THE ADOPTION AND IMPACT OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) TOWARDS FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (FM) IN MALAYSIA

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is gaining traction in the construction industry for its potential to enhance Facilities Management (FM) through advanced visualization, analysis, and control. However, in Malaysia, the integration of BIM within FM is still emerging, with significant untapped potential. This paper explores the adoption and impact of BIM in FM in Malaysia. A qualitative research approach through interviews were conducted with five (5) FM professionals, including facility managers, BIM coordinators, and consultants, selected through purposive sampling to ensure a broad understanding of BIM in FM. The results were then analysed using content analysis to assess the current practice of BIM implementations in FM, potential applications, and the level of interest in the utilization of BIM in FM. The findings highlight a budding interest in BIM among FM professionals in Malaysia. It revealed, an adoption pattern concentrated in high-value projects and characterized by challenges such as the absence of standardized BIM practices in FM, limited BIM knowledge among professionals, and concerns over implementation costs. Despite these hurdles, the consensus among participants points towards an optimistic future for BIM in FM, driven by the recognized need for enhanced operational efficiencies and the potential for BIM to significantly improve FM practices. This paper concludes by advocating for increased BIM education among FM professionals, the establishment of FM-specific BIM standards, and initiatives to showcase the long-term benefits of BIM, thereby fostering a more robust adoption of BIM in the Malaysian FM sector.