Automate Asia Magazine Jun-Aug 2025

Intel’s New CEO Plots Overhaul of Manufacturing and AI Operations

US To Impose New Duties on Solar Imports from Southeast Asia AI Revolution in Malaysia’s Accounting Sector: A Pathway to Digital Transformation

IN THE HOT SEAT

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Maintenance to Revolutionise Plant Reliability and Operational Efficiency

An exclusive interview with Dr. Deny Sapian, Head of Bearings & Industrial Solutions at Schaeffler Malaysia on maximising cost and efficiency within the manufacturing landscape.

Perfectly monitored and lubricated With OPTIME Ecosystem

The SD Guthrie International Refinery (formerly Sime Darby Oils) switched from failure-oriented maintenance to predictive maintenance with the help of the OPTIME Ecosytem. This combines condition monitoring and lubrication in a simple way — all data are displayed on a shared app. When the smartphone buzzes, the maintenance team knows exactly which machine has which problem.

Result: In 5 months, unplanned downtime have been significantly minimised and 31 machine failures were detected and resolved. The manufacturer SD Guthrie International of edible oils and biodiesel saved more than 50,000 euros.

medias.schaeffler.my/en/monitor/optime-ecosystem

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

As Malaysia intensifies its efforts toward a high-value manufacturing economy, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies continues to accelerate. Recently, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing by launching new incentives under the Industry4WRD initiative. These policies are already translating into real progress—particularly in Johor and Selangor—where smart factories and digital transformation projects are picking up momentum across sectors.

This issue of Automate Asia Magazine spotlights these exciting developments, offering deep insights into how automation, AI, and datadriven solutions are reshaping Southeast Asia’s industrial landscape. A key highlight of this issue is our exclusive interview with Dr. Deny Sapian, Head of Industrial Sales & Business Development at Schaeffler Malaysia. Dr. Deny shares his expert insights on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Maintenance to Revolutionise Plant Reliability and Operational Efficiency—a must-read for companies seeking smarter asset management and sustainable performance.

We are also pleased to announce that pre-registration for Johor Industrial Fair 2025 is now open. As the southern region’s largest gathering for manufacturing and industrial innovation, JIF 2025 will take place on 27–29 August 2025 at Persada Johor International Convention Centre. Be part of this dynamic platform that brings together technology providers, manufacturers, policymakers, and academia. To skip the queue, simply scan the QR code on page 80 and secure your complimentary admission today.

We hope this issue fuels your innovation journey and keeps you informed on the technologies driving our region forward.

PUBLISHER

FBI Publications (M) Sdn Bhd (1168942-P)

Unit 9-3, Jalan PJU 5/6, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: (+603) 6151 9178

PUBLICATIONS MANAGER

Vanny Lim vanny@asiafbi.com

PUBLICATIONS EXECUTIVE

Jocelyn Ong jocelyn@asiafbi.com

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Nur Izyan binti Dzulkifli izyandzul@asiafbi.com

CREATIVE DESIGNER

Muhammad Fadzil design@asiafbi.com

PRINTED BY

MMS PRINT SHOP (M) SDN. BHD. (1246387-v)

NO 43G, Jalan PBS 14/2, Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

CONTRIBUTORS

• MASSCI

• MEIF

• Prof. Datin Lorela Chia

ENDORSED BY

Despite the constant care and attention that we devote to the structure of this magazine and the information it contains, Automate Asia Magazine cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy of the data and content of the magazine, nor that it is up to date at all times. Automate Asia Magazine therefore accepts no liability for any direct or indirect damage of any kind whatsoever that arises from, or is in any way related to, the use of the magazine of its accessibility or lack thereof.

The assertionand opinions expressed in articles and announcements on this magazine reflect the views of the author(s) and do not (necessarily) reflect the views of the publisher. Automate Asia Magazine can in no way whatsoever be held responsible for the content of such views nor can it be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may aris from such views

Automate Asia Magazine cannot guarantee that the information in this magazine is suitable for the purpose for which you consult it. All information, products and services are offered in the condition in which they actually are and without any (implicit)guarantee or warranty in respect of their reliability, suitability for a particular purpose or otherwise.

Automate Asia Magazine neither guarantees nor supports any product of service mentioned in this magazine, or does it warrant any assertions made by the manufactures of such products. In light of this , readers of this magazine are always recommended to obtain independent information and/or to perform independent research before using the information acquired via this magazine.

The information in this magazine is regularly supplemented and/or modified. Automate Asia Magazine reserves the right to make any changes with immediate effect and without providing any notice therefore

INDUSTRY NEWS

08. ABB To Spin Off World’s Second Biggest Robotics Business

10. Intel’s New CEO Plots Overhaul of Manufacturing and AI Operations

14. Malaysia To Pay Arm Holdings $250 Million For Chip Design Blueprints

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

16. US Robotics Companies Push for National Strategy, Including A Central Office, To Compete with China

ROBOTICS

20. Chinese Robots Ran Against Humans in The World’s First Humanoid Half-Marathon. They Lost by A Mile

22. Kodiak Robotics to Go Public in SPAC Deal Valuing Firm At $2.5 Billion

24. Robotic Fish Help Revitalise Fish Farming in China

26. Starting Them Young in Robotics

28. This Robotic Prosthetic Hand Has Just the Right Touch

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: FEATURED PRODUCTS

31. Pepperl And Fuchs Pte Ltd | Phoenix Contact (SEA) Pte Ltd | ASPL (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

AUTOMATION & CONTROL

32. Singapore Leads Move to Set Out Guidelines for Flying Taxis, Drones in Asia

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT

34. AI Robots May Hold Key to Nursing Japan’s Ageing Population

38. Robot Dog Learns, Adapts Like Humans, Swedish AI Startup Intuicell Says

FEATURED INDUSTRY

40. AI Revolution in Malaysia’s Accounting Sector: A Pathway to Digital Transformation

44. Johor Charges Ahead with RM99 Bil in Game-Changing JS-SEZ Investments

48. Tech Adoption in Agriculture Is Not Optional

3D PRINTING

50. Japan Constructs World’s First 3D-Printed Railway Station in Just Six Hours

52. How Unionfab Has Built the World’s Largest Fleet Of 3D Printing Production Machines

VIRTUAL REALITY

56. Teens Test Virtual Technology Aimed at Helping Anxiety

IN THE HOT SEAT

58. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Maintenance to Revolutionise Plant Reliability and Operational Efficiency

SPECIAL INSIGHT

64. What’s Really Transforming? Rethinking Talent, Capability, and the Illusion of Readiness

MASSCI

68. Sustainability Meets Automation: Building Green Industrial Ecosystems in ASEAN

MEIF

72. Smart Factories & Strategic Futures The Future of ASEAN’s Manufacturing Landscape

FBI IN ACTION

76. Smart Factories & Strategic Futures The Future of ASEAN’s Manufacturing Landscape

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

80. Pre-Registration Now Open for Johor Industrial Fair 2025

ABB To Spin Off World’s Second Biggest Robotics Business

Swiss industrial group ABB on Thursday announced plans to spin off its robotics division in the biggest shake up at the company since it sold its power grids business to Japan’s Hitachi in 2018.

The business is the world’s secondbiggest industrial robot maker after Japan’s FANUC Corp and competes with rivals including Yaskawa and Germany’s Kuka.

It generated sales of $2.3 billion in 2024, equivalent to 7 per cent of ABB’s total, but has struggled in recent quarters as the automotive sector - a big buyer of robotshas seen subdued demand.

The global robotics business is valued at $16.5 billion by the International Federation of Robotics, which last year forecast a 4 per cent increase in the number of robots sold in 2025.

But the sector, which had been expecting a boost from companies reshoring manufacturing to the United States, has become more gloomy citing concerns about President Donald Trump’s tariffs policies and their impact on the global economy.

“If there is a broad level of tariffs, we are less confident,” said IFR General Secretary Susanne Bieller.

ABB intends for its robotics business to start trading as a separately listed entity in the second quarter of 2026, with shares in the new company distributed to ABB investors as a dividend.

ABB said it was considering a listing in Sweden or Switzerland, but no final decision had been made. ABB shares gained 3.5 per cent in early trading following the announcement.

“The long term outlook for the business is strong. We believe the robotics business is ready to stand on its own two feet,” he added.

The plan was supported by Investor AB, ABB’s biggest shareholder with a 14.3 per cent stake, which said it was a “logical step”.

Bank Vontobel analyst Mark Diethelm estimated an enterprise value of ABB Robotics at around $2.7 billion to $3.3 billion dollars, based on the usual ratio between earnings and market capitalisation in the industry.

CEO Morten Wierod said he saw a good long-term business for robotics due to rising labour costs and shortages of skilled staff.

Still, there were limited synergies with the rest of ABB, while the business would do better under its own leadership, he said.

“We believe value creation will be higher as a standalone, focused robotics company than what it is inside ABB today,” Wierod told Reuters.

The announcement came as ABB reported better-than-expected profit during its first quarter, with operational earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) rising 13 per cent to $1.59 billion.

Sales rose 1 per cent to $7.94 billion in the three months to the end of March, missing analyst forecasts for $8.16 billion in a company-gathered consensus.

($1 = 0.8167 Swiss francs)

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

FILE PHOTO: The logo of ABB is pictured at the Global Industrie exhibition in Villepinte near Paris, France, March 26, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

Intel’s New CEO Plots Overhaul of Manufacturing and AI Operations

Intel’s incoming CEO Lip-Bu Tan has considered significant changes to its chip manufacturing methods and artificial intelligence strategies ahead of his return to the company on Tuesday (Mar 18), two people familiar with Tan’s thinking told Reuters, in a sweeping bid to revive the ailing technology giant.

The new trajectory includes restructuring the company’s approach to AI and staff cuts to address what Tan views as a slow-moving and bloated middle management layer. Revamping the company’s manufacturing operations, which at one time only made chips for Intel but have been repurposed to make semiconductors for outside clients such as

Nvidia, is one of Tan’s core priorities, these sources said.

The plans are still being formulated and could yet change, these sources said.

Intel shares rose more than 8 per cent in mid-day trading on Nasdaq.

At a town hall meeting following his appointment as CEO last week, he told employees that the company will need to make “tough decisions,” according to two other people briefed on the meeting.

Semiconductor industry expert Dylan Patel said a big problem under former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, who left the

company in December, was that he was “too nice”.

“He did not want to fire a bunch of middle management in the way they needed to,” he said.

Tan, 65, former CEO of chip design software firm Cadence and tech investor, was a member of Intel’s board until he resigned last August. In returning as CEO, Tan is set to take over the American icon after a decade of bad decisions by three CEOs in which it failed to build chips for smartphones and missed surging demand for AI processors, allowing competitors Arm Holdings and Nvidia to dominate those markets.

Intel reported an annual loss of US$19 billion in 2024, its first since 1986.

In the near term, Tan aims to improve performance at its manufacturing arm, Intel Foundry, which makes chips for other design companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, by aggressively wooing new customers, according to the people.

It will also restart plans to produce chips that power AI servers and look to areas beyond servers in several areas such as software, robotics and AI foundation models.

“Lip-Bu will be spending a lot of time listening to customers, partners and employees as he comes on board and works closely with our leadership team to position the business for future success,” an Intel spokesman said in a prepared statement.

Intel declined to comment further or make Tan available for an interview. Tan’s venture firm, Walden Catalyst, did not respond to requests for comment.

At the outset, Tan’s strategy appears to be a fine-tuning of that of Gelsinger. The centerpiece of Gelsinger’s turnaround plan was to transform Intel into a contract chip manufacturer that would compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, or TSMC, which counts Apple, Nvidia and Qualcomm as customers.

Gelsinger committed tens of billions of dollars to build factories in the US and Europe to make chips for both Intel and for outside customers, but he was forced to scale back those ambitions as the market for Intel’s core products cooled.

Betting On AI

Tan has been a vocal internal critic of Gelsinger’s execution, according to the two sources familiar with Tan’s plans.

For most of its history, Intel has manufactured chips for only one client - itself. When Gelsinger became CEO in 2021, he prioritised manufacturing chips for others but fell short of providing the level of customer and technical service as

rival TSMC, leading to delays and failed tests, former executives have told Reuters.

Tan’s views were shaped by months of reviewing Intel’s manufacturing process after the board in late 2023 appointed him to a special role overseeing it, according to a regulatory filing.

In his assessment, he expressed frustration with the company’s culture, sources told Reuters, saying it had lost the “only the paranoid survive” ethos enshrined by former CEO Andy Grove. He also came to believe that decisionmaking was slowed down by a bloated workforce, Reuters reported.

Tan presented some of his ideas to Intel’s board last year, but they declined to put them into place, according to two people familiar with the matter. By August, Tan abruptly resigned over differences with the board, Reuters reported.

When he returns as CEO this week, he will lay fresh eyes on Intel’s workforce, which was slashed by roughly 15,000 to almost 109,000 at the end of last year, the sources said.

Beyond the cuts, Tan has little choice but to make Intel’s existing manufacturing operation work in the short run. Intel’s next generation of advanced chips equipped with AI features, called Panther Lake, will depend on its in-house factories using a new set of techniques and technologies Intel calls “18A”.

Intel’s financial success this year is tied to strong sales of the forthcoming chip.

Tan signalled in a memo Intel published Wednesday that he plans to keep control over the factories, which remain financially and operationally separate from the design business and restore Intel’s position as a “world-class foundry”.

Intel’s contract manufacturing operation can succeed if Tan wins over at least two large customers to produce a high volume of chips, industry analysts and Intel executives told Reuters.

Part of the effort to lure large customers will involve improving Intel’s chip manufacturing process to make it easier for potential customers like Nvidia and Alphabet’s Google to use.

Intel has demonstrated improvements in its manufacturing processes in recent weeks and has attracted interest from Nvidia and Broadcom that have launched early test runs, Reuters reported. Advanced

Micro Devices is also evaluating Intel’s process.

Tan is expected to work on ways to improve output or “yield” to deliver higher numbers of chips printed on each silicon wafer as they move to volume manufacturing of its first in-house chip using the so-called 18A process this year.

