Latest news with #SirimBhd
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
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
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Local cosmetics sector can be launchpad to position Malaysia as innovation-led economy: Sirim chief tech officer
SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian cosmetics sector can serve as a launchpad to position the nation as an innovation-led economy, said Sirim Bhd chief technology officer Dr Muhammad Izzal Ismail. He said Sirim also sees the cosmetics sector as offering low barriers to entry and high commercial potential, with the global market valued at US$380 billion (RM1.8 trillion) in 2024. 'Cosmetics is a massive industry in Malaysia with a big market value. A well-branded product prices can be RM250 to RM500 per set especially if it's marketed with international cues like Korean or celebrity endorsements,' he told reporters at the Business Linkages: Unlock New Horizons in Commercialisation event today. Muhammad Izzal pointed out that many successful entrepreneurs in Malaysia have built their businesses in cosmetics. 'Cosmetics is a very tempting business in Malaysia, and I believe Sirim's cosmetics team is very solid and mature in supporting local brands to enter and compete in this space.' He said Sirim is offering tax perks, ready-made biotech intellectual property protection and lab-to-market support for Malaysian businesses, including SMEs, to explore commercialisation opportunities. 'It is about bridging the gap between lab and market, making it easier for local businesses to scale science-backed, safe and sustainable products,' he added. Through its commercialisation support, Muhammad Izzal said, Sirim is aligning with the national target of raising SME contribution to gross domestic product from 39.1% currently to 50% by 2030. 'As of 2024, Malaysia has achieved its highest position since 2016 in the Global Innovation Index, ranking 33rