Latest news with #AhmadSabirin
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sirim on mission to turn more than 1,200 SMEs into smart manufacturers
LANGKAWI: Sirim Bhd has been entrusted with the critical mandate of driving the adoption of smart manufacturing among more than 1,200 SMEs, aiming to accelerate their transition from Industry 1.5 to Industry 4.0. According to Sirim president and group CEO Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad, one of the most pressing challenges lies in transforming traditionally labour-intensive industries into modern, automated operations – an ambitious shift that also presents significant opportunities for productivity, efficiency and long-term competitiveness. 'We hope that by 2030, Malaysia can become independent of foreign labour and achieve full automation, leading to improved productivity and higher average incomes across the country. 'However, transitioning SMEs to smart manufacturing involves significant costs. That is why the government, through the Smart Take-Up Programme, is providing subsidies to support the adoption of these technologies and we are offering technological interventions to assist industries along the way,' he told SunBiz at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima 2025) yesterday. He said to support the transformation of local SMEs into smart manufacturing, the government is providing funding assistance, while Sirim collaborates with agencies such as MIDF, under the supervision of Bank Negara Malaysia, to ensure these businesses can access financing at the lowest possible interest rates. 'And we are also collaborating with several multinational companies that are willing to share their automation systems with Malaysia, enabling a smoother transition from our current state to our desired future. Our primary focus is on the manufacturing sector, particularly in electrical and electronics, even though many interested companies are in the food and beverage space. 'This focus is crucial to ensure that Malaysia maintains its position as one of the world's leading semiconductor producers,' Ahmad Sabirin said. To strengthen Malaysia's manufacturing ecosystem, he added, there is a need to cultivate a second and third tier of SMEs that can effectively support multinational corporations operating in the country. While financial assistance remains important, industry stakeholders have expressed that what they value most is clear insight into the future direction of global technology – highlighting the need for stronger guidance, foresight, and strategic alignment from the government to facilitate their transition into advanced manufacturing, Ahmad Sabirin noted. 'To ensure local industries are not left behind, Sirim is working closely with agencies like Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to build a cohesive ecosystem that supports the global export of high-value products. 'By aligning efforts, the goal is to position Malaysia as a competitive exporter in high-growth, high-value sectors. With overseas operations already under way, Sirim aims to strengthen its leadership role both nationally and across Asean over the next three to five years. 'We are planning to establish more offices globally, and through these efforts, our goal is not only to elevate Sirim's international presence but also to help bring Malaysian SMEs onto the global stage. That, I believe, is the most important objective,' Ahmad Sabirin said.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sirim steps up international expansion, with particular focus on India, China and Asean
LANGKAWI: Sirim Bhd aims to certify 50,000 domestic companies over the next two to three years – more than double the 20,000 local firms it supported last year – as part of its broader strategy to help Malaysian businesses expand globally, with a particular focus on tapping into the vast growth and revenue opportunities in India and China. President and group CEO Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said, 'We are placing strong strategic focus on two of the world's most populous and dynamic markets – China and India. Together, these nations represent nearly three billion people, accounting for a significant portion of the global population. 'Referred to symbolically as the 'dragon' and the 'elephant', missing out on these markets would be a substantial lost opportunity. That is why we are actively positioning ourselves in China and working towards establishing a presence in India. 'Additionally, as a multiracial nation with strong Chinese and Indian communities, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to leverage this diversity as a bridge into these ecosystems,' Ahmad Sabirin told SunBiz at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima 2025) yesterday. Ahmad Sabirin said Sirim is accelerating its global expansion by establishing more international offices, with the broader objective of enabling not only its own growth but also supporting the internationalisation of Malaysian small and medium enterprises. Given the limitations of Malaysia's relatively small market, Sirim is also strategically targeting the broader Asean region – with its population of about 680 million and substantial consumer base – as a key market, he said. Touching on the aerospace sector, Ahmad Sabirin said as Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year, efforts are under way to position local aerospace players for regional growth, with a vision to expand beyond domestic government contracts and establish the country as a key aerospace hub in Southeast Asia – an ambition supported by ongoing collaboration between agencies such as Sirim, the Defence Ministry and regional investment partners. 'This year, Sirim is advancing its commitment to standard and technology diplomacy by extending its services to Asean member countries, including several least developed nations. Acknowledging the disparities within the region, Sirim aims to foster a more inclusive and vibrant ecosystem, with Malaysia taking a leadership role. 'Sirim hopes this initiative will align with the prime minister's efforts to champion regional cooperation in technology, standards, and human capital development. 