KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s manufacturing capabilities have expanded since the country embarked on industrialisation in the early 1980s, and it has since moved at a rapid pace
and is well known as an electrical and electronics (E&E) hub for multiple global multinationals.
Over the years, the landscape of manufacturing has shifted from traditional to high-technology manufacturing aided by
artificial intelligence and automation as it requires a high level of precision.
Malaysia is known as a strategic location for the E&E sector around the world, but are we ready for high-tech investment?
International Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Darell Leiking has given his assurance to all investors that Malaysia is indeed ready for it as it has a strong reputation as an E&E hub as well as experience in opening up to tech investments through the years.
He also said that despite the global trade scenario, Malaysia will remain neutral and continue to aspire to be the hub for E&E as well as other businesses.
“Despite the tensions in the global economic environment, we remain optimistic that Malaysia has its strengths to overcome the negativity,” he said.
In terms of policy and environment, the government is ever ready to embark and assist, as evidenced by the launch of Industry4WRD: National Policy on Industry 4.0 to drive the digital transformation of the manufacturing and related services sectors in Malaysia.
However, the move to the next level of manufacturing can only be realised if the private sector, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), accept the challenge and move up the value chain.
As of May this year, about 300 companies have sought the help of the ministry to gauge their readiness for Industry 4.0.
The ministry has targeted to assist 500 SMEs to undergo the assessment by the end of the year, and support 60 of them by providing a 70:30 matching grant of up to RM500,000 for each firm.
Malaysia Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) chief executive officer Datuk Norhalim Yunus said that Malaysia has the capability to be involved in the high-technology industry.
“Little did we know that there are a lot of local companies that supply parts to multinationals like Apple, Google, Boeing, Tesla and so on.
“Hence, from my point of view, I believe that we have great local talent in all sectors needed namely information technology, mechanical engineering as well as technology,” he said. – Bernama