The goal is to move to an annual release schedule of AI chips, similar to Nvidia, but that will take years. It will be at least 2027 before Intel can develop a compelling new architecture for a first AI chip, according to three industry sources, and one person familiar with Intel’s progress.

Malaysia To Pay Arm Holdings $250 Million For Chip Design Blueprints

Rene Haas, CEO of chip tech provider Arm Holdings, speaks during an event in which Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially announces a $250 million deal with the company, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 5, 2025. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain

to design, manufacture, test and assemble AI chips to be sold globally.

Arm will also establish its first Southeast Asian office in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, with the aim of expanding outreach to other markets in the region as well as Australia and New Zealand, Anwar said when announcing the deal, without providing further details.

Arm CEO Rene Haas said the agreement was poised for success, given Malaysia’s decades of experience in the semiconductor industry built around advanced packaging, assembly and manufacturing.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the government will pay Arm for its intellectual property, including seven of its high-end chip design blueprints.

The deal will also involve the training of 10,000 engineers in Malaysia, Rafizi told media ahead of the deal’s formal announcement.

The Malaysian government emblem and Arm Holdings’ logo are seen on the chips during an event in which Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announces a $250 million deal with Arm Holdings, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 5, 2025. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain

Malaysia will pay Arm Holdings (O9Ty.F), opens new tab $250 million over 10 years to acquire the firm’s chip design plans for local manufacturers, the government said on Wednesday as it looks to produce its own chips within the next decade amid an AI boom.

The Southeast Asian nation plans to produce its own graphics processing unit chips in the next five to 10 years as demand for artificial intelligence and data centres grows.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the agreement with Arm will allow Malaysia

Malaysia hopes the deal will allow domestic producers to scale up, creating 10 local chip companies with yearly revenue of $1.5 to $2 billion each.

“We are looking to build a complete supply chain in advanced industries such as AI data servers, autonomous vehicles, Internet of Things, robotics and others,” Rafizi said. “We will prioritise local players as the first resort for every part of the supply chain.”

The economy ministry and Arm will each have a set of selection criteria for the local companies, given the value of the intellectual property involved and to ensure successful production, Rafizi said.

The government will identify local companies with the capabilities and expertise to quickly begin manufacturing.

A host of technology giants, including

Semiconductor chips are seen on a printed circuit board in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/ Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo

Source: www.reuters.com

Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab, Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab, Alphabet unit Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, and China’s ByteDance, have announced billions of dollars of digital investments in Malaysia since 2023, mostly in cloud services and data centres, powering an infrastructure boom driven by growing AI demand.

Last April, Malaysia said it planned to build Southeast Asia’s largest integratedcircuit design park and would offer incentives including tax breaks, subsidies and exemption from visa fees to attract global tech companies and investors.

Anwar said the park will house worldclass anchor tenants and collaborate with global companies such as Arm.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during an event in which he announces a deal with Arm Holdings to acquire the firm’s chip design plans for local manufacturers, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 5, 2025. REUTERS/ Hasnoor Hussain/File Photo

US Robotics Companies Push for National Strategy, Including A Central Office, To Compete with China

American robotics companies are pushing for a national robotics strategy, including establishing a federal office focused on promoting the industry at a time when China is making intelligent robots a national priority.

Representatives of companies –including Tesla, Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics – on Wednesday met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to show off products and push for the United States to adopt policies that would boost American companies in a global race to develop the next generation of robots.

Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of humanoid startup Apptronik, of Austin, Texas, pointed out to lawmakers that it was American carmaker General Motors that deployed the first industrial robot at a New Jersey assembly plant in 1961. But the US then ceded its early lead to Japan, which remains a powerhouse of industrial robotics, along with Europe.

The next robotics race will be powered by artificial intelligence and will be “anybody’s to win,” Cardenas said in an interview after the closed-door meeting. “I think the US has a great chance of

winning. We’re leading in AI, and I think we’re building some of the best robots in the world. But we need a national strategy if we’re going to continue to build and stay ahead.”

The Association for Advancing Automation said a national strategy would help US companies scale production and drive the adoption of robots as the “physical manifestation” of AI. The group made it clear that China and several other countries already have a plan in place.

Without that leadership, “the US will not only lose the robotics race but also the AI race,” the association said in a statement.

The group also suggested tax incentives to help drive adoption, along with federally-funded training programs and funding for both academic research and commercial innovation. A new federal robotics office, the association argued, is necessary partly because of “the increasing global competition in the space” as well as the “growing sophistication” of the technology.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, said he believes the US is ahead in the game but that the Chinese companies are “very good” and that China is “devoting a lot of resources very quickly.”

“So, we need to maintain our innovation and maintain our culture of entrepreneurship,” Krishnamoorthi said.

Johnathan Chen, manager of carmaker Tesla’s Optimus Engineering, which is developing a humanoid robot that CEO Elon Musk hopes to one day send to Mars, said manufacturing capabilities will be key to national competition. “You create the robots; the question is who’s going to scale them?” Chen said.

China is the world’s largest market for robots that work in factories and other industrial environments, with about 1.8 million robots operating in 2023, according to the Germany-based International Federation of Robotics.

Robotics manufacturers in Japan and Europe still dominate the global market for hulking factory robots, though the share of Chinese manufacturers in its domestic market has grown to roughly half, according to IFR.

It can be harder to track the progress of emerging robot technologies, such as humanoids or animal-like legged robots, because they are not yet heavily commercialised. Massachusetts-based robotics pioneer Boston Dynamics, now owned by South Korean carmaker Hyundai, relied on US military research grants for its first few decades of work on agile robots that can crawl and walk.

China now aims to integrate robotics with other emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, as the country is positioning humanoid robots as a frontier technology and has approved a state-backed venture capital fund of $138 billion to focus on robotics, AI and other cutting-edge innovations.

Earlier this year, the state broadcaster showcased dancing robots at the annual Chinese New Year gala. The army of humanoid robots by the Chinese robotics company Unitree, a Boston Dynamics rival, waved arms and twirled handkerchiefs, boosting national pride

that China has taken great strides in the development of humanoid robots to rival those in the United States.

In an annual work report, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the country would prioritise combining digital technologies and the country’s manufacturing and market strengths, including developing intelligent robots along with connected electric vehicles.

In both the US and China, humanoid robots that combine artificial intelligence with a human-like body have attracted public interest. But they also invite skepticism from some who follow the robotics industry.

“We don’t like humanoid robots very much because they’re silly,” said Bill Ray, a UK-based analyst for market research group Gartner. “They look fantastic, but they’re not very practical.”

Ray instead is looking for more applications of what he describes as

“polyfunctional robots” such as wheeled machines that can pick up and carry heavy packages through airports but don’t look at all like people. He doesn’t think government support will make much of a difference in which country takes the lead.

“In the political climate at the moment, we’re not expecting to see fleets of Chinese robots working in American factories or fleets of American robots working in Chinese factories,” Ray said. “I think that’s a given.”

Cardenas, whose company and its Apollo robot has backing from tech giants Nvidia and Google, said a national strategy in the US could help in incentivizing robot adoption, while also promoting the education of a new generation of robotics engineers and scientists.

“Humanoids are going to play a big role both practically and in capturing the imagination of the public,” Cardenas said.

A Tesla robot is displayed as US robotics companies look for congressional support to compete with Chinese companies, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on March 26, 2025. — AP

Innovating Visual Experiences Worldwide

Elevate Your Product with Intec Display’s Premier LCD Solutions

From Malaysia to Global: Innovating LCD Technology

At Intec Display, we don’t just manufacture LCDs we engineer bespoke visual solutions that empower innovation. As a homegrown Malaysian company with over two decades of industry leadership, we combine cutting-edge TFT technology with unparalleled customization capabilities to meet the unique needs of every client.

What sets us apart is our dedication to solving challenges, not just selling products—From tailored screen specifications to full-system integration, we work closely with clients to design LCD solutions that align perfectly with their applications—whether for industrial, commercial, or cutting-edge tech environments.

As a trusted end-to-end LCD manufacturer proudly based in Malaysia, we maintain full control over production, ensuring agility, quality, and the flexibility to adapt to even the most specialized requirements.

Innovate. Inspire. Integrate.

Located in Puncak Alam (Selangor), Malaysia 2,000 square meters of space Optical bonding, air bonding, etc.

Assembly of TFT LCM displays, OLED, resistive touch panel displays, capacitive touch displays with cover lenses, monochrome LCM displays.

A message from our CEO

"At Intec Display, every display we design and build in Malaysia represents our dedication to customer satisfaction. As we continue to advance in our capabilities, we remain committed to delivering products that are not just industry-leading but also strategically advantageous on a global scale."

— Jack Ng, CEO of InTec Display Sdn Bhd.

Customization Capabilities

At Intec Display, we recognize that every project comes with its own unique set of challenges and requirements. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive customization options, ensuring your display solution is meticulously tailored to meet the exact demands of your application.

Whether you need enhanced brightness levels, specific interface integrations, or unique operational temperature ranges, our team is equipped to deliver precise solutions tailored just for you. Custom Crafted to Perfectly Fit Your Vision

Chinese Robots Ran Against Humans in The

World’s First Humanoid Half-Marathon.

They Lost by A Mile

If the idea of robots taking on humans in a road race conjures dystopian images of android athletic supremacy, then fear not, for now at least.

More than 20 two-legged robots competed in the world’s first humanoid half-marathon in China on Saturday, and – though technologically impressive – they were far from outrunning their human masters over the long distance.

Teams from several companies and universities took part in the race, a showcase of China’s advances on humanoid technology as it plays catch-up with the US, which still boasts the more sophisticated models.

And the chief of the winning team said their robot – though bested by the humans in this particular race – was a match for similar models from the West, at a time when the race to perfect humanoid technology is hotting up.

Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, the robots jogged through Beijing’s southeastern Yizhuang district, home to many of the capital’s tech firms.

Over the past few months, videos of China’s humanoid robots performing bike rides, roundhouse kicks and side flips have  blown up the internet, often amplified by state media as a key potential driver of economic growth.

In a 2023 policy document, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology identified the humanoid robotics industry as a “new frontier in technological competition,” setting a 2025 target for mass production and secure supply chains for core components.

Fears have mounted in recent years about how artificial intelligence – and robots – may one day outsmart humans.

And while AI models are fast gaining ground, sparking concern for everything from security to the future of work, Saturday’s race suggested that humans still at least have the upper hand when it comes to running.

The robots were pitted against 12,000 human contestants, running side by side with them in a fenced-off lane.

After setting off from a country park, participating robots had to overcome slight slopes and a winding 21-kilometer (13-mile) circuit before they could reach the finish line, according to state-run outlet Beijing Daily.

Just as human runners needed to replenish themselves with water, robot contestants were allowed to get new batteries during the race. Companies were also allowed to swap their androids with substitutes when they could no longer compete, though each substitution came with a 10-minute penalty.

The first robot across the finish line, Tiangong Ultra – created by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center –finished the route in two hours and 40 minutes. That’s nearly two hours short of the human world record of 56:42,  held by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo. The winner of the men’s race on Saturday finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Alan Fern, professor of computer sciences, AI and robotics at Oregon State University, told CNN he was “actually

very impressed” that the robots managed within the time limit, saying he “would have bet that none of them would finish.”

Fern added that there are many companies in China, the US and Europe that are developing their own humanoid robots but says there’s no “clear leader” in the industry at this point.

“And it’s gonna be interesting to see. I’m just excited that there’s so many options at this point in time,” he told CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout.

Tang Jian, chief technology officer for the robotics innovation center, said Tiangong Ultra’s performance was aided by long legs and an algorithm allowing it to imitate how humans run a marathon.

“I don’t want to boast but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements,” Tang said, according to the Reuters news agency, adding that the robot switched batteries just three times during the race.

The 1.8-meter robot came across a few challenges during the race, which involved the multiple battery changes. It also needed a helper to run alongside it with his hands hovering around his back, in case of a fall.

Most of the robots required this kind of support, with a few tied to a leash. Some were led by a remote control.

Amateur human contestants running in the other lane had no difficulty keeping up, with the curious among them taking out their phones to capture the robotic encounters as they raced along.

A robot loses control at the start of what is billed as the world’s first robot half marathon in Beijing, Chaina, on April 19, 2025. - Ng Han Guan/AP

Robots take part in what is billed as the world’s first robot half marathon during the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon held in Beijing, China, on April 19, 2025. - Ng Han Guan/AP

Kodiak Robotics to Go Public in SPAC Deal Valuing Firm At $2.5 Billion

Autonomous truck technology firm Kodiak Robotics said on Monday it plans to go public in the U.S. later this year through a merger with blank-check company Ares Acquisition Corp II, valuing Kodiak at $2.5 billion.

The combined entity, which will be called Kodiak AI, would also receive about $551 million of cash held in Ares Acquisition’s trust account upon closing, the companies said.

The deal has also secured commitments and investments of over $110 million from investors, including Soros Fund Management, ARK Investments and Ares Management.

Founded in 2018, Kodiak specializes in developing self-driving technology for trucks and generates recurring revenue

through autonomous trucking operations in the Permian Basin, delivering goods for U.S. customers.

Earlier this year, the company successfully delivered its first autonomous trucks, termed “RoboTrucks,” to oilfield services firm Atlas Energy Solutions, which has committed to an initial order of 100 trucks.

The Mountain View, California-based company said its self-driving software has logged over 2.6 million miles in realworld conditions.

Kodiak’s growth comes at a time when companies are increasingly looking to reduce transportation and logistics costs amid driver shortages and heightened demand for expedited deliveries.

“Entering the public markets will ... expand our existing partner relationships, provide our technology to a broader customer base, and deliver enhanced solutions across the commercial trucking and public sector industries,” Kodiak Founder and CEO Don Burnette said.

The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2025, and the company’s common stock will trade under the ticker symbol “KDK”. Kodiak did not specify which stock exchange it would be listed on.

Blank-check companies, also known as special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), allow private companies to go public through merger transactions, often with accelerated timelines.