'In line with global sustainability goals, Sirim continues to position itself as a key enabler in Malaysia's net zero ambitions –particularly through its long-standing work in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),' Ahmad Sabirin said. He added that Sirim is in discussions with Petroliam Nasional Bhd to explore the potential of utilising locally sourced biomass for the production of SAF, recognising its critical role in advancing Malaysia's net-zero carbon by 2050 goal. With an emphasis on increasing SAF adoption across sectors, including national defence, this initiative positions Malaysia as a potential pioneer in the global SAF framework, leveraging its readily available and cost-effective raw materials to support both domestic use and international supply. 'Currently, we are purchasing SAF at a higher cost. However, by shifting processing capabilities to our own country, we can export higher-value products instead of importing them, ultimately improving our trade balance through more strategic value-added production and exports,' Ahmad Sabirin said. Last year, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia planned to start producing SAF in 2027, with an initial production capacity of one million tonnes per year. The production capacity will gradually increase based on factory output and feedstock availability, the minister told parliament. Malaysia, the world's second-largest palm oil producer, is in a strategic position to become one of the world's leading SAF producers, he was quoted saying in a Reuters report. In April of this year, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Malaysia was set to boost its role in the global clean energy sector with the development of a world-scale SAF refinery. The project is a result of a strategic partnership between Bin Zayed International and local biofuel pioneer FatHopes Energy. Describing the partnership as a 'game-changer' for the country's energy and aviation sectors, Nik Nazmi said this investment would serve as a catalyst for far-reaching transformation. 'It heralds Malaysia's arrival as a serious player in the global clean energy and low-carbon economy,' he said at the project's memorandum of understanding signing ceremony. Asked about examples of Sirim's research and development initiatives in the electric vehicle space, Ahmad Sabirin said, 'For EV, we have the most complex system for the industries. Before implementing an EV system in Malaysia, patent approval is required, and it must be validated by the country's designated petroleum and energy research institute. 'Following patent approval, all EV systems must undergo testing and certification by Sirim QAS, while battery development and testing are handled by Sirim Research – forming a comprehensive ecosystem to support national battery innovation. 'In parallel, Sirim is actively developing standards for hydrogen, particularly as several states begin hydrogen-related initiatives. 'Ensuring safety remains a top priority, with clear standards and consistent compliance frameworks being established to guide industry practices. Currently, much of the industrial focus is centred on advancing the EV sector,' Ahmad Sabirin said.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Powering progress through industrial innovation
'We will be actively promoting the AS9100 certification, which is targeted at improving the management systems of all aerospace and maritime players — especially those in the defence industry. By proposing this certification, we want our industries to become internationally competitive,' said Ahmad Sabirin. —Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star SIRIM Bhd is charting a new course at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), with a presence set to reflect strategic focus and meaningful national impact. LIMA 2025, held biennially in Langkawi, is taking place at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre and Resorts World Langkawi and is open to the public today and tomorrow (May 23-24). Aligned with the exhibition's theme, 'Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow,' SIRIM steps forward not merely as an exhibitor, but as a vital enabler of Malaysia's industrial transformation and a committed partner in advancing the nation's aerospace and maritime sectors. Operational excellence SIRIM's participation this year signals a strategic shift. While the organisation's core strengths in certification, research and development (R&D), training and calibration remain central, its approach is now more focused and outcome-driven. 'This year, we have come up with different propositions. We will be actively promoting the AS9100 certification, which is targeted at improving the management systems of all aerospace and maritime players — especially those in the defence industry. By proposing this certification, we want our industries to become internationally competitive,' said SIRIM Bhd president and group chief executive officer Datuk Indera Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad in an interview. He added, 'With this certification, companies can export their products and services globally, as they will be complying with international standards. Once certified, their workflows become highly standardised.' Through this initiative, SIRIM aims to help more Malaysian companies align with global benchmarks, boost productivity, increase profit margins and ultimately enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. Strategic engagement LIMA 2025 marks SIRIM's third participation in the exhibition. Over the years, SIRIM has evolved from a basic exhibitor to a vital strategic partner for national industrial development. This year, SIRIM returns with a more curated, focused and impactful showcase. 'From past experiences we've gathered, LIMA is a broad-based activity and SIRIM's offerings are extensive as well. If we are not focused, customers will be clueless and very confused about our offerings. That's why this year, we're targeting very specific industry needs — statutory requirements, certification demands and practical R&D incentives that deliver real value. 