Founded in 1993 by Sia Tian Poh, Siacon Technology Sdn Bhd has grown from a humble construction firm in Johor Bahru into a highly respected name in Malaysia’s building and civil engineering industry. Today, the company is helmed by the second generation—Sia Chee Wei, Sia Chee Yong, and Sia Ee Wen—who are continuing their father’s legacy while steering the company toward modern innovation and growth.

A Strong Foundation in Construction

Siacon specialises in a wide range of construction services, including building and sewerage infrastructure for residential, commercial, industrial and high-rise developments. With over 100 staff and more than 200 completed projects, Siacon is a trusted partner to some of the top 10 developers listed on Bursa Malaysia.

At its core, the company believes in quality, integrity, and teamwork. As company director Sia Chee Wei shares, “We are constantly striving for excellence in delivering the best quality to meet our clients’ expectations while preserving the highest standards.”

This success is credited not only to strong leadership but also to the dedicated workforce behind the scenes. 

“Our company is formed by excellent organisational leaders together with employees who contribute their talent, resourcefulness, and commitment,” Chee Wei added.

Tackling Challenges with Grit and Vision

Operating in Johor Bahru comes with its own unique challenges. One of the most pressing is talent retention—many skilled workers, including even dispatch staff, are drawn across the border to Singapore in search of better pay. Despite this, Siacon remains committed to nurturing a strong internal culture that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

“With the right environment, culture, and information sharing, we can still retain talent. Everyone must be in this together,” Chee Wei notes. 

He emphasizes the importance of open communication in the workplace, cautioning against the culture of “don’t say, don’t talk, then I don’t know.” Constructive feedback—whether positive or negative—is vital for learning and growth.

Another issue is the shortage of foreign labour due to evolving policies and technology regulations, which has had a major impact on the construction sector. Compounding this is the perception among young Malaysians that construction is a "dirty job." 

Chee Wei challenges this mindset, noting that “with the right tools and processes, construction can be innovative—but government support is key to making it happen.”

A Future of Automation and Innovation

While construction remains a labour-intensive industry, Siacon is keen on exploring automation and technological integration in the near future. The aim is to streamline operations without compromising on quality, and to attract younger talent with a more modern and forward-looking approach to building.

“In many industries, full automation is already a reality. For construction, it’s still a challenge, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. We hope to eventually branch out into automation as well,” said Chee Wei.

Giving Back to the Community

Philanthropy is deeply embedded in Siacon’s values, a tradition carried forward from its founder. The company consistently donates to Chinese primary schools, especially during its annual dinner held ahead of Chinese New Year.

“It was my father’s wish to support education,” said Chee Wei. “He believed that education lays the foundation for opportunity—it shapes character, uplifts communities, and builds the future workforce our nation depends on. We also plan to extend our contributions to local foundations such as Yayasan and other associations to broaden our impact.”

A Moment of Recognition: Golden Bull Award

In recent years, Siacon’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The company was honoured with the Golden Bull Award, a prestigious recognition for outstanding Malaysian businesses. This year, Siacon won the Super Golden Bull Award.

“This award is a recognition of our efforts. We share this win with our staff and colleagues. It shows potential and existing clients that we maintain a certain standard and value,” said Chee Wei.

The award also opens up new doors for knowledge-sharing, networking, and exposure to new business opportunities. 

“Growth comes in many forms—through learning, discovery, and new ideas—all of which help the business evolve,” he added.

Words of Advice: Find a Mentor

As a closing thought, Chee Wei encourages fellow entrepreneurs to seek guidance: “Find a good teacher. Mentors are everywhere—look for one who can guide you, challenge your thinking, and help you shape your business for the better. In time, the rewards will come.”

From its early days in Johor Bahru to its current status as a key player in Malaysia’s construction industry, Siacon Technology Sdn Bhd has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to quality. With an eye on innovation, a heart for community, and a team driven by shared values, Siacon continues to build more than just structures—it builds trust, opportunity, and a lasting legacy.

Learn more about Siacon Technology Sdn Bhd by visiting their official website and Facebook page for more information.

This series of Business Stories is in collaboration with BMI.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.