Work on the shell and core of Malaysia’s pavilion for the Dubai Expo 2020 was completed at the end of last year. The interior fit-out, technology installation and content production work will commence soon.

Designed by Kuala Lumpur-based Hijjas Architects + Planners, the country’s pavilion depicts a Rainforest Canopy inspired by its oldest rainforests which include prehistoric rainforest Taman Negara, in Pahang. Estimated to be over 130 million years old, Taman Negara is Malaysia’s premier national park and one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

Malaysia Pavilion is themed “Energising Sustainability” to depict the country’s commitment to sustainability. This includes the sustainable management and development of its forests and natural resources.

“We are pleased with the ongoing construction progress and the aesthetics of the pavilion, particularly the façade which features the Meranti wood as Malaysia’s signature sustainable forestry resource,” remarked Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE Mohd Tarid Sufian after visiting the project site along with Consul General Mohd Hasril Abdul Hamid.

The meranti wood makes a bold appearance and statement as the building material of the façade of the Malaysia Pavilion. With its distinguished deep brownish-red tone, the red Meranti is perfect for moulding and interior woodworking, he stated.

They were briefed by Malaysia’s Architect of Record, Design Integrated Architectural Engineering Consultants (DIEAC) and main contractor Pico Malaysia and its Dubai partner, RAQ Contracting.

“The Malaysia Pavilion will feature green and energy-saving elements to reduce energy use by 20 per cent. It is also the first to adopt the Net Zero Carbon approach for Expo 2020 Dubai,” stated Sufian.

“We are pleased to see that staff and workers’ safety are a priority at the Expo site. And despite such challenging times and environment due to the impact of Covid-19, Expo 2020 has overcome obstacles to ensure it successfully delivers an amazing venue,” he adds.