'We want to ensure that our offerings are customised to the needs of the industries,' he said. SIRIM's innovation works on display at its gallery in the headquarters in Shah Alam. Collaborative efforts SIRIM's contribution to Malaysia's aerospace industry extends far beyond exhibitions. It plays an instrumental role in equipping the country's more than 240 aerospace players with certification, calibration, training and R&D support. 'All of them, directly or indirectly, have worked with SIRIM,' said Ahmad Sabirin. 'If not through certification, we have also calibrated most of the equipment used in the defence industry. In the aerospace industry, this is highly important — we ensure the equipment is properly calibrated to guarantee the safety and airworthiness of the products. 'We have emphasised that calibration cannot be compromised, whether for aircraft or ships.' The feedback from these collaborations has been overwhelmingly positive. Many industry players have reported improvements in productivity and revenue, backed by international-grade systems introduced with SIRIM's support. Innovation with purpose Innovation at SIRIM is not about reinventing the wheel — it's about enhancing existing technologies to suit Malaysian conditions and needs. 'If a product is made by other countries, we don't want to simply replicate it in Malaysia. Instead, we want to improve it and adapt it to suit the Malaysian environment,' he said. He shared his insights on SIRIM's innovative work with its partners in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 'SAF will also contribute to net-zero carbon targets because we are using biofuel as the new jet engine fuel.' He noted that SIRIM is actively involved in SAF-related research due to the availability of raw materials in the country and that it is part of their continuous engagement to positively impact local industries. The second area is SIRIM's development of autonomous guidance systems for drones. 'If we are buying drones, I think most of the companies are getting them from China. But we're stepping in to ensure that they are autonomously guided — and this guidance system is developed by SIRIM to benefit the industries." He added that the guidance system has versatile future applications. 'It can be used in guided missiles, drone systems, aircraft, or even search and rescue facilities.' He explained that SIRIM is now exploring how to assist industries in deploying more effective search and rescue systems for both aviation and maritime sectors. 'We understand that when an automated, autonomous GPS system is enabled, it can help pinpoint the crash location of victims more accurately. Search and rescue operations take time — and the longer it takes, the lower the chances of survival. So, if we can reduce the time needed to locate victims, their chances of survival will be much higher.' SIRIM's additive manufacturing system produces engineering-grade thermoplastic prototypes and functional parts with optimal mechanical properties. Among the items shown is a 3D-printed hand brace, used to support recovery from a broken arm. Human-centred technologies SIRIM's presence at LIMA 2025 will also highlight a human-centred approach. Beyond machines and hardware, the organisation is showcasing its capabilities in medical devices and prosthetics — from 3D-printed limbs for amputees to Malaysian-made titanium skulls for cranial reconstruction surgeries. 'This is about helping Malaysians return to work and live a normal life. It also extends to military personnel who may be injured during peacekeeping missions,' he said. To date, over 120 prosthetic and cranial reconstruction cases have been supported by SIRIM through close collaboration with hospitals and industry partners. Additionally, SIRIM is also showcasing its in-house capabilities in areas such as the testing and certification of military uniforms, including boots and hats — all of which comply with international standards. Trusted standards SIRIM QAS International, the certification body of SIRIM, remains a pillar of trust and credibility in the region. With over 15,000 certifications issued, its impact spans aerospace, manufacturing, and other critical sectors. 'These certifications are not just for compliance — they build traceability, accountability and system integrity,' he said. SIRIM is also expanding its certification footprint beyond Europe to North America to ensure Malaysian industries can meet global trade demands seamlessly. Agile talent As part of its future-ready strategy, SIRIM Academy is accelerating talent development by offering both high-level quality training and practical Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. These include aerospace certification training, welding, soft skills and even entrepreneurship programmes tailored for retiring military personnel. 'SIRIM Academy is also integrating AI into its training ecosystem,' said Ahmad Sabirin 'We want to ensure trainees are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and are ready to participate in a smart, future-driven workforce. Our goal is not to compete with industries, but to facilitate and support them.' The Academy also champions diversity, equality and inclusivity — promoting representation across Malaysia's multicultural population while supporting gig-based employment models designed for the younger, more flexible workforce. 'We believe in the concept of 1Malaysia, where every Malaysian contributes to everything we do. We're proud to have around 10,000 alumni and a workforce of over 2,000.' 'We concentrate on what keeps the industry awake at night and how we can solve those problems to help make them more profitable,' said Ahmad Sabirin. Targeted research With limited national funding for R&D, SIRIM's Industrial Research (IR) remains mission-focused — dedicated to solving real, industry-centric challenges. 'Our focus is not on academic research — we leave that to the universities,' said Ahmad Sabirin. 