This study explores the global landscape of strategic human resource (HR) competencies in the construction sector from 2017 to 2025, with a particular focus on sustainable HRM practices and their implications for Malaysia’s construction industry. Using bibliometric analysis, a total of 244 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science database were examined and visualized via Cite Space (v6.2.R2) to uncover co-citation networks, emerging themes, and keyword clusters. The analysis identified six dominant clusters: (1) Sustainable human resource management practice , (2) Work Engagement, (3) Talent Management, (4) Technical Competencies, (5) Dynamic Capability framework and (6) Human resource information systems. Findings highlight a shift toward integrating ESG principles, resilience-based workforce planning, and inclusive talent strategies into HR practices. While global discourse increasingly emphasizes sustainable and digital-ready HR competencies, Malaysian construction literature exhibits a critical lag in addressing these evolving priorities. Gaps were identified particularly in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), where limited resources hinder the adoption of strategic HRM frameworks aligned with national construction goals. This study provides a comprehensive mapping of scholarly contributions and proposes context-specific implications for stakeholders in Malaysia. For policymakers, the results underscore the urgency of embedding HR competency frameworks into national sustainability agendas. For practitioners, the findings offer insight into aligning workforce strategies with project performance and regulatory compliance. For academia, the study points to emerging interdisciplinary research opportunities at the intersection of HRM, sustainability, and construction innovation.
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