MANUFACTURERS should not be afraid to learn new things and understand new technologies as the world is rapidly changing due to Industry 4.0.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said it was important for them to take advantage of the new opportunities.
“The emergence of multidisciplinary and fast growing field of artificial intelligence (AI), fifth generation communication technology (5G) and Internet of Things (IoT) will bring tremendous change in our lives through advances in areas such as autonomous driving, face recognition, robotic automation, virtual assistants, big data analysis and smart city.
“Experts predict that although on the one hand, AI will eliminate repetitive jobs, on the other hand, it will also create new jobs that require high digital skills,” said Ahmad Zakiyuddin in his speech before officiating the IEEE International Microwave, Electron Devices, and Solid-State Circuit Symposium (IMESS) 2019 at Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) in Bayan Lepas.
According to Ahmad Zakiyuddin, the electrical and electronic (E&E) industry is a key enabler of emerging AI, 5G and IoT technologies.
“Today, E&E industry remains as one of the most important pillars in Malaysia’s export-driven economy.
“To put into perspective, 38% of the almost RM1 trillion of Malaysia exports in 2018 came from the E&E sector.
“Importantly, out of the RM120.5 billion trade surplus enjoyed by Malaysia in 2018, 99% of it was generated by the E&E sector,” he added.
He also highlighted that in 2018, Penang contributed close to 30% of Malaysia’s total export and 79% of Malaysia’s total trade surplus.
“This superb achievement would not have been possible if not the hard work from all the stakeholders that have built a thriving ecosystem in the state by focusing on cutting-edge technologies and high-value jobs.
“I am hopeful that Penang’s presence in the global scene of electronic manufacturing services, research and development, assembly and testing of various electronic products will continue to drive Malaysia’s economy and create skilled job opportunities,” he said.
Also present at the event were IEEE Malaysia ED/MTT/SSC Penang Joint Chapter chairman Bernard Lim, organising chairman Dr Lee Choo Yong and PSDC chief executive officer Muhamed Ali Hajah Mydin.
The two-day symposium, which starts today and ends tomorrow, will be the platform for the participants to exchange ideas regarding topics related to microwave, electron devices, and solid-state circuit.
The symposium also will feature International experts, local industry leaders, academic experts, and researchers.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi