graphisoft does not currently plan for a physical presence in Malaysia, Csillag remains optimistic about its growth trajectory in the region. “We are closely following the market and working with different geographies. In the next one to two years, we aim to aggregate more staff to support our partners and drive more powerful use of Graphisoft’s solutions in Malaysia,” he explained. 

As one of the fastest-growing software companies, consistently outperforming the average global design market growth of 8% per year, Graphisoft is well-positioned to lead the charge in advancing Malaysia’s architectural and engineering capabilities, shaping a future of smarter, greener, and more ambitious feats.

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