SYNOPSIS

CRT Manufacturing’s innovative STARBAR™ composite rebar not only presents a technological breakthrough but also positions the company as a regional pioneer in reshaping the future of construction.
This environmentally conscious alternative signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable industry.

In the construction landscape, where sustainability is an increasingly vital consideration, CRT Manufacturing’s STARBAR™ composite rebar emerges as a game-changer. Its advantages over traditional steel go beyond mere functionality, addressing critical environmental concerns and contributing to a more sustainable future. Lighter than iron, stronger than steel, and immune to rust - Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) is redefining the future of construction.

This cutting-edge material offers twice the tensile strength of steel, while being up to four times lighter than iron. Unlike traditional reinforcement bars, GFRP is non-corrosive, non-conductive, and remarkably cost-efficient, reducing construction costs by up to 30%.

In the world of civil engineering, innovation in materials often leads to major shifts in how structures are designed and built. One such innovation is the introduction of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) as an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement. These bars are composed of a polymer resin matrix reinforced with glass fibres, giving them a unique combination of strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. Midway through this shift, GFRP bars are proving to be a game-changer, especially in projects where longevity and performance under harsh conditions are non-negotiable.

As sustainability and innovation drive the next era of construction, GFRP stands out as a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable solution.

SPEAKER'S BIO

     Ms. Huang Mei Si
Co-Founder/Deputy Managing Director
CRT Manufacturing Sdn Bhd

Mei Si is the patent inventor of Grant No: MY-208473-A and the Co-Founder of CRT Manufacturing, the company behind STARBAR™—an innovative, eco-friendly nanotechnology Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar engineered as a sustainable alternative to traditional steel reinforcement. As a passionate advocate for green construction solutions, she is driving Malaysia’s transition toward composite reinforcement by working closely with key government and regulatory bodies, including CIDB, SIRIM Berhad, JKR, MIDA, and numerous municipal councils.

A graduate of the University of Northumbria, UK, Mei Si earned First-Class Honours in Computing Studies and was recognized as both Valedictorian and Super Achiever Scholar in 2007. Her technical leadership and commitment to advancing industry standards are evident through her active role in shaping national policies. Since 2020, she has been a contributing member of SIRIM’s Working Group on Reinforcing Material for Construction, and since 2022, she has served on the JSM Working Group for Structural Reinforced Concrete with GFRP Bars (NSC 04/TC 21/WG 11). Recently, Mei Si successfully obtained ASTM D7957/D7957M – 22 certifications for STARBAR™ through SIRIM and also secured the MyHijau Certification with ISO 14025 Type III ECO Labels, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible products.

A respected thought leader in the construction sector, she is frequently invited to speak at major industry platforms, including International Construction Week 2023, the International Green Building Conference 2024, and the CIDB C4.0 Road Tour 2024. She also actively collaborates with the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), delivering impactful webinars and technical site visits to promote innovative and sustainable construction technologies.

Mr. Cheong Chee Kwong
Partner of A&E Consultant

Ir. C.K. Cheong has 42 years of Engineering Consultancy experience to date and has faithfully served numerous clients both locally and overseas. These clients include institutions, multi-national corporations, real estate developers, oil and gas contractors, building contractors, and large EPCCs. His main area of expertise is in Structural Engineering / Value Engineering and Industrial Building Systems. In connection with the above, he has received 4 patents from the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) to date. All are suited to Industrial Building Systems (IBS).

Over the years of involvement in hands-on design, in particular, competitive Value

In engineering, he has developed small software to facilitate achieving optimum design for the client in this cutting-edge environment, apart from the need for buildability and cost efficiency. Such software is a necessity for specific situations in engineering work.

CLOSING DATE: 10/10/2025