FILE PHOTO: U.S. one-hundred-dollar bills are seen in this photo illustration at a bank in Seoul August 2, 2013. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo

Established in 1993, Growa delivers innovative, customengineered industrial solutions using quality components and providing reliable after-sales support Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Malaysia, Batam, and Indonesia, we specialize in electromechanical hoisting equipment for heavy industrial cranes, ranging from 100 kg to 50 tons. Supported by advanced IT systems and real-time inventory management, we are committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and customerfocused lifting solutions across the region.

SUPPLY

LOAD

sales@growa com my

Robotic Fish Help Revitalise Fish Farming in China

At the National Innovation Centre for Digital Fishery in Beijing, two robotic fish with a sleek, metallic finish swim gracefully in a breeding tank, showcasing cutting-edge research designed to revolutionise fish farming.

“These are the robotic tuna and robotic dolphin we developed,” said Liu Jincun, an associate professor at China Agricultural University (CAU). “They represent different swimming characteristics, but their core purpose is the same, which is to assist in fish farming.”

Liu is part of an underwater bionic robotics team dedicated to simplifying the labour-intensive tasks of fish farming.

“We want to make the work of fishermen less difficult,” said Wei Yaoguang, another team member with more than 20 years of experience. Wei recalled how fishermen used to inspect vast seafood farms, with divers spending three to four days checking a 400-metre-diameter net cage for sea farming. In addition to being timeconsuming, the process was also costly.

To address these challenges, the team turned to underwater robots equipped with sensors to monitor fish and nets. The first robot developed by the team was able to patrol the entire 400-metre-diameter net cage in just four hours, a significant improvement over the manual process.

However, the team soon encountered a new challenge: fish stress response. “Fish are easily stressed, and if the robots get too close, they will jump out of the water,” Liu explained.

To reduce disturbance, the team designed a bionic fish that is smaller and more streamlined, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its biological environment without disrupting aquatic life. “When our fish robots swim, live fish often follow them, creating a natural dynamic where larger fish lead smaller ones,” Liu said.

Another challenge arose with the machine tuna’s tail, which swayed from side to side, causing its head to move unpredictably, complicating underwater inspections. To solve this, the team developed a visual stabilisation system, enhancing the robot’s ability to clearly observe underwater conditions.

According to the experts, these bionic robots incorporate a variety of advanced technologies, including fish-like propulsion systems and flexible dual-drive motors, which reduce disturbance and allow for smoother swimming. The robots are also equipped with high-precision sensors to monitor water quality and fish behaviour in real time.

Meanwhile, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the team has developed autonomous motion control algorithms and lightweight AI chips, enabling the robotic fish to swim, analyse and adapt autonomously in multiple underwater environments.

Experts believe the robotic fish opens new possibilities for fisheries management, including guiding target fish to designated areas for more efficient harvesting and enhancing feeding strategies.

“Traditional feeding methods can result in waste or uneven distribution, but the robotic fish, with an integrated bait bin and sensors, can deliver food more precisely by analysing bio-indicators such as size, number and activity level,” Liu said, adding that this reduces bait waste, lowers aquaculture costs, and optimises the growth environment for fish.

In addition to aquaculture, robotic fish have potential uses in deep-sea exploration and marine resource monitoring.

An aerial drone photo taken on March 13, 2025 shows fishers driving boats to the fish farming area at a marine ranch in Rongcheng City, east China’s Shandong Province. -Xinhua

“Traditional underwater equipment is often bulky, energy-intensive, and disruptive to marine life. Bionic robotic fish, with their quiet, inconspicuous nature, can collect deep-sea data, monitor marine ecology, and assist with topographic mapping without interfering with aquatic ecosystems,” Wei said.

The team has so far collected more than 200 terabytes of video data on over a dozen fish species, along with 10 million photos and videos.

“This data is essential for training AI models and will contribute to smarter, more efficient fish farming,” he added.

The team has also integrated its intelligent aquaculture technology with the Fanli Big Model, an AI-powered

Source: www.thestar.com.my

system developed by the National Innovation Centre for Digital Fishery. Deployed across 23 provincial regions, the technology now manages over 6.3 million square metres of land-based aquafarms and 5.5 billion square metres of pond and offshore aquaculture farms, resulting in a 50 per cent reduction in labour costs.

In addition to the robotic fish, the centre has developed and implemented a range of “AI plus fishery” technologies, including water quality monitoring, fish behaviour analysis, intelligent feeding and disease early warning, offering comprehensive technical support for modern fisheries.

Li Daoliang, director of the centre and a professor at CAU, emphasised the role of AI in the future of aquaculture.

“AI’s impact on fisheries will be profound, enhancing efficiency while also promoting sustainability.”

“With the global population growing and food safety concerns rising, traditional fish farming faces challenges like water pollution, resource waste and drug misuse. AI can address these issues and help achieve precise fisheries management,” he said.

“Our team will continue to explore innovative solutions in underwater robotics to create a more efficient and intelligent future for fish farming,” Li added.

Starting Them Young in Robotics

The 10-year-olds crowded around as polytechnic student A. Vinod Retnam started to open the box, revealing wires, small coloured bulbs and a circuit board.

“What does it do? Can we put it together? Do we need a manual? Would it produce electricity?” the children asked eagerly.

It was an Arduino starter kit – containing the basics of robotics.

The children, some of them standing on chairs, were full of suggestions as the teenager explained and demonstrated how the kit was to be set up.

The children, from SJK(T) Taman PJS 1 here, were being introduced to robotics under a programme hosted by the IATSS Forum Japan Alumni Association Malaysia.

With starter kits containing wires, chips and connectors, the children were required to connect the device to activate the lights and buzzers.

A total of 120 pupils were given handson experience in robotics in a Technical

and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge-sharing workshop.

Eight-year-old S. Varunikasaai, who wants to become a teacher, was very pleased.

“I am happy to see the lights flashing and learning to connect the wires,” she said.

Her friend, who was too shy to give his name, said he wanted to build a flying car.

Tharun Melon, 11, who aspires to be a police officer, said: “I think I found a way to build a police car alarm because it has flashing lights. I want to know how to do more.”

Santosh Ravichanthiran, 10, hopes the school would arrange more such classes for them. “This is very enjoyable,” he said.

Project leader Kauselya Muniandy said the project was to instil awareness on the importance of STEM among the pupils.

“Such a project will encourage students to pursue these fields,” she said.

School principal R. Rajaletchumi said the three-year-old school carried out a similar class last year, and the response was good.

“Last year, one of our students, Yugaen Thirusambandam, won a national robotics competition,” he said.

The pupils were guided by Port Dickson Polytechnic student volunteers.

There were also demonstrations of a drone and a computer numerical control machine, which are commonly used in manufacturing to machine metal and plastic parts.

Senior lecturer Muhammad Abdul Jalil, 44, said Malaysia’s education system lags behind Thailand and Vietnam in encouraging interest in STEM.

“In Thailand, secondary students are learning about service robots but ours are just beginning to explore the building of simple robots. Many are not interested in STEM subjects – robotics is one way of gaining their interest,” he added.

Fellow senior lecturer Deenesh Kumar Nalathambi said primary school was the best place to foster interest in STEM.

“There are many robotics competitions both locally and internationally. With proper guidance, children as young as 10 can tackle concepts at a tertiary level.

“Robotics can be applied to a variety of industries, including medicine, automobiles and agriculture. Our objective is to spark their interest. From there, we can take it further,” he added.

Students of SJKT PJS 1 in Petaling Jaya try their hands at robotics starter kits in a workshop

This Robotic Prosthetic Hand Has Just the Right Touch

American engineers have developed a prosthetic hand that can grip plush toys, water bottles, and other everyday objects like a human, carefully conforming and adjusting its grasp to avoid damaging or mishandling whatever it holds.

The system’s hybrid design is a first for robotic hands, which have typically been too rigid or too soft to replicate a human’s touch when handling objects of varying textures and materials.

The innovation offers a promising solution for people with hand loss and could improve how robotic arms interact with their environment.

Details about the device were published in the journal  Science Advances on March

6 (2025) by the team led by Johns Hopkins University engineers, with colleagues from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Illinois, Chicago

Combining Hard and Soft

“The goal from the beginning has been to create a prosthetic hand that we model based on the human hand’s physical and sensing capabilities – a more natural prosthetic that functions and feels like a lost limb,” said Johns Hopkins PhD candidate in neuroengineering Sriramana Sankar, who led the work.

“We want to give people with upperlimb loss the ability to safely and freely interact with their environment, to feel and hold their loved ones without concern of hurting them.”

The device, developed by the same Neuroengineering and Biomedical Instrumentations Lab that created the world’s first electronic “skin” with a humanlike sense of pain in 2018, features a multifinger system with rubberlike polymers and a rigid 3D-printed internal skeleton.

Its three layers of tactile sensors, inspired by the layers of human skin, allow it to grasp and distinguish objects of various shapes and surface textures, rather than just detect touch.

Each of its soft air-filled finger joints can be controlled with the forearm’s muscles, and machine learning algorithms focus the signals from the artificial touch receptors to create a realistic sense of touch, Sankar said.

The new hybrid robotic hand blends soft and rigid parts with touch-sensitive technology, allowing for precise and flexible object handling. — SRIRAMANA SANKAR

“The sensory information from its fingers is translated into the language of nerves to provide naturalistic sensory feedback through electrical nerve stimulation.”

In the lab, the hand identified and manipulated 15 everyday objects, including delicate stuffed toys, dish sponges and cardboard boxes, as well as pineapples, metal water bottles and other sturdier items.

In the experiments, the device achieved the best performance compared with the alternatives, successfully handling objects with 99.69% accuracy and adjusting its grip as needed to prevent mishaps.

The best example was when it nimbly picked up a thin, fragile plastic cup filled with water, using only three fingers without denting it.

“We’re combining the strengths of both rigid and soft robotics to mimic the human hand,” Sankar said.

“The human hand isn’t completely rigid or purely soft – it’s a hybrid system, with bones, soft joints and tissue working together.

“That’s what we want our prosthetic hand to achieve.

“This is new territory for robotics and prosthetics, which haven’t fully embraced this hybrid technology before.

“It’s being able to give a firm handshake or pick up a soft object without fear of crushing it.”

Inspired By Nerves

To help amputees regain the ability to feel objects while grasping, prostheses will need three key components: sensors

to detect the environment, a system to translate that data into nerve-like signals, and a way to stimulate nerves so the person can feel the sensation, said Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering professor Dr Nitish Thakor, who directed the work.

The bioinspired technology allows the hand to function this way, using muscle signals from the forearm, like most hand prostheses.

These signals bridge the brain and nerves, allowing the hand to flex, release or react based on its sense of touch.

The result is a robotic hand that intuitively “knows” what it’s touching, much like the nervous system does, Prof Thakor said.

“If you’re holding a cup of coffee, how do you know you’re about to drop it?

“Your palm and fingertips send signals to your brain that the cup is slipping,” he said.

“Our system is neurally inspired – it models the hand’s touch receptors to produce nerve-like messages so the prosthetic’s ‘brain’, or its computer, understands if something is hot or cold, soft or hard, or slipping from the grip.”

While the research is an early breakthrough for hybrid robotic technology that could transform both prosthetics and robotics, more work is needed to refine the system, he added.

Future improvements could include stronger grip forces, additional sensors, and industrial-grade materials.

“This hybrid dexterity isn’t just essential for next-generation prostheses,” Prof Thakor said.

“It’s what the robotic hands of the future need because they won’t just be handling large, heavy objects.

“They’ll need to work with delicate materials such as glass, fabric or soft toys.

“That’s why a hybrid robot, designed like the human hand, is so valuable – it combines soft and rigid structures, just like our skin, tissue and bones.”

The research was funded by the US Department of Defense and the US National Science Foundation.

Industrial RFID Systems

Pepperl+Fuchs’ industrial RFID systems help boost efficiency by eliminating manual data collection, reducing errors, and increasing process speed and transparency. These complete solutions include read/write devices, tags, interfaces, and cables, and support all commonly used frequency ranges (LF, HF, UHF). Designed for high compatibility, the components integrate easily with most control systems. Uniform handling across all frequencies simplifies setup and use, making them a practical choice for industrial automation.

www.pepperl-fuchs.com/en-sg

+603 7621 0611

sales@my.pepperl-fuchs.com

TRIO POWER Power Supply with Integrated Circuit Breakers

Phoenix Contact’s TRIO POWER Power Supply with Integrated Circuit Breakers is a space-saving innovation designed for modern machine building. It combines a reliable 3-phase power supply with integrated multi-channel device protection in a single compact unit. Featuring an IO-Link interface, robust performance, tool-free wiring, and smart diagnostics, it simplifies installation and monitoring. This all-in-one solution reduces cabinet space, lowers material costs, and ensures safe, efficient, and intelligent operation in demanding industrial environments.

info@phoenixcontact.com.sg

ASPL - Your Industry’s Health, Our Total Solution

ASPL (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, established 1999 in Puchong, Selangor, is a leading industrial solutions provider. We specialize in Industry 4.0 automation, electrification, and digitalization, offering cuttingedge IIoT and AI-driven Manufacturing Insight Platforms. Our expertise extends to AI-powered energy management systems that optimize Battery Energy Storage and PV generation, helping clients achieve ESG goals while maximizing cost savings. We also deliver customized AI vision solutions, predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics to enhance productivity and deliver measurable ROI.

www.phoenixcontact.com/en-sg www.alliedsolutions.com.my

Singapore Leads Move to Set Out Guidelines for Flying Taxis, Drones in Asia

Industry players said these guidelines could help more companies enter the market to provide services, like drone deliveries for food and medicine.

A set of guidelines is in the works for flying taxis and drones in Asia, which industry players say marks a major milestone for the wider use of such technology.

It could also help more firms to enter the market and provide services like drone deliveries for food and medicine, they added.

Singapore is currently leading the move to develop these guidelines for civil aviation authorities in the region, which will cover electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft – better known as air taxis – as well as unmanned aircraft systems, or drones.

On Wednesday (Apr 2), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) issued a call for feedback on the guidelines from industry players until Apr 23.

CAAS worked with 23 other regulators in the Asia Pacific – including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and China – to come up with these reference materials for regulators.