'We concentrate on what keeps the industry awake at night and how we can solve those problems to help make them more profitable.' Looking ahead, SIRIM IR is focusing on key areas such as hydrogen fuel ecosystems, electric vehicles (EVs) and the integration of AI and quantum computing into industrial applications. Bespoke solutions SIRIM's footprint in the small and medium enterprises (SME) space is equally transformative. The organisation has supported over 1,200 SMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies — from AI and automation to customised smart manufacturing solutions. 'Malaysia is still somewhere between IR 1.5 and 2.0,' he noted. 'Many companies are still reliant on cheap labour. But with our interventions, we're helping them shift toward automation and higher profitability. Machines can work 24/7 without overtime.' What sets SIRIM apart is its bespoke approach — each smart solution is custom-designed to meet the unique needs of a business, rather than offering one-size-fits-all systems. 'Our approach is to creatively design the specific automation solutions that are unique to each industry. What we do here at SIRIM is not mass manufacturing of smart solutions; instead, we focus on bespoke manufacturing tailored to the unique needs of every industry.' Innovation enabler With over 20,000 industries and 20,000 human capital engagements impacted annually, SIRIM is positioning itself as Malaysia's leading innovation enabler. 'I am proud that SIRIM is now becoming the enabler of technologies across industries,' said Ahmad Sabirin. 'Industries are looking to us for support. Our engagement is now much more intense and we are now closer to the industry players than we've ever been.' As a closing message to all LIMA 2025 visitors and industry stakeholders, Ahmad Sabirin offered a compelling invitation: 'Come to LIMA — and remember this: we are ready to be your partner in progress. If you're aiming to go global, let SIRIM walk alongside you. We are committed, collaborative and industry-friendly.' In reference to SIRIM's trusted recognition, he added with conviction: 'Ada SIRIM, Baru Beli (Only Buy with SIRIM's mark of quality).' To learn more about SIRIM, its services and initiatives, visit
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sirim targets 2,000 ESG certs for Malaysian firms
SHAH ALAM: Sirim Bhd aims to certify around 2,000 companies with environmental, social and governance (ESG)-related certification by the end of this year, as part of efforts to prepare local industries for global markets. Sirim Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said ESG certification is crucial, as its implementation will become mandatory by 2027. 'We're encouraging industries to obtain ESG certification early, before it becomes compulsory. 'Currently, we're building the platform to support this transition, and since the initiative was launched last year, 300 companies have already been certified,' he told reporters after the 'Living ESG: Aspiration to Action' forum at Sirim headquarters here yesterday. He said Sirim is targeting to certify up to 10,000 companies by 2030, Bernama reported. Ahmad Sabirin added that Sirim is committed to supporting Malaysian businesses across all sectors through customised training, resource development, and innovative ESG solutions. This includes frameworks such as Sirim 55: ESG Advancement and Sirim 56: ESG Readiness, along with carbon reporting and training initiatives. 'Although ESG awareness is growing, it remains limited among many Malaysians, especially small and medium enterprises,' he said. To address this, Sirim plans to develop more accessible educational materials and practical case studies to help businesses understand how ESG adoption can lead to long-term benefits.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
SIRIM targets 2,000 companies with ESG certification by year-end
SHAH ALAM: SIRIM Berhad (SIRIM) aims to certify around 2,000 companies with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-related certification by the end of this year as part of efforts to prepare local industries for global market access. SIRIM group president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said ESG certification is crucial as its implementation will become mandatory by 2027. 'We're encouraging industries to obtain ESG certification early, before it becomes compulsory. Currently, we're building the platform to support this transition, and since the initiative was launched last year, 300 companies have already been certified,' he told reporters after the 'Living ESG: Aspiration to Action' forum at SIRIM headquarters here today. He said SIRIM targets to certify up to 10,000 companies by 2030. Ahmad Sabirin added that SIRIM is committed to supporting businesses across all sectors through customised training, resource development, and innovative ESG solutions. This includes frameworks such as SIRIM 55: ESG Advancement and SIRIM 56: ESG Readiness, along with carbon reporting and training initiatives. Although ESG awareness is growing, it remains limited among many Malaysians, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs),' he said. To address this, SIRIM plans to develop more accessible educational materials and practical case studies to help businesses understand how ESG adoption can lead to long-term benefits. Earlier, the 'Living ESG: Aspiration to Action' forum was officiated by Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, deputy secretary-general (Investment and Management) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil. The forum brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and businesses to advance Malaysia's sustainability agenda and promote understanding of ESG practices through talks, workshops, and exhibitions. In conjunction with the event, SIRIM also launched the SIRIM Blockchain Verification platform, a new system that enables businesses and individuals to verify certificates and documents more quickly and securely. 'With just a scan of the document's serial number, users can confirm its authenticity and approval by a trusted certification body. This helps reduce fraud and builds confidence in important transactions,' Ahmad Sabirin said.
