Focus on Robotics to Help SMES Embrace Digitalisation

MTDC chief executive officer Datuk Norhalim Yunus says the strategic move could be driven through joint engagement with companies within the MTDC ecosystem

The Malaysian Technology Development Corp (MTDC) has placed emphasis on the robotics segment to ensure that local companies, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are ready to adapt to digitalisation and technological advances in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).

Its chief executive officer Datuk Norhalim Yunus says the strategic move could be driven through joint engagement with companies within the MTDC ecosystem.

He says MTDC provides recipients of the agency’s funds not only with financial assistance but also financial management, business development and training for employees in the required fields.

“Following our emphasis on MSME companies, we found that to be competitive, among the aspects that they need to excel in are producing more competitive products and sometimes they need expertise in the field of automation and robotics.

“So, we are looking at programmes to help entrepreneurs improve their technology towards IR4.0,” - Norhalim

Norhalim says MTDC, as an implementing agency, needs to start the journey towards IR4.0 by focusing on the development of companies under its ambit and enabling them to become IR4.0 companies in the future.

He adds that MTDC capitalises on its multilateral cooperation with several ministries, as well as stakeholders in ensuring IR4.0 technologies could be utilised as much as possible among MSMEs in the country.

The move would also allow the companies involved to share their expertise on IR4.0 with MSME players, which is being done by TechCapital Resources Sdn Bhd, a company that provides robotic technology software and facilities. MTDC is assisting TechCapital to collaborate with MSME entrepreneurs in the process of technology transfer, distribution and joint ventures, as well as providing technology-related training.

“TechCapital not only conducts training programmes for local entrepreneurs, but also teachers and lecturers to create awareness on automation needs, such as how robotics operate, and the training is not merely from the academic point of view,” he says.

TechCapital produces a special solution known as T-Robot that integrates robotics and automation technologies for both hardware and software.

He says the company aims to market its products widely in Dubai via MoUs as Malaysia is a good gateway to export products and services to the Middle East.

Source: www.thestar.com.my