The materials will be published in July before being submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization in September.

“They help regulators ensure public and aviation safety and security while supporting the development of new technology that has tremendous potential to transform the way we live, move and work,” said CAAS director-general Han Kok Juan.

“For investors and companies, they help provide greater regulatory clarity and regulatory alignment across varied jurisdictions, and this will help reduce uncertainty and regulatory cost.”

Regulatory Challenges Abound

The global eVTOL aircraft industry remains a lucrative one – it was worth S$6 billion (US$4.47 billion) last year and could be worth five times as much in 2030.

Industry players told CNA that having a guide will help the sector grow even further.

Mr Derek Cheng, head of commercial in the APAC region at Vertical Aerospace, said companies currently face several regulatory challenges in terms of certification, operations, airspace integration and infrastructure.

For example, firms and regulators have to consider how to accommodate flying taxis in existing air traffic management systems.

Mr Cheng said the reference materials that have been developed will allow companies like his to better approach regulators in the region to enter their respective markets.

“In a way, this helps to bridge alignment for the future commercialisation and scaling of advanced air mobility,” he added.

An electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft built by Joby Aviation flies over an airfield with a helicopter flying nearby in California on Oct 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

“Beyond a regulatory framework, it also allows a forum for APAC regulators to gather to discuss these safety objectives, as well as the new operating standards of these new aircraft.”

Mr Cheng described the development of these materials as timely, given that most eVTOL firms are looking to achieve type certification around 2027 or 2028.

“We believe that … we will be able to unlock new use cases and enhance regional connectivity in the region. This means looking at use cases like crossborder operations, airport-to-city shuttles, as well as unlocking new routes in the sky for EVTOLs to be able to fly,” he said.

The company, which is based in England, has pre-sold 1,500 flying taxis to airlines, helicopter operators, aviation businesses and mobility companies from around the world, said Mr Cheng.

Making The Most of Current Tech

The new guidelines are also set to allow firms to make the most of existing technology.

In Singapore, for instance, drones can only be flown as far as their operators can see them, which means they cannot be flown behind a tree or building. The guide is expected to expand the range from hundreds of metres to kilometres.

Garuda Robotics CEO Mark Yong said such a change would let their drones do more, like parcel delivery.

The Singapore-based company manufactures and operates autonomous drone systems in industries like agriculture.

“We don’t have to spend time as industry players debating about how to structure a particular document or template. Instead, we can focus on the work of complying with what we know the rules that are coming out,” Mr Yong added.

“For businesses like us, certainty is king – being able to know that we don’t have to go into a new jurisdiction and argue and fight with the regulators about what we consider to be fundamentally agreed upon operational capabilities. I think that’s a huge (win).”

He noted that regulators around the world have been “grappling” with the “very new sector of aviation”, with change coming “very slowly and painfully”.

“We definitely expect that each regulator will have to put in their own customisations, because the airspace picture in Singapore versus Thailand versus Malaysia … are going to be unique and different,” he added.

A prototype of a flying taxi, which is currently in development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is unveiled in the taxi rank outside Charing Cross railway station in London, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

A drone delivering food in a park in Shenzhen, China.

AI Robots May Hold Key to Nursing Japan’s Ageing Population

Recently in Tokyo an AI-driven robot leaned over a man lying on his back and gently put a hand on his knee and another on a shoulder and rolled him onto his side -- a manoeuvre used to change diapers or prevent bedsores in the elderly.

The 150-kg (330 lb) artificial intelligencedriven humanoid robot called AIREC is a prototype future “caregiver” for Japan’s rapidly ageing population and chronic shortage of aged-care workers.

“Given our highly advanced ageing society and declining births, we will be needing robots’ support for medical and elderly care, and in our daily lives,” said Shigeki Sugano, the Waseda University professor leading AIREC’s research with government funding.

Japan is the world’s most advanced ageing society with a falling birth rate, dwindling working-age population and restrictive immigration policies.

The World’s Oldest Populations

Measured by Ratio of Those Aged 65 Or Above, And Major Economies’ Standing

Japan leads the rest of the world in ageing, with three out of 10 people aged 65 or above.

Japan’s “Year 2025 Problem”

Japan’s “baby boomer” generation, a bulging cohort created by a spike in post-war child births from 1947 to 1949, all turned at least 75 by the end of 2024,

joining an age-bracket called “late-stage elderly.”

The ratio of people in each broad-age group in Japan’s population

The number of babies born in 2024 fell for a ninth straight year, by 5% to a record low 720,988, data from Japan’s health ministry showed on Thursday.

The nursing sector, meanwhile, is struggling to fill jobs.

It had just one applicant for every 4.25 jobs available in December, far worse than the country’s overall jobs-to-applicants ratio of 1.22, according to government data.

Note: The United Nations uses different methodologies to estimate demographics for different countries. Sources: World Bank; United Nations’ World Population Prospects: The 2024 Revision | Reuters, Feb. 26, 2025 | Pasit Kongkunakornkul

Sources: Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; Japan’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research | Reuters, Feb. 26, 2025 | Pasit Kongkunakornkul

As the government looks overseas to help fill the gap, the number of foreign workers in the sector has grown over the years, but stood only at around 57,000 in 2023, or less than 3% of the overall workforce in the field.

“We are barely keeping our heads above water and in 10, 15 years, the situation will be quite bleak,” said Takashi Miyamoto, a director at Zenkoukai, an operator of elderly-care facilities. “Technology is our best chance to avert that.”

Japan In Need of More Care Workers

Japan, a country with a shrinking working-age population, is estimated to need 2.72 million nursing care workers by 2040, up 28% from the 2023 actual level.

This chart depicts the number of nursing care workers and certified people requiring care or support in Japan from fiscal year 2000-2023 and the number of nursing care workers needed in Japan in fiscal year 2026 and 2040.

AIREC, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven humanoid robot, conducts an ultrasonic examination on a mock-up during a demonstration at Waseda University’s laboratory in Tokyo, Japan February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

AIREC, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven humanoid robot, demonstrates a manoeuvre for changing diapers or preventing bedsores with a researcher at Waseda University’s laboratory in Tokyo, Japan February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

AIREC, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven humanoid robot, demonstrates a manoeuvre for changing diapers or preventing bedsores with a researcher at Waseda University’s laboratory in Tokyo, Japan February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Waseda University professor Shigeki Sugano talks about AIREC, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven humanoid robot, at the university’s laboratory in Tokyo, Japan February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

workers

Number Of People Certified as Requiring Nursing Care or Support

Zenkoukai has actively embraced new technologies, but the use of robots has been limited so far.

At one facility in Tokyo, a bug-eyed, doll-sized robot assists a care worker by singing pop songs and leading residents in simple stretching exercises, while human caretakers busily tended to other pressing tasks.

One of the most practical uses of nursing care technologies currently is as sleep sensors placed under residents’ mattresses to monitor their sleeping conditions, cutting back on humans doing the rounds at night.

Although humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus are being developed for the nearer future, Sugano said robots that can safely interact physically with humans require next-level precision and intelligence.

“Humanoid robots are being developed the world over. But they rarely come into direct contact with humans. They just do household chores or some tasks on factory floors,” said Sugano, who is also president of the Robotics Society of Japan.

“Once humans enter the picture, issues like safety and how to coordinate a robot’s moves with each individual’s spring up.”

Sugano’s AIREC robot is capable of helping a person sit up or put on socks, cook scrambled eggs, fold laundry and some other useful tasks around the house.

But Sugano does not expect AIREC to be ready for use in nursing-care and medical facilities until around 2030 and at a hefty price of no less than 10 million yen ($67,000) initially.

Takaki Ito, a care worker at a Zenkoukai facility, is cautiously optimistic about the future of robotic nursing.

“If we have AI-equipped robots that can grasp each care receiver’s living conditions and personal traits, there may be a future for them to directly provide nursing care,” he said.

“But I don’t think robots can understand everything about nursing care. Robots and humans working together to improve nursing care is a future I am hoping for.”

($1 = 149.0500 yen)

Note: as indicated by the data source, there were some revisions to the methodology used to compile the statistics. Sources: Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare; Reuters calculation | Reuters, Feb. 26, 2025 | Pasit Kongkunakornkul

Robot Dog Learns, Adapts Like Humans, Swedish AI Startup Intuicell Says

ASwedish AI startup company has created a robot dog named Luna that has a functional digital nervous system capable of learning and adapting like humans and many animals, the company, IntuiCell, said on Wednesday.

In one of the first-use cases of physical agentic AI, which can make decisions and take actions towards specific goals rather than just perform narrow tasks or generate content, the robot dog would be able to learn like a real dog.

IntuiCell will hire a dog trainer - instead of integrating a generative AI model and vast datasets - to teach Luna to walk, based on how neurons interact and process information, it said.

“What we have built is the first software that allows any machine to learn like

humans and animals do,” CEO and cofounder Viktor Luthman said in an interview.

“There’s no pre training, no offline simulations and no billion-dollar data centre in the background, but there’s a nervous system that allows the machine to learn.”

Indeed, the robot dog’s potential would lead to advances in human-like robots’ capabilities in different environments, he said.

“The next step is exploring humanoid robotics, exploring autonomous robotics in unpredictable environments such as space exploration, deep sea exploration, or disaster response,” Luthman said.

Intelligent machines could be sent to Mars, for example, to build future habitats for people, an environment where the robots cannot be pre-trained and would need to be able to solve problems as they arise, he said.

While Luna can currently stand up on its feet, the robot dog would perceive, process and improve through direct interactions with the world.

Formed as a spin-out from Lund University in Sweden in 2020, IntuiCell is funded by Sweden’s Navigare Ventures, Norway’s SNÖ Ventures and the European Union.

AI Revolution in Malaysia’s Accounting Sector: A Pathway to Digital Transformation

Contemporary developments in artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape industries globally, including profoundly transforming the accountancy profession in Malaysia.

AI has redefined financial data processing, analysis and reporting, thereby cementing an unyielding shift toward digitalisation within the profession, supported by the National AI Roadmap by the government and the Digital Technology Blueprint by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). These initiatives position AI

as a key tool for enhancing efficiency, accuracy and compliance, ensuring that the profession remains competitive in the digital economy of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) and strategically strengthening the role of accountants in the capital markets.

AI-Driven Automation: Redefining Accounting Practices

AI has broadly transformed accounting practices across different scales of operations by automating core

accounting functions such as data entries, processing of invoices and preparation of reconciliations, thereby significantly improving efficiency and reducing human error. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) facilitates accountants to focus on strategic financial planning and critical decisions throughout corporations of all sizes. AI-driven automation also facilitates accounting firms such as BDO in Malaysia to enhance service offerings, including the adoption of efficient middleware solutions for e-invoicing in accordance with applicable tax regulations.

Beyond Automation: Predictive Analytics and Fraud Detection

The impact of AI extends beyond RPA, to enabling data analytics in general and predictive analytics. Data mining and statistical modelling employed by financial statement auditors and forensic accountants facilitate processing of voluminous financial datasets, leading to identification of patterns and anomalies that might have been previously overlooked. These insights transform audit approaches in identifying potential fraudulent transactions or irregularities, which enables practitioners to thoroughly examine specific transactions flagged by AI. Unsurprisingly, International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) adopted by the MIA were revised over the last five years to recognise the value of AI as a risk identification and assessment tool. Both, accounting firms and audit regulators have similarly disclosed in recent years the deployment of and significant investments in data analytics, cementing the relevance of AI within the profession and the growing need to upskill existing practitioners. Impending changes arising from revisions to ISA 240 The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) to redefine stakeholders’ expectations in relation to fraud further necessitates integration of AI in the audit process with new exciting opportunities for accountancy graduates soon.

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reporting: AI As a Strategic Enabler

Regulatory compliance represents another area that showcases the relevance

of AI. Companies incorporated in Malaysia prepare financial statements in accordance to Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS) or Malaysian Private Entities Reporting Standard (MPERS) issued by the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB), which would be routinely lodged with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM). Recent announcements by CCM on the

phased implementation of the Malaysian Business Reporting System (MBRS) 2.0 requiring lodgement of digital MFRS or MPERS-compliant financial statements based on extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) format consequently leads to enhanced service offerings by accounting firms and facilitates machinereadable analysis of financial information by investors.

Developments in ESG reporting such as the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, European Union Taxonomy Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive require more than 1,000 data points, which triggered deployment of AI tools among European multinational corporations as a scalable solution. With the issuance of the National Sustainability Reporting Framework by the Advisory Committee on Sustainability Reporting in Malaysia, the impending adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) could similarly trigger the use of AI-driven data gathering tools.

Evolving Role of Accountants

With the rapid integration of AI throughout various aspects of the accountancy profession, accountants have transformed from traditional bookkeeping and financial reporting to increasingly strategic roles in financial advisory, risk management and data analysis. Accountants would need to

adapt and upskill themselves to navigate these transformations and leverage opportunities afforded by this new landscape. Universities, in collaboration and with the support of professional bodies in Malaysia, would excel by integrating AI-related modules into accounting curricula, equipping future accountants with the technical expertise demanded by prospective employers. With increasing investments by accounting firms in AIrelated training programs to upskill their workforce, universities could also explore collaborative training programmes with these accounting firms to cultivate a new generation of accountants conversant in both traditional finance and modern technology.

Challenges To AI Adoption in The Profession

Despite numerous benefits, AI adoption in our profession faces challenges including the high cost of implementation. AI-driven accounting solutions require significant investment resources, rendering affordability as a key consideration for SMEs and the everincreasing needs and outlay for larger

corporations. Another pertinent challenge is the shortage of AI expertise within the current pool of accountants based on observations of employers struggling to attract and retain talented personnel capable of integrating and applying AI-driven tools within organisations. Addressing this issue requires concerted collaborative efforts from universities, practitioners, professional bodies and policymakers to develop, integrate and expand AI education for the benefit of all stakeholders within the profession.

In conclusion, AI is transforming our profession, offering unprecedented advantages. While challenges remain, we believe that investments in education, training and supportive policies offer enduring solutions for capital market stakeholders to harness its full potential and enhance Malaysia’s global economic competitiveness.

Johor Charges Ahead with RM99 Bil in Game-Changing JS-SEZ Investments

Johor is forging ahead with nearly RM99 billion in realised and upcoming investments under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), as the state government unveiled ambitious proposals aimed at future-proofing the region’s economic landscape.

At the inaugural JS-SEZ Business and Investment Forum, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi revealed that Johor had secured RM48.5 billion in approved investments in 2024, with an additional RM27.4 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

Another RM23 billion worth of projects are currently in the pipeline.

“These figures reflect the deep trust that investors place in Johor. We are serious, responsive, and ready,” he told the gathering of nearly 1,000 senior policymakers and business leaders.

The forum, themed “JS-SEZ: Bridging Economies, Strengthening Supply Chains,” aims to position the zone as a premier investment destination and an essential node in the global supply chain, focusing on high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green technology, agrotech, and the digital economy.

Also in attendance were Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, underscoring the strategic importance of the Malaysia-Singapore bilateral initiative.

Onn Hafiz called the JS-SEZ a “gamechanger” that will position Johor as a regional hub for innovation, talent, and investment.

“The JS-SEZ allows Johor and Singapore to unlock our economic complementarities and attract green, high-tech investments that create betterpaying jobs and drive sustainable growth,” he said in his keynote address.

To accelerate investment facilitation, Johor has launched two key initiatives: the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre –Johor (IMFC-J) and the Johor Super Lane (JSL). These reforms have shortened the processing time for priority investments from 24 months to just over a year.

Companies already benefitting from these fast-track mechanisms include Princeton Digital Group, Wiwynn Technology, Olam/Markono, and Mayora, with 42 high-impact projects currently in the accelerated pipeline.

Onn Hafiz also praised Singapore’s steady commitment to the JS-SEZ, quoting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s call to treat Johor and Singapore not as standalone hubs but as “an ecosystem that complements one another”.

In a light-hearted moment, Onn Hafiz jokingly suggested Tengku Zafrul should be “snatched up” by Singaporean political parties, praising him as “capable, hardworking, handsome and smart.”

However, he quickly pivoted to a serious note, warning that political instability, as seen in Malaysia from 2018 to 2022, remains a key risk.

He called for policy continuity and crossborder alignment, urging both nations to turn challenges—such as tariff disputes— into opportunities for building a resilient and interconnected economy.

“Let us move forward with one vision, two nations, and shared prosperity,” he added.

To further solidify the JS-SEZ’s value proposition, Johor unveiled two bold new proposals: the creation of a Regulatory Sandbox and an Asean Industrial Park that could reshape cross-border investment dynamics and fast-track innovation.

“These proposals are not blue-sky ideas. They are grounded, strategic moves to make JS-SEZ the most competitive and compelling investment destination in the region,” he said.

“These proposals are designed to future-proof our economies amid global uncertainties. They signal Johor’s seriousness in pushing the envelope to make JS-SEZ a flagship model of regional economic cooperation,” Onn Hafiz said.

The Regulatory Sandbox will be piloted in high-potential zones such as Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), Ladang Air Manis in Kulai, and Forest City.

The sandbox will offer temporary regulatory exemptions to enable testing of innovative technologies, policies and business models.

Focused on emerging sectors such as fintech, smart logistics, renewable energy and autonomous technologies, the sandbox will target high-impact projects led by companies, universities and crossborder consortiums.

“This supervised, flexible environment allows faster development cycles and realworld policy experimentation. It is about speed, scale and synergy,” he said, adding that governance will involve key state and federal agencies through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre – Johor (IMFC-J).

Johor is forging ahead with nearly RM99 billion in realised and upcoming investments under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone(JSSEZ), as the state government unveiled ambitious proposals aimed at future-proofing the region’s economic landscape.

The Asean Industrial Park, meanwhile, is aimed at attracting strategic investments from member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

“Tailored for high-value sectors like advanced manufacturing, green tech and the digital economy, the park will offer incentives such as tax breaks, simplified talent mobility, and eased fund repatriation,” he said.

Onn Hafiz added that the park will be rolled out in phases, starting with a pilot programme and expanding based on performance.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be a core feature in developing infrastructure and services.

“This is about positioning the JS-SEZ as Southeast Asia’s preferred destination for RCEP-related investment and creating quality jobs for the region.”

He also pledged to co-chair monthly coordination meetings with Tengku Zafrul to maintain policy momentum and alignment.

Tengku Zafrul reaffirmed the strategic significance of the zone, stating that the JS-SEZ is critical to ASEAN’s evolving economic framework.

“As global trade realigns, Malaysia and Singapore are deepening policy, infrastructure, and supply chain linkages to strengthen regional resilience.

“JS-SEZ is the prototype for what Asean needs – agility, stamina, and cross-border cooperation,” he said.

The forum featured three high-level panel sessions focused on talent mobility, digital transformation, and wealth creation within the Malaysia-Singapore nexus.

Two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were also exchanged: One between Pertamina Energy Terminal and the Port of Tanjung Langsat, targeting a green bunkering collaboration with a projected three million metric tonnes in trading volume by 2025.

Another between Maybank and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor (PUJB) to establish a financing framework supporting SMEs within the zone.

MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim described the JS-SEZ as more than an economic corridor—calling it a “blueprint for future cross-border ecosystems.”

“We’re witnessing a rare convergence of policy, capital, and innovation. MIDA is committed to facilitating end-to-end investment success in the zone,” he said.

Tech Adoption in Agriculture Is Not Optional

MALAYSIA had a agricultural sector that contributed substantially to gross domestic product (GDP). But the situation has changed over the years.

In 1961, agriculture accounted for 45 per cent of GDP. Now it is 8.0 per cent.

It is necessary to relook at the role of agriculture in the economy with a view to incorporating technology to revive the sector.

When the cost of agricultural produce goes up, the prices of food and the cost of living also rise.

Domestic factors demand that the agricultural sector be transformed. The most pressing factor is the high food import bill, which rose to RM79 billion in 2023 from RM43 billion in 2014.

The food trade deficit was RM31 billion in 2022: imports amounted to RM75.6 billion, and exports, RM44.6 billion.

Increases in food imports can result in the weakening of the ringgit and that in turn will lead to a rise in the cost of living.

Malaysia cannot do without certain food imports, but where possible it should have a high degree of self-sufficiency.

Agriculture the world over is getting technology-intensive and we should incorporate these advancements.

Big data is being used to monitor moisture levels and soil conditions to maximise output. Remote sensing

systems, drones, robots and automation are employed to improve crop health and productivity.

Dairy farming makes extensive use of automation. Even Qatar, which one does not usually associate with farming, is able to produce dairy products, chickens and eggs efficiently.

The modern al-Rawdah and Baladna farms, which produce poultry and milk, are striking examples of high productivity in an otherwise harsh environment.

The degree of detail that can be engineered in agriculture these days is quite remarkable. Farms can ensure that crops receive the right amount of water through micro-drip irrigation technology. This prevents over-watering and wastage.

The greater use of technology in agriculture will boost productivity and lower costs. Other sectors will benefit, too: agriculture products are a necessary input in many economic activities.

There is enough reason to transform agriculture — and it must start with technology adoption.

The writer is director of research, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Institute

The above comments and opinions in the article are the author’s own own and do not necessarily represent Automate Asia Magazine’s view

Malaysia’s once-thriving agricultural sector now contributes just 8 per cent to GDP, down from 45 per cent in 1961, prompting calls for technological revitalisation. —Bernama

Japan Constructs World’s

First 3D-Printed Railway Station in

Just

Six Hours

In a quiet corner of Wakayama Prefecture, a revolution in infrastructure quietly took place. Japan has completed what is being called the world’s first 3D-printed railway station building, assembled in just six hours. The new structure at Hatsushima Station is part of an initiative by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) to explore faster and more efficient construction methods.

The station building was created using a 3D-printing system developed by Serendix, a Japanese construction technology company. The components were printed off-site over the course of a week and then transported to the location, where they were put together overnight.

Measuring approximately 10 square meters in area and 2.6 meters in height, the structure is made from reinforced concrete. Though simple in form, the building features reliefs depicting local symbols such as mandarin oranges and beltfish, a nod to the region’s agriculture and fishing industries.

There are currently no benches inside the shelter, but JR West plans to install a ticket machine ahead of its official opening in July 2025. The new facility will eventually replace the existing wooden station building that has served the area for decades.

By merging 3D printing with transportation infrastructure, Japan is testing how advanced technology can meet the practical demands of everyday life. This may be a step toward a future where public spaces are built in hours, not months.

© Serendix

How Unionfab Has Built the World’s Largest Fleet Of 3D Printing Production Machines

With nearly 800 systems (and growing), ranging from over 500 SLA machines from UnionTech to Stratasys, BLT and even HP for metal binder jetting.

Unionfab, a global leader in industrial additive manufacturing, has officially positioned itself as the world’s largest production-based 3D printing service by number of machines. This is a known fact in the industry but the sheer size of the company may not be immediately clear: With nearly 800 industrial 3D printers (and counting) installed across its production sites, UnionFab surpasses every competitor in both machine count and technological diversity.

Let’s explore the scope of their operations, the incredible scale of their printer factory, and how this company is literally reshaping global AM (imagine if all those SLA systems had come from 3D Systems…).

up

everything

Total 3D Printers at Unionfab: A Breakdown by Technology

UnionFab’s unmatched printer fleet covers a comprehensive range of 3D printing technologies, including SLA, SLS, SLM, FDM, MJF, PolyJet, DLP, and even metal Binder Jetting (from both ExOne and HP, but not yet from EASYMFG).

Each printer is optimized for specific production needs—from small, highly detailed parts to massive, functional components. UnionFab houses over 727 production-ready 3D printers. Their SLA fleet alone comprises over 540 UnionTech machines, a number that dwarfs many competitors’ entire inventories.

Stay

to date with

that is happening in the wonderful world of AM via our LinkedIn community.

Today, like many other large AM service providers both in the East and in the West, Unionfab offers 3D printing, CNC, Casting, Injection Molding and other manufacturing services with multiple materials, fast turnaround and low cost.

A division of its mother company, UnionTech, Unionfab has taken up the position of Asia’s leading 3D printing manufacturing company for rapid prototyping and on-demand production parts. Counting technologies beyond

3D printing, the total number of manufacturing machines tops 1000, across five mega-scale production factories in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Anhui, all in China.

Unionfab provides parts manufacturing services from 1 to 100,000 pieces, helping customers achieve one-stop service from design, rapid prototyping, and direct digital manufacturing. In addition, the Unionfab online platform is networked to hundreds of manufacturing 3D printers.

This guarantees fast lead times while offering a broad array of capabilities such as order management, customization, quoting, AI process, etc. Unionfab buyers range from small start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. The company claim it has over 30,000 customers across the globe.

Unionfab’s growth trajectory

Founded in 2000, UnionTech, the mother company of Unionfab, specializes in industrial-grade non-metallic 3D printing. The company has more than 20 product series, 68 niche products and 178 patents. Since its founding, UnionTech has maintained rapid growth for nearly a decade, with an average annual revenue growth rate exceeding 50% and equipment sales exceeding 80%.

Unionfab’s inflection point occurred in 2019, when the company established three super factories housing a total of 400 industrial-grade 3D printers, 200 CNC machine tools, and additional equipment. The factories were fully digitalized, with internally developed ERP, MES, and APS systems in place. In 2021, Unionfab became a strategic partner for the material manufacturing giants Evonik and BASF,

enabling the two European companies to research and develop high-performance materials for 3D printing, thereby expanding their presence in additive manufacturing (AM).

From small-scale precision with DLP (like the T190 system) to massive SLA builds like the G2100 (up to 2.1 meters wide), UnionFab’s machines can now handle everything from prototyping to end-use part production.

Additionally, UnionFab doesn’t rely on a single technology. Their printers span eight additive manufacturing methods, including systems from competitors in both China and the West, covering both polymer and metal applications. The machine fleet includes large-format FDM 3D printers and PolyJet systems from Stratasys, as well as metal 3D printers from BLT (mostly), EOS and Nikon SLM Solutions (one of each). In addition, with 7 metal binder jetting (MetalJet) systems

from HP, the company is the largest known user of this technology as well.

Serving industries like aerospace, automotive, healthcare, robotics, and consumer goods, UnionFab delivers highvolume, high-mix part production with industrial reliability.

MADE IN TAIWAN

Pneumatic Valves / Quick Coupler / Hose Reel / Air Control Unit / Air Blower

MADE IN TAIWAN

Magnetic Drilling Machine / Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Cutter

10000psi (700 Bar) Hydraulic Punching Machine / Hydraulic Bearing Puller / Hydraulic Manual Pump / Hydraulic Equipments / Hydraulic Cylinder

Hydraulic Quick Coupler / Pneumatic Quick Coupler

DESIGNED IN USA AND MADE IN TAIWAN Pneumatic Air Tools

Teens Test Virtual Technology Aimed at Helping Anxiety

Therapy which uses virtual technology is being tested as a means of supporting teenagers with anxiety and those who struggle to attend school.

Cardiff Youth Service, part of Cardiff council’s education department, has helped to test and develop a mobile app which uses augmented reality (AR) as an intervention for anxiety and social isolation.

Initial findings suggest the technology, which will be piloted in some schools in Cardiff and Swansea, has resulted in an “increase in social connection” and reduced levels of anxiety.

The Children’s Commissioner for Wales said any intervention which could engage young people and help their emotional wellbeing was to be welcomed.

AR is an interactive experience where your real-world environment is augmented, added to or enhanced using computer generated content.

Counsellor Angela Mcmillan, who developed the AR therapy app, said the

idea came from support sessions with young people in the south Wales valleys who had been struggling to attend school due to anxiety and social isolation.

“I’m really curious as to how we can use technology for good,” she said.

“Instead of thinking of it as something we do by ourselves, how might we use technology where we are then able to share that with the person next to us?”

The app uses gaming technology to allow a young person to design a flower and choose a structure to support its growth and weather conditions.

Users can then superimpose the digital images onto their physical surroundings using their device.

