Developing medical device industry
SIRIM is looking into establishing a Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MIC) to develop the nation’s medical device industry, which has been identified as a high-growth subsector under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).
“The medical device industry is a burgeoning market. As one of the ‘3+2’ high-growth subsectors under the 11MP, the industry has been identified as an integral growth area in the country’s economy.
“With more than 200 manufacturers and more than RM14 billion worth of implemented investments, Malaysia is on its way to become an up-and-coming global medical device manufacturing hub,” said SIRIM director of the Industrial Centre of Innovation in Biomedical Dr Kartini Noorsal.
One of the major concerns is the level of technological prowess of local players.
“We are in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, but research and development (R&D) capabilities of our medical device manufacturers remain low presently.”
According to her, this could be attributed to several factors, including a low focus on technological advancements and product innovation. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) tend to have a smaller budget allocation for R&D.
“Many of these companies are not yet ready to invest in high technology, which requires a bigger investment and possibly longer waiting period for returns. Companies will stick to simpler, more generic products or acquire technology and expertise they need from abroad.
“These companies do not have the ability to develop their own technology. As a result, we have a minimal home-grown technology,” said Kartini.
The MICs aim to assist in building capabilities to address manufacturing gaps and market regulations, as well as growing the product innovation capabilities of medical device manufacturers.
With more than 50 years of experience and expertise along with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, SIRIM has plenty to offer.
“SIRIM offers a wide range of services, which include biomodelling and prototyping, industrial research and product innovation, technology commercialisation, accredited testing, certifications, training and consultation.”
Supported by its industrial research centres and subsidiaries, SIRIM has an extensive range of capabilities, from R&D to commercialisation that industry players can tap into to facilitate market access.
“We can offer market access programmes or business strategy programmes to help companies meet the necessary requirements,” she said.
Finances could be a huge deterrent, especially for start-ups and SMEs, she suggested that SIRIM could employ a business incubator concept, renting out its facilities to industry players to enhance their technology and innovation.
Industry players could also collaborate with research institutes to develop more innovations.
“Industry players have cited the lack of research and development capability as one of their stumbling blocks. Why not work with research institutes? We need to develop the necessary talent and attain a certain level of skill to catalyse innovation.”
Kartini sees collaborations to be the way forward, especially during the era of Industry 4.0.
“Whether the collaborations are between industries and research institutes or among industry players, this means that they will not have to take on every manufacturing aspect themselves. This could happen during marketing or production line stage. Larger companies could outsource some of the tasks to the smaller vendors.”
Essentially, the establishment of a solid platform will allow all industry players to move forward together for the benefit of both industry and the nation, and ensure that nobody is left behind.