Malaysia Shows Leadership in Driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Forward

Western Digital Malaysia in Batu Kawan, Penang has been recognised as World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Lighthouse Factory, joining the ranks of the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN). This recognition makes Western Digital Malaysia the first to be named an intelligent factory in the country and is a testament to our Electrical & Electronics (E&E) ecosystem, robust talent landscape and the country’s readiness for 4IR.

The Global Lighthouse Factory recognition is given to world-leading companies that have succeeded in the adaptation of the 4IR at scale by utilising key innovations, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous robots and cloud computing technology in their daily production processes. Western Digital Malaysia's exemplary transformational change at their facility in Penang is one of the 90 total manufacturing facilities recognised globally.

This recognition marks Malaysia’s E&E ecosystem strength in propelling the growth of strategic and high-impact industries and ultimately fulfilling our national focus on boosting the E&E industry in moving up the value chain, as outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP).

In this regard, Western Digital Malaysia’s admission into the GLN also conveys that they are committed to realising the potential of 4IR technologies in manufacturing companies and how it can unlock new levels of sustainability in their operations. Indeed, this will further support the aspirations of 12MP in driving the adoption of Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) where manufacturing companies can achieve greater operational competitiveness while simultaneously making commitments to environmental leadership, leading to a cleaner, more sustainable future as a result.

Western Digital Malaysia has also taken strides in ensuring a future-ready talent pipeline through their comprehensive Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) Academy programme, which includes strategic partnerships with local universities and international platforms, upskilling and nurturing their employees in new ways of thinking with the adoption of 4IR technologies. This will equip the current and future workforce with 4IR skill sets and create quality job opportunities for all Malaysians.

Western Digital Malaysia stewardship will contribute to broader economic spillover as a notable beacon company to their supply chain partners and local vendors in adopting 4IR technologies. This presents a great opportunity for more collaboration with Small, Medium, Enterprises (SMEs) on this new front as they embark on this transformation. It is likely that more companies in Malaysia will achieve outstanding business results while decreasing environmental footprint through the adoption of 4IR technologies.

Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will continue to identify, attract and facilitate high-quality projects that encompass advanced technology, knowledge-based and capital-intensive investments to create a multiplier impact on the nation’s economy. Creating high-value job opportunities and enhancing the overall industry’s ecosystem has always been a top priority in fuelling sustainable economic growth.