“What we found was young people were using the devices to move around their physical space but also interacting with each other in a playful way and we know that play is incredibly important for child development,” said Ms Mcmillan.

A group of young people who are supported by Cardiff Youth Service were the first to test the AR app.

Lili, 16, said: “It’s easy to use because you can separate it from yourself. It’s easier to look at your emotions from an outside perspective.

“I think it could be helpful for a lot of people. If someone didn’t really like talking then it can be like an ice-breaker to open up conversations with their counsellor.

“I think it would be particularly useful for people with social anxiety.”

Lili, one of the young people from Cardiff Youth Service who tested the augmented reality app, says it has a “calming effect”

Initial results from the AR therapy application show “a significant reduction in levels of anxiety” among young people, according to Ms Mcmillan

Jonas, 15, said: “The thoughts of the day’s experiences are going through my mind as I’m choosing the different things.

“It’s creative and I’ve never seen something like this before.”

It is hoped the technology will help certain individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, to feel more comfortable using images to express how they are feeling.

“We’re just about to start some pilots in schools in Swansea and Cardiff. What we have seen so far in our initial pilots is an increase in social connection,” said Ms Mcmillan.

“I think a key element of this is that if we feel a sense of belonging, that improves our wellbeing and the way we want to interact with the world.

“A by-product of that might be that young people want to go back into education or attend in different ways.”

The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, said school attendance remained “a big problem” as the number of children missing more than 10% of their schooling had doubled since the pandemic.

“There are multiple complex reasons for this, but we know emotional mental health and wellbeing does play a part and school anxiety is common,” Ms Cifuentes said.

“I think it’s really important to be considering any intervention which is evidence based and is showing to be

effective but I also think it’s important to listen to children and young people and what they need.

“The world is evolving, technology is evolving and I think where schools can use that technology effectively to support children and young people’s attendance, that’s to be welcomed.”

Cardiff council said young people had “been given a voice and had valuable input in developing this tool which provides a way for them to communicate using an approach that they feel comfortable with”.

Digital health interventions which support mental health and wellbeing are used worldwide according to researchers at Cardiff University

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Maintenance to

Revolutionise Plant Reliability and Operational Efficiency

An exclusive interview with Dr. Deny Sapian, Head of Bearings & Industrial Solutions at Schaeffler Malaysia on maximising cost and efficiency within the manufacturing landscape.

Dr. Deny Sapian is currently responsible for Industrial Sales and Business Development at Schaeffler in Malaysia. His professional journey is marked by experiences across multiple sectors, including plant operations, O&M engineering services, and construction in the oil and gas, power generation, manufacturing, and OEM.

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in plant commissioning, operations and rotating equipment start-ups & maintenance, Dr. Deny Sapian’s expertise has helped him to identify emerging industry needs and address challenges faced by plant operators and maintenance professionals. He has also helped to bridge knowledge gaps in plant operations and fostered practical strategies for optimizing plant performance while maximising returns on investment.

1. Can you provide a brief history of Schaeffler and its presence in Malaysia?

Schaeffler has been driving forward inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. From the revolutionary cage-guided needle roller bearings to mechanical and mechatronics solutions for industrial and automotive sectors, Schaeffler has been actively supporting its customers across a wide range of motion technology.

In 1995, Schaeffler expanded its footprint to Malaysia where we remain invested. Given the complex and rapidly changing landscape in Malaysia, Schaeffler prioritises digitalisation, innovation and sustainability within our business operations and solutions to expand our position as an innovative, reliable, and agile partner in an increasingly competitive environment.

2. How does Schaeffler ensure the quality and reliability of its unique blend of high precision motion engineering related products and solutions?

Quality assurance is directly integrated into the manufacturing process at Schaeffler and is supported by regular audits. Additionally, Schaeffler has also received ISO certifications like ISO 9001:2015 and IATF16949 among many others, that reflect our strong adherence to international standards.

We have defined worldwide standards for occupational safety and environmentally friendly manufacturing. Our suppliers have also undergone rigorous assessment and monitoring to ensure that they meet Schaeffler’s quality standards.

3. How does the company contribute to the integration of digital transformation in smart manufacturing in Malaysia and globally?

As a leader in motion technology, Schaeffler is driving the future of smart manufacturing. Our comprehensive solutions within the bearings and industrial solutions have helped our partners in Malaysia and across the world to improve operational efficiency within their productions.

Using a combination of a trifecta of smart sensors, AI analysis, and Schaeffler’s deep expertise, our OPTIME Ecosystem delivers highly accurate predictive maintenance. The technology analyses vibration, temperature, and load data to forecast multistratal rotating equipment failures weeks in advance. By leveraging machine learning and AI algorithms built on our extensive physical model

library, OPTIME Ecosystem identifies potential issues with pinpoint accuracy, preventing costly disruptions.

Schaeffler’s contribution extends beyond offering an innovative solution in condition monitoring. Our Industrial Lifetime Solutions portfolio represents a proactive cost-saving strategy that empowers plant operators to navigate

the complexities of Industry 4.0 and beyond. All of these translate to reduction of unplanned downtime, optimization of maintenance intervals, enhancing equipment performance, and lowering maintenance costs. Furthermore, the shift toward digitalized plant operations has also proven to improve work safety and operational reliability.

4. What are some of the major challenges in implementing predictive maintenance, and how can these challenges be overcome?

Two challenges stand out: data quality and model validation – the twin titans of predictive maintenance challenges. The principle “garbage in, garbage out” is all too familiar, and a sophisticated model loses its value if it foresees non-existent failures. This is where Schaeffler’s strategic approach becomes crucial. Our OPTIME Ecosystem offers more than just sensors; it combines Schaeffler’s expertise in the field of bearing technology, vibration analysis, and profound knowledge on rotating machine characteristics and lubrication to deliver accurate and reliable data.

Additionally, the lack of resources and budget constraints often hinder companies from implementing predictive maintenance. However, the reality is that investing in predictive maintenance is not an option but a necessity. While budget concerns are valid, the long-term savings and enhanced operational efficiency far outweigh the initial investment.

Our focus is on driving strategic transformation. While there is an upfront cost, the cost-savings from reduced downtime will optimise maintenance and improve energy efficiency, ultimately offering a substantial ROI for our partners.

The Customer’s Perspective:

Initial cost concerns are valid, but the hidden costs of inefficiency can be even more detrimental. Predictive

maintenance enhances operations beyond fixing machines — it boosts safety, efficiency, and competitiveness, turning maintenance into a profit driver.

In essence, overcoming these challenges requires a partnership. Schaeffler collaborates with its customers and partners to transform data into actionable insights, resulting in reduced downtime, optimised maintenance, and a more efficient plant to pave the way for smarter manufacturing.

Schaeffler’s Approach:

5. The manufacturing landscape is constantly evolving. From your perspective, what are the key trends we should watch out for in the next few years, and how is Schaeffler positioning itself to stay ahead?

Increasing digitalisation, automation and a shortage of skilled labour in production is expected to increase capital expenditures on plant and equipment.

Likewise, the introduction of stricter safety standards and a heightened focus on sustainability across the supply chain will drive manufacturers to look at innovative solutions to drive productivity and efficiency across multiple industries.

Our expertise in motion technology allows us to provide a comprehensive portfolio, which ranges from individual components such as sensor-enabled bearings through to complex mechatronic systems, that are well positioned to support manufacturers to generate efficiency increases.

The portfolio is rounded out by solutions for preventive maintenance such as sensor-based condition monitoring and intelligent lubrication. For instance, our OPTIME Ecosystem which is built on deep bearing knowledge and advanced analytics facilitates remote and autonomous operations, thereby increasing machine life cycles, resulting in energy efficiency and reliable operations.

Furthermore, Schaeffler also offers expert and remanufacturing services that extend machine lifetime that help to reduce operating costs and lower carbon emissions.

What’s Really Transforming?

Rethinking

Talent,

Capability,

and the Illusion of Readiness

We talk about transformation — but what’s really transforming?

It’s not just the systems. It’s expectations. It’s roles. It’s power dynamics.

AI, automation, digital ecosystems — these aren’t just tools. They’re reshaping the workplace, the workforce, and who gets seen, heard, or left behind.

And nowhere is this more visible than in how we talk about talent.

We say we’re investing in upskilling. We talk about reskilling the workforce. We fund programmes, roll out courses, issue certificates. But on the ground, transformation often stalls — not because people aren’t learning, but because the system isn’t ready for what that learning demands.

We’ve mistaken training for capability. We’ve confused certification with readiness. And we’ve designed programmes that focus on speed — without space for understanding, habitbuilding, or real change.

By Prof Datin Lorela Chia

We’ve Reduced Capability to Courses

In almost every sector I work with — from manufacturing and engineering to energy and logistics — I hear the same question:

Why aren’t our people willing to learn?

In some instances, where management had proactively incentivised learning, the question becomes:

Why aren’t our people applying what they’ve learned?

The conversation becomes one of resistance, and securing buy-in. But the issue isn’t resistance.

It’s that many training programmes drop people back into unchanged environments. They’re asked to perform new tasks with no new support. They carry a certificate, but not a system that enables them to grow.

We’ve built pipelines without destinations. We’ve upskilled individuals, but not teams. We’ve rushed to deploy tools, but not designed trust.

Designing for the Margins Brings Everyone Forward

In the special needs community, we often see tremendous potential — but very

little structural support. The real question isn’t whether someone can be trained. It’s whether they’re in an ecosystem that allows them to show up fully.

Similarly, for caregivers — especially women juggling unpaid care and professional ambition — the biggest barrier to workforce participation isn’t lack of talent. It’s the absence of systems that allow life to function alongside work.

If we design transformation for the most excluded — people with disabilities, informal workers, those returning from career gaps — we create systems that function better for everyone.

“Transformation isn’t inclusive unless it’s intentional. And it doesn’t last unless it’s lived.”

The Four Disconnects

Let’s break this down. Across countless conversations, sessions, and audits, I see four recurring disconnects:

1. Skills ≠ Capability

Skills are task-specific. Capability is contextual and sustained. You can teach someone to use a dashboard. But unless they understand why it matters — how it links to emissions, productivity, or customer impact — the skill remains surface-level.

2. Training ≠ Access

We assume training is accessible. But workers with language barriers, digital discomfort, or care obligations are often left out quietly. Sometimes the issue is logistics. Often, it’s psychological safety. And too often, content is designed for the already confident.

3. Certification ≠ Culture

You can train someone. But if your workplace rewards hierarchy over initiative or urgency over understanding, nothing changes. Culture eats credentials for breakfast. And transformation stalls in environments that aren’t safe for experimentation.

4. Talent ≠ Pipeline

When we say “talent,” we often mean “those who already succeed in our current system.” But transformation needs people who can adapt, interpret, and sometimes challenge the system. If your pipeline only reflects the past, it won’t prepare you for what’s next.

Capability Doesn’t Scale Through Mandates Alone

Governments around the world have spent billions on national upskilling

campaigns. But too often, we chase volume over depth.

Singapore’s SkillsFuture is often cited, and for good reason. It pairs lifelong learning incentives with strategic national roadmaps, backed by real labour market insight.

Germany’s dual-track vocational model integrates industry and education so well that graduates enter jobs with credibility and confidence, not just a certificate.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, we’ve had dozens of short-term, grant-funded programmes. Many well-intentioned. But often disconnected.

Who’s learning what? For what role? In what system?

“Capability doesn’t scale through mandates. It scales when policy, practice, and purpose are aligned.”

When Learning Doesn’t Lead to Change

At the recent launch of the Apprenticeship, Internship, Reskilling & Upskilling (AIRU) Talent Programme by Penang’s 88 Captains, industry leaders from the semiconductor and tech sectors echoed the same tension: Programmes are running. Funding exists. But traction is patchy.

Why? Because the operating environment hasn’t caught up. In one smart manufacturing pilot I observed, operators were trained to use a new interface. But no one explained the shift to supervisors. The shop-floor metrics weren’t updated. Within weeks, everyone reverted to old routines.

The Hidden Costs of Misaligned Capability

It’s not just productivity we lose. It’s trust, confidence — and people.

Wasted Training Budgets

Courses get completed. Grants get spent.

But if nothing shifts on the ground, it’s just motion without meaning.

Burnout & Disengagement

People are willing to grow — but not in systems that expect more without offering support.

Talent Walks Out

The most adaptable people aren’t resisting change. They’re leaving the environments that resist them.

False Signals of Readiness

A certificate doesn’t mean clarity. Attendance doesn’t mean capability. We check the boxes — and miss the point.

Leadership Credibility Takes the Hit

When nothing changes after training, it’s not just frustrating. It’s deflating. Trust breaks quietly — and rebuilds slowly.

Capability isn’t built in classrooms. It’s shaped by the systems people return to

“Transformation doesn’t collapse in the classroom. It collapses on the return to work.”

What Success Really Looks Like

Real capability:

● Is reinforced by managers, not just trainers.

● Grows through usage, not theory.

● Evolves with confidence, not fear.

● Thrives in clarity, not compliance.

It looks like a technician who pauses because something doesn’t feel right — and feels safe enough to speak up.

It looks like a team leader who takes 15 minutes to explain why a change matters.

It looks like a company that maps transformation into its incentive structure, not just its roadmap.

“Capability matures when learning becomes part of the way we work — not just what we attend.”

Aligning Policy, Practice, and Purpose

To build capability that lasts, we need alignment on three fronts:

● Policy must shift from “how many trained” to “how many retained, adapted, and applied”. Fund not just training, but feedback loops, supervisory upskilling, and posttraining coaching.

● Practice must adapt to workplace structures. HR policies, KPIs, and leadership behaviours must reinforce new capabilities — not punish growing pains.

● Purpose must be clear and shared. When teams know why the change

matters — not just what it is — transformation becomes something they co-own, not comply with.

Closing Reflection: What We’ve Failed to Design

We keep asking: Why is there resistance? But maybe the better question is: What have we failed to design into the system that makes resistance the only rational response?

We talk about inclusion. But do our systems make space for difference?

We talk about productivity. But do our metrics reward growth or just speed?

We talk about leadership. But are we building leaders who listen, adapt, and learn alongside their teams?

Transformation isn’t about rollout. It’s about relationships. It’s about rhythm. And yes — it’s about redistributing power, not just deploying tools.

We can’t automate our way to trust.

We can’t speed our way into equity.

But we can design systems that give people the clarity, confidence, and care they need to lead the future — not just survive it.

That’s what’s really transforming. Or failing to.

And that’s where our work begins.

About the Author

Prof. Datin Lorela Chia is the Founding President of the Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI) and Vice President I of the Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF). She also serves on the National Governing Committee of the Machinery & Equipment Productivity Nexus (MEPN), where she champions industrial productivity, sustainable supply chains, and digital transformation. In addition, she is an Industry Professor at the Centre of Excellence for Governance, Ethics and Innovation. A frequent public speaker, she contributes to advancing Malaysia’s industrial competitiveness and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Sustainability Meets Automation: Building Green Industrial Ecosystems in ASEAN

By Ir. Ts. Prof. Dr. Chee-Fai Tan Vice President (Technology), Malaysia Association for Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI) Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Kuala Lumpur University of Science & Technology (KLUST)

In the past, industrial growth was often measured by how fast we could produce, how much we could export, and how much capital we could generate. But today, those metrics are no longer sufficient. As the global economy transitions towards climate responsibility and ethical business practices, a new question is emerging across boardrooms and factory floors in ASEAN: How sustainable is our growth?

In this new paradigm, automation is evolving — from a productivity tool to a powerful enabler of sustainable, transparent, and resilient industrial ecosystems.

The Convergence of Sustainability and Digital Transformation

The global push towards sustainability — driven by climate change, ESG regulations, and shifting consumer expectations — is intersecting with a wave of digital transformation. Technologies such as

artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics are no longer solely about efficiency. They are now key drivers of carbon reduction, ethical sourcing, waste minimisation, and regulatory compliance.

In ASEAN, where manufacturing, energy, and resource-intensive industries underpin much of the economy, this convergence is particularly significant. Digital automation is not just a competitive advantage — it is becoming a prerequisite for market access and longterm resilience.

Real-World Applications: Automation as a Sustainability Engine

Let us take a closer look at how this shift is materialising on the ground.

In modern factories across Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, AI systems are

being deployed to track real-time carbon emissions, analysing everything from energy usage to raw material inputs. What once required weeks of manual audits can now be accomplished in minutes — providing predictive insights to optimise operations for lower emissions and higher efficiency.

In logistics, digital twins simulate transportation routes to reduce fuel consumption and enhance delivery efficiency. In procurement, AI-powered systems assess suppliers not just on cost and delivery, but also on carbon footprint, labour practices, and water usage.

And in sustainability reporting, blockchain is creating tamper-proof ledgers to verify a product’s origin, ethical sourcing, and environmental performance — enabling companies to support their green claims with verifiable evidence.

From Supply Chain to Value Chain:

Perspective

At the Malaysia Association for Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI), we collaborate with manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers, and technology providers to embed sustainability into every link of the industrial value chain.

One of the greatest challenges we observe is in procurement and resource management. Traditional procurement often overlooks sustainability metrics, focusing solely on price and availability. However, automation is changing that.

Today’s digital procurement platforms can automatically evaluate suppliers based on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, flag non-compliant vendors, and prioritise local, lowemission, and certified ethical producers. This not only strengthens and greens supply chains — it also enhances brand credibility and investor confidence.

In production, MASSCI advocates the use of IoT and machine learning to optimise energy and material usage. Realtime monitoring, predictive maintenance, and feedback control systems are enabling manufacturers to achieve measurable reductions in waste and carbon output.

The ASEAN region has the opportunity to lead this transformation.

We have the tools. We have the talent. Now, we must have the vision and the will to act.

To ensure transparency, we promote blockchain traceability systems that provide end-to-end visibility — whether in food, electronics, automotive, or textile supply chains. When every step is recorded and verified, businesses can demonstrate compliance, access new markets, and build trust with consumers.

AI: Not Just for Intelligence, But for Integrity

AI warrants special attention for its growing role in automated sustainability intelligence. By analysing vast datasets, AI can:

• Identify carbon hotspots across production;

• Predict equipment inefficiencies;

• Optimise resource usage in real time;

• Simulate sustainable process improvements before physical implementation.

AI also contributes to social sustainability. Image recognition systems can detect unsafe working conditions. Natural language processing tools can scan supplier contracts for ethical risks. AI-powered audits can flag potential greenwashing in ESG reports.

In short, AI is becoming both a watchdog and a workhorse in the transition towards responsible industry.

The ASEAN Opportunity: Scaling the Impact

ASEAN stands at a pivotal crossroads. We are a global manufacturing hub, rich in resources and talent. Yet we are also vulnerable to climate disruptions, supply chain shocks, and rising compliance pressures from international partners.

By embracing automation for sustainability, ASEAN can leapfrog outdated systems and become a global exemplar of green industrial transformation.

But achieving this requires collective action.

Governments must harmonise ESG reporting standards, incentivise green technology adoption, and invest in digital infrastructure. Educational institutions need to upskill the workforce in AI, sustainability management, and digital operations. Industry bodies — like MASSCI — must continue fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and enabling collaboration between technology providers and industry players.

Beyond Compliance: A Moral and Strategic Imperative

Let us be clear — this is not merely about meeting regulations or securing contracts. It is about doing what is right. Automation provides tools to build industries that are not only smarter, but also more equitable, ethical, and environmentally responsible. It allows us to tackle problems once thought insurmountable — such as tracing raw materials across continents, or reducing emissions in real time across thousands of machines.

(On the Ground at Metaltech 2025) At the MASSCI booth during Metaltech, visitors experienced how real-time dashboards can transform industrial decision-making. This live AI-powered system tracks production metrics, helping manufacturers boost efficiency, control emissions, and monitor sustainability KPIs — all in one view.

And perhaps most importantly, it empowers our next generation of engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs to lead with integrity and innovation.

A Personal Reflection

In my role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Kuala Lumpur University of Science & Technology (KLUST), I work with students who are deeply passionate about technology, yet equally concerned about the planet. They want to be part of something meaningful

That is why the convergence of sustainability and automation is so exciting. It provides our young talent with both a purpose and a platform to create real, lasting change.

It reminds us that technology is not just about progress — it is about responsibility.

The ASEAN region has the opportunity to lead this transformation. We have the tools. We have the talent. Now, we must have the vision and the will to act.

Together, let us engineer a region that is smart, sustainable, and secure — for generations to come.

About the Author

It reminds us that technology is not just about progress — it is about responsibility.

Conclusion: Let’s Build Smart, Let’s Build Green

Sustainability and automation are not separate goals — they are two sides of the same future. When we integrate them, we unlock a new way of doing business — one that balances profit with purpose.

Ir. Ts. Prof. Dr. Chee-Fai Tan is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Kuala Lumpur University of Science & Technology (KLUST) and Vice President (Technology) of the Malaysia Association for Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation (MASSCI). He is an internationally recognized expert in smart manufacturing, digital transformation, AI, and robotics. Prof. Tan also serves as Chair of the ASEAN Engineering Inspectorate for Manufacturing and contributes to ISO/ IEC and WFEO initiatives on engineering innovation and sustainability.

CIOE 2025

THE 26TH CHINA INTERNATIONAL OPTOELECTRONIC EXPO

September 10-12, 2025

Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center

8 SUB-EXPOS

240,000M² Exhibition Area 130,000+ Visitors

3,800+ Exhibitors

Smart Factories & Strategic Futures The Future of ASEAN’s Manufacturing Landscape

By the Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF)

ASEAN’s Industrial Moment: A Region at a Crossroads

Across the ASEAN region, manufacturing is no longer defined by output and productivity alone. Today, industrial relevance depends on how intelligently we operate, how connected we become, and how rapidly we can adapt.

Smart factories, MES/AI-enhanced systems, and trusted, fairly priced digital infrastructure are fast becoming baseline enablers. But the real challenge — especially in a region as diverse as ASEAN — isn’t just about technology. It’s about building talent (especially with English proficiency) and cultivating aligned ecosystems that support scale, trust, and resilience across borders.

This is where the Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF) sees its mission: to help convene,

connect, and catalyse — not as the region’s operator, but as a neutral enabler of structured transformation.

From Automation Islands to Industrial Maturity

Smart factories don’t grow in isolation — they need connected systems, skilled people, and practical support. To help more companies move from basic automation to smarter, more capable operations, MEIF is focusing on:

• Helping companies shift from product output to process improvement, by encouraging the use of tools like MES, lean practices, and real-time monitoring;

• Providing simple tools to check where companies stand — and what they need next — across production, planning, quality control, and workforce readiness;

• Supporting testbeds and pilot zones where companies can try new systems in real conditions and get practical feedback;

• Raising skill levels to supervisory and cross-functional capability, so that workers can operate and manage integrated systems confidently.

These efforts are about building stronger foundations — not just in equipment, but in how companies plan, train, and grow. It’s how we raise industrial maturity across the sector.

A Tactical, Incremental Vision for ASEAN Manufacturing

Transformation happens in measured phases. MEIF proposes a modular pathway — a practical map that others can adopt, adapt, and scale.

• Phase 1: Digital Visibility

Deploy IoT sensors to gather baseline data, prioritise accessible use cases like predictive maintenance and energy monitoring, and pilot improvements at the line level.

• Phase 2: Process Intelligence

Integrate analytics for decision-making, foster industry-led benchmarking, and explore regulatory sandbox environments for automation.

• Phase 3: Interoperable Systems

Pilot traceability platforms for sectors with critical assurance needs, and explore mutual recognition of digital certificates across ASEAN.

• Phase 4: Smart Factory Alliances

Share training tools and development platforms, and co-develop supplier upgrading programmes to uplift midtier capabilities regionally.

This isn’t about leaping into a fully connected future overnight. It’s about enabling manufacturers to evolve — from where they are, with what they have, supported by systems that are designed to grow with them.

Malaysia’s Role: Convening, Not Competing

Malaysia may not be the region’s largest manufacturer, but its strength lies in convening stakeholders, coordinating pilots, and catalysing initiatives. With strategic location, institutional depth, and a robust mid-tier base, Malaysia can help facilitate ASEAN’s supply chain alignment.

Through MEIF, Malaysia brings policymakers, industry stakeholders, and technical experts into structured dialogues. The aim isn’t to lead unilaterally — but to create shared frameworks that allow the region to move forward together.

MEIF’s Practical Focus Areas

Our 2025–2027 agenda prioritises action-oriented platforms and earlystage implementation. These pilots and partnerships are designed to generate realworld insights, build practical capabilities, and inform scalable models for industrywide transformation.

• Smart Factory Pilot Zones

MEIF initiated two pilot projects — Project Pintar and the MEPN–AeroPN pilot under MEPN — to explore how productivity can be enhanced through practical, context-based system improvements in real industry environments. These pilots aim to build readiness for broader industrial adoption and contribute toward a future Productivity Centre of Excellence (PCOE).

• THINK : M+E

An MEIF initiative, focused on supply chain development and process-level transformation for smaller SMEs. Its initial rollout includes licensed CAD/ CAM software to support digital readiness and hands-on learning with integrated tools.

• Process-Level Maturity Pathways

Tools and frameworks to support the shift from product-level output to process-level capability — including digital integration, MES adoption, and systems thinking.

• Workforce Upskilling

Training models that build supervisory, cross-platform, and contextualised regulatory knowledge — equipping skilled workers to function at higher levels of operational maturity.

• Supplier Enablement & Market Readiness

AI-powered diagnostics and matching tools to help local companies benchmark capabilities and connect to high-value supply networks.

Conclusion: Building from Where We Are

ASEAN’s manufacturing future won’t be defined by grand declarations — but by systems that work. MEIF’s role is to support this process: helping to build aligned, adaptive, and credible ecosystems across borders.

We’re not there yet — and we don’t claim to be. But we are laying down the pathways, testing what works, and sharing what’s proven.

Progress begins when pilot zones mature, frameworks align, and suppliers connect. It’s slow at first — but it scales when trust is built in.

That’s the foundation MEIF is working toward. We invite others to help shape it.

Post-Tariff Trade Realities — Why Agility Now Matters More

In a post-reciprocal tariff, post-trade war environment, manufacturers face fragmented compliance regimes and unpredictable sourcing dynamics.

Smart factories are essential — not just for efficiency, but for reconfigurable production, layered compliance, and diversified supplier relationships.

Going forward, MEIF aims to support manufacturers in their ability to:

• Pivot quickly to new partners without full retooling;

• Layer verification for cross-standard compliance;

• Build data-driven trust in dynamic regulatory landscapes.

These capabilities are not yet fully realised — but they define the direction we are committed to building, with our partners.

�� MEIF Strategy Snapshot Alignment with the MEIF Terms of Reference (TOR):

Pillar

Alignment

Pillar 2 Automation & Industrial Transformation — Stepwise framework for ASEAN-wide smart factory experimentation and adoption

Pillar 4 Supply Chain & Ecosystem Development — Trust systems, supplier inclusion, and digital tools for regional connectivity.

Pillar 5 Regional Industrial Collaboration — Enabling smart factory alliances and ASEAN-wide knowledge exchange

About MEIF

The Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF) is Malaysia’s principal platform for driving high-value industrial development. We represent sectors from Talent Building, Process Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, Precision Machining & Engineering, E&E and Equipment Building to Heavy Equipment and Mobile & Industrial Cranes. MEIF connects industry, government, and global partners to drive innovation and competitiveness to co-create futureready solutions.

Focusing on cross-industry collaboration and aligning with global trends, MEIF empowers members to navigate the complexities of modern industrial challenges. By championing digital transformation and workforce upskilling, MEIF is positioning Malaysia as a leader in sustainable, technology-driven industrialization.

