Malaysia, Japan collaborate more on smart manifacturing

Malaysia and Japan are set to increase collaborations on smart manufacturing to assist Malaysian manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in adopting smart manufacturing technologies.

International Trade and Industry (MITI) Deputy Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming said through the collaboration, Malaysia manufacturers can learn from Japanese companies on the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies through lean management.

“SIRIM, an agency under MITI, will work hand in hand with experts from Japanese industries to assist SMEs in identifying the gaps and problems for improvement,” he said in his opening remarks at the inaugural seminar on smart manufacturing yesterday, which was jointly organised by MITI and SIRIM Bhd.

Also present was Japan’s ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Makio Miyagawa.

Ong noted that three focus areas had been identified, namely competency development,

SIRIM, an agency under MITI, will work hand in hand with experts from Japanese industries to assist SMEs in identifying the gaps and problems for improvement.

Dr Ong Kian Ming

retrofitting projects and industry engagement through sharing sessions.

He said through its Smart Manufacturing Hub and Innovation Centre, SIRIM would be working with local partners and Japanese technology and solution providers on specific collaborative programmes to assist local companies in their Industry 4.0 journey.

This includes data collection and visualisation through industry Internet of Things, digitalisation, process improvement and system integration.

“To this end, the government is offering double tax deductions on expenses incurred by anchor companies in the vendor development programme,” said Ong.

Meanwhile, he said under the National Policy on Industry 4.0 (Industry4WRD), 500 local SMEs would be selected for free assessments, while other companies may enjoy tax deductions on the readiness assessment.

“To-date, we have received about 300 applications from SMEs and are looking forward to receiving more,” he added.

— Reuters photo Through the collaboration, Malaysia manufacturers can learn from Japanese companies on the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies through lean management.