Rapid Integration of Digital Technology in Research and Development Crucial
In a significant move towards enhancing Malaysia's manufacturing competitiveness, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has emphasised the importance of digital engineering in the management and profitability of manufacturing and research and development (R&D) processes.
Speaking at the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between Malaysia Automotive Institute and DreamEDGE Sdn Bhd, Mukhriz stated that digital engineering is no longer an afterthought in the designing activity, but has become a crucial component that has finally permeated the manufacturing hall.
Under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the government has identified engineering services as one of the potential areas to boost Malaysia's gross national income (GNI) towards becoming a high-income nation. To achieve this, the priority is to promote a conducive environment for the industry to thrive, nurturing innovation, commercialization, new product development, and business.
Implementing digital engineering in manufacturing and R&D processes offers substantial benefits. Increased efficiency is achieved through reduced human error, accelerated prototyping (such as through additive manufacturing), and optimised resource utilisation, resulting in faster production cycles and higher output. Cost optimisation is also a significant advantage, as companies can minimise waste, improve productivity, enable predictive maintenance, and make data-driven decisions, leading to substantial reductions in operational costs and increased profitability in the long run.
Improved quality and safety are another key advantage. Automated quality control using AI and sensors detects defects early, ensuring higher product standards. Real-time monitoring and immersive training technologies (like AR/VR) improve workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Enhanced collaboration and communication are also facilitated, as digital engineering centralises project data in a shared repository, enabling seamless, real-time collaboration across teams and stakeholders, which speeds up decision-making and reduces errors.
Predictive capabilities and agility are further benefits. IoT and AI-driven analytics enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending equipment life. Digital transformation also allows manufacturers to be more agile, quickly responding to market demands and supply chain changes.
To accelerate digital engineering progress in Malaysia, strategies could include investment in digital infrastructure, skills development and training, government incentives and policies, industry-academia collaboration, pilot projects and scaling, and continuous vigilance of market and technology needs. By focusing on these areas, Malaysia can harness digital engineering to drive economic growth in the technology-driven landscape.
Simulation has become an integral part of the design process, enabling faster resolution of complex issues within the design environment. The application of digital engineering cuts across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, maritime, and other manufacturing-related industries. Creating value through strategic alliances and collaborations is important for the local industry, and there will be a reduction in the number of changes due to assembly issues and the number of prototypes' confirmation required for manufacturing.
However, Mukhriz mentioned that digital engineering has been little progressed in Malaysia, possibly due to its new development and lack of promotion. Despite this, the industry is urged to take cognizance of the importance of digital engineering for survival in the global supply chain.
Despite not providing specific details about the MoU or its objectives, or discussing any challenges or strategies for promoting digital engineering in Malaysia, Mukhriz's statements underscore the government's commitment to driving the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector and the economy as a whole. The digital approach helps reduce the time taken from concept to prototype and building of prototypes, allowing new models to get to testing quicker and reducing product delivery time. As Malaysia continues to embrace digital engineering, it is poised to reap the benefits of increased efficiency, cost optimisation, improved quality and safety, enhanced collaboration and communication, predictive capabilities and agility, and a more competitive position in the global supply chain.
- "In aligning with the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the Malaysian government recognizes that digital engineering is crucial for boosting the manufacturing industry, especially engineering services, as it offers substantial benefits such as increased efficiency, cost reduction, improved quality, and agility, essential for becoming a high-income nation."
- "To drive Malaysia's competitiveness in the global supply chain and leverage digital engineering for economic growth, strategies should encompass investment in digital infrastructure, skills development, government incentives, industry-academia collaboration, pilot projects, continuous vigilance of market and technology needs, and the application of digital engineering across various sectors like automotive, aerospace, maritime, and more."