Intelligent Asia Thailand 2025 Concludes, Building Stronger Regional Ties to Global Electronics Manufacturing, PCB And Automation Supply Chains

Electronics manufacturing and automation technologies platform Intelligent Asia Thailand concluded on 8 March 2025. Held from 6 – 8 March at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), the event showcased regional and international innovations across the electronics manufacturing supply chain including printed circuit board (PCB) technologies, automation solutions and more. Facilitating industry dialogue and offering further insights to regional manufacturers, the platform also included a comprehensive programme of concurrent events across three specialised stages, combining extensive international and local expertise.

Key figures from Intelligent Asia Thailand 2025:

• 300 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions (China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South

Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye and the United States)

• 9,333 visitors from 26 countries and regions, with the highest attendance recorded from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Germany in descending order of visitors

• 10,000 sqm of floor space

• 53 presentations across three concurrent events (PCB Stage, Tech Stage, SPS Stage Bangkok)

Consisting of two specialised events, PCB Thailand and Automation Thailand, the platform brought together manufacturers and industry leaders from Southeast Asia and international markets.

At PCB Thailand, visitors explored the latest advancements across the PCB manufacturing supply chain, from individual components to production equipment, automation and testing solutions and software.

Meanwhile, Automation Thailand showcased a comprehensive range of automation solutions applicable to various industries, including electronics and automotive manufacturing. This environment enabled visitors to connect with top automation providers and system integrators leading Southeast Asia’s digital transformation.

Through a variety of exhibition displays and presentations, local and international exhibitors were able to connect with technical teams and decision-makers from throughout the region. Visitors reported that the platform’s design facilitated cross-sector dialogue and collaboration, effectively linking manufacturers with technology providers to support their modernisation objectives.a

A diverse programme of concurrent events ran alongside the exhibition, featuring expert-led discussions, live

demonstrations, specialised product showcases and more. Across three stages, Thai and international specialists shared insights on topics ranging from emerging technologies and their applications to investment opportunities in Thai industrial estates. These events also covered global developments in sustainability, artificial intelligence, smart factories, and digital transformation, with speakers exploring the implications for Southeast Asia’s manufacturing sector.

Feedback from exhibitors:

“With Thai manufacturers advancing from manual operations to automation, there is a growing opportunity for international technology providers to bring their solutions to the region. At Intelligent Asia Thailand 2025, we presented a variety of automation technologies, including AIenabled CCTV systems and collaborative robots. As systems integrators, we assist

organisations in assessing their needs and developing customised automation strategies. Being our first time exhibiting here, we’ve seen a good mix of visitors from local manufacturers and potential international partners.”

Mr Chai Booranajitrpirom, Chief Product Officer, TKK Corporation Co Ltd

“Many of our customers have chosen to establish factories in Thailand due to labour cost advantages and shifts in the international trade environment. Following their lead, we are seeking to expand our presence in Thailand through this platform, showcasing our range of consumables including ceramic brushes and non-woven fabrics for PCB processing. We connected with procurement managers, production process managers, and equipment managers from the domestic automotive

industry, as well as international clients, and believe that the combination of product displays and industry forums effectively supports the growth of our sector in the region.”

Ms Baoliu Xu, Sourcing Manager, Guangdong Jiejun Technology Co Ltd

“This is our first time exhibiting at Intelligent Asia Thailand, where we’re showcasing our automated inspection solutions, including a robotic arm with scanning capabilities. We’re seeing good visitor flow across both halls, with sectors well represented across PCB Thailand, Automation Thailand, and the SPS Demo Zone. While online marketing channels like social media have their place, seeing these technologies demonstrated in person provides value that digital channels simply can’t match.”

Mr

Taveesak

Srisuntisuk, Managing Director, Thaimach Sales & Service Co Ltd

“As a producer of PCB inks for highdensity packaging, automotive electronics, and aerospace applications, Southeast Asia’s proximity to China makes it a key region for our expansion, with Thailand in particular offering robust policy support and high demand for PCB products. The exhibition provided an excellent venue to showcase our products, attracting many visitors, and enabling productive dialogues with professionals from Thailand’s manufacturing sector.”

Mr Chuanhua Cao, Asst General Manager, China

S.M Materials Corporation

“Participating in SPS Stage Bangkok at Intelligent Asia Thailand has proven effective through its combination of conference presentations and product displays. The discussions on solutions

and market trends attract customers, who then visit our display to experience our solutions first-hand. Today, we’ve met a wide range of customers from the machinery sector, system integrators and end users. Our main goal is to increase our brand presence in Thailand and connect with key decision-makers, and we’re on track to achieve this.”

Mr Hadi Halim, Senior Sales

Manager, Wieland Electric

Singapore

Pte Ltd

“We joined Intelligent Asia Thailand to support our downstream customers’ expansion into Southeast Asian markets. Many long-term partners visited our booth for discussions about their production challenges, while we also connected with new PCB industry contacts. As producers of copper-based materials, these direct conversations helped us better understand local market requirements and share our experience in the region.”

Ms Yueying Shao,

Senior Sales Manager, Jiangxi Jiangnan New Material Technology Co Ltd

Feedback from visitors:

“Through the event, I discovered a variety of promising solutions for our canned fruit operations, particularly robotic packaging systems that could streamline our processes and reduce labour costs. Being able to connect directly with international technology providers from Taiwan, Germany, and other countries makes this event particularly valuable for Thai manufacturers.”

Mr Kamphon Thitipak, Manager, Knp and Partner Co Ltd

“This exhibition has aligned perfectly with our business development needs. For example, meeting with I AM, which has experience in the food industry, has been a great opportunity since we normally don’t find skilled system integrators in

that sector. I’ve also seen some impressive innovations for the PCB sector, particularly the handling equipment with suction heads. We’re already planning follow-up demonstrations with several companies.”

Mr Thanakorn Tantiniranart,

Sales & Technical Specialist, Syntech Technology

“Initially, as a manufacturer specialising in automotive parts stamping, assembly and spot welding, I wasn’t sure how relevant this event would be to our operations. But after seeing the automation capabilities on display here, particularly movement and transfer systems, I can see clear benefits for our production line. Even before completing my tour of the event, I had already identified several promising partners. Having access to such a range of innovative solutions helps manufacturers like us identify new opportunities for development.”

Mr Thanapat Jitsanop,

Business Development Manager, Bangkok Metal Works Co Ltd

Feedback from speakers:

“Intelligent Asia Thailand 2025 aligns with BOI’s ongoing efforts to attract new investments into Thailand’s electronics, PCB and automation sectors. Global economic uncertainties have prompted many international manufacturers, including those in the PCB industry, to establish operations in the country, with many bringing their supply chains with them. This platform enables these companies to showcase their production strengths, while local suppliers are able to discover new opportunities and find their place within these emerging supply chains.”

Mr Piyapong

Iamchoei, Investment Promotion Officer, Professional Level, The Board of Investment of Thailand

“Speaking at the PCB Stage at Intelligent Asia about Thailand’s competitive advantages in electronics manufacturing, including our record foreign investment in 2024 and our Sandbox Programme for workforce development, I found this to be a well-organised exhibition. I felt very comfortable from the moment I entered, the environment was friendly and professional, and we had some

smart questions during the Q&A session followed by productive discussions at the counter afterwards.”

Dr Sampan Silapanad, Vice Chairman, THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY CLUB (EEIC) FTI Academy

Intelligent Asia Thailand, Automation Thailand and SPS Stage Bangkok are jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd Taiwan Branch, Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co Ltd and GMTX Company Ltd.

The Southern Region’s Largest Manufacturing and Industrial Automation Technology Expo!

Pre-Registration Now Open for Johor Industrial Fair 2025

Free Admission for All Trade Visitors – Happening This August at Persada Johor

Johor Industrial Fair (JIF) 2025, Southern Malaysia’s leading industrial technology and manufacturing exhibition, is now open for pre-registration. Organised by FBI Publications (M) Sdn Bhd, the highly anticipated event will take place from 27–29 August 2025 at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru – and admission is free for both pre-registered and walk-in trade visitors.

Featuring over 100 exhibitors and attracting thousands of industry professionals, JIF 2025 will showcase cutting-edge innovations in Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, digitalisation, and electronic technologies

A major highlight of this year’s edition is the Manufacturing Forum 2025, held in conjunction with the exhibition. The forum, themed “Advancing Industrial Growth Through Innovation, Technology & Collaboration,” will feature keynote talks and panel sessions by leading voices from the industry, government, and academia. Topics

will address industrial digitalisation, sustainability, regional growth, and the evolving impact of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Co-located with the Johor Electronic Manufacturing Fair 2025, this event offers enhanced opportunities for business networking and cross-sector collaboration.

Event Highlights:

• Free admission for both preregistered and walk-in trade visitors

• Over 100 booths showcasing the latest in manufacturing and industrial technology

• Manufacturing Forum 2025 themed “Advancing Industrial Growth Through Innovation, Technology & Collaboration”

• Business networking with key decision-makers, engineers, and manufacturers

• Access to strategic insights and investment opportunities in Johor’s industrial corridor

• Pre-register now at https:// fireworks-visitor.com/my-johorindustrial/ or scan the QR code below (optional, but recommended to skip the queue):

For exhibitor enquiries, media partnerships, or more event information, please contact:

• my@asiafbi.com | • +603-6151 9178

Day 1 27 August 2025, WEDNESDAY

Industrial Expansion & Cross-Border Trade

TIME TOPIC

01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

02:05 PM - 02:35 PM

02:40 PM - 03:20 PM

03:25 PM - 03:55 PM

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM

Shaping Johor Economic Future: Industrial Growth, Market Trends & Cross-Border Collaboration

Driving Business Expansion Through Sustainable Practices

Panel Discussion: Scaling Up: Strategies for Industrial Growth in Johor & ASEAN

Government Incentives & Financial Support – Driving Industrial Growth & Transformation

The Future of Industrial Investments & Technological Advancements

Day 1 Manufacturing Forum End

Day 2 28 August 2025, Thursday

Technology, Smart Manufacturing & Industrial Innovation Powered by Automate Asia Magazine

AM - 11:00 AM 11:05 AM - 11:35 AM

AM - 12:30 PM

12:30 PM - 02:00 PM

02:00 PM - 02:30 PM

02:30 PM - 04:00 PM

Smart Manufacturing & The Future of Industrial Automation How Digital Transformation is Reshaping the Industrial Sector

Panel Discussion: Leveraging the Johor-Singapore SEZ for Industrial Technology Growth

Lunch Break & Exhibition Visit

The Future Sustainable Raw Material Supply Chain

Technical Seminar

Day 2 Manufacturing Forum End

Day 3 29 August 2025, FRIDAY

Talent, Innovation & The Future of the Industrial Workforce

In Collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Singapore Polytechnic

TIME TOPIC

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

11:05 AM - 11:35 AM

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM

12:30 PM - 02:00 PM

02:00 PM - 02:35 PM

02:40 PM - 03:1 PM

Universities as Powerhouses for the Future of the Industry Ecosystem

Strengthening Malaysia’s Industrial Workforce – Government Policies & Talent Development Initiatives

Panel Discussion: Bridging Industry & Academia: Workforce Development for the Johor-Singapore SEZ

Lunch Break & Exhibition Visit

Leveraging Industry, Academia, and Agency Partnerships for Strategic Impact

How Emerging Industrial Tech Startups are Thriving in Johor & Singapore

Day 3 Manufacturing Forum End

WEBSITE ADVERTISERS

2nd Annual Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia Week

Automate Asia Magazine

Automate Technology Sdn. Bhd.

Automation Solution Go

BLP Petroleum Sdn. Bhd.

China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE)

CLPG Packaging Industries Sdn. Bhd.

Drawbridge Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Electronic Manufacturing Expo (EMAX) 2025 and Penang

Manufacturing Expo (PMAX) 2025

EMAX Philippines 2025

EURO BASE TECHNOLOGY (JB) SDN BHD

Growa Crane Sdn. Bhd.

ifm Electronic Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Igus Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Intec Display Sdn. Bhd.

Johor Industrial Fair (JIF) 2025

Megatrane Sdn. Bhd.

Menam Stainless Wire Public Co., Ltd.

Phoenix Contact (SEA) Pte Ltd

PMAX Philippines 2025

Rohde & Schwarz Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Schaeffler Malaysia

The 10th World Battery & Energy Storage Industry Expo

INTERNATIONAL SALES OFFICES

MALAYSIA | FBI Publications (M) Sdn Bhd

Unit 9-3, Jalan PJU 5/6, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810

Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: (+603) 6151 9178

Whatsapp: (+60) 12 433 4851

E-mail: my@asiafbi.com

SINGAPORE | Fireworks Trade Media Pte Ltd (HQ)

1 Scotts Road, #24-10, Shaw Centre Singapore 228208

Sales Hotline: (+65) 6631 8369

Email: sales@asiafbi.com

INDONESIA | PT Fireworks Indonesia

Jl. Suryopranoto No. 11F Kel. Petojo Selatan, Kec. Gambir Jakarta Pusat 10160

Tel: (+62-21) 5088 2917

Email: indo@asiafbi.com

www.advancedmanufacturingasia.com

www.asiaautomate.com www.automatetechnology.com.my www.asg-rinc.com www.blp-international.com www.reg.cioe.cn/en/index.html www.clpg.com.my www.drawbridge.com.my www.emaxasia.com

www.penang-expo.com www.emax-ph.com www.isqholdings.com www.growa.com.my www.ifm.com/my www.igus-asean.com www.intecdisplay.my www.johorexpo.com www.megatrane.com.my www.menamstainless.com www.phoenixcontact.com.sg www.pmax-ph.com www.rohdeundschwarz.fra1.qualtrics.com www.schaeffler.my www.en.battery-expo.com

THAILAND | FBI Publications (Thailand)

Promphan 2 office & Residence, 8th Floor (Office Zone, Room 807)

1 Soi Lat Phrao 3, Lat Phrao Road, Jompol, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Tel: (+66) 2513 1418

Fax: (+66) 2513 1419

E-mail: thai@asiafbi.com

PHILIPPINES | Fireworks Trade Exhibitions and Conferences Philippines, Inc

U1207 12/F The Trade & Financial Tower, 32nd St. Cor. 7th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Tel: (+632) 8790 0168

Sales Hotline: (+63) 639171780902

Email: info@fireworksphils.com

SUBSCRIBE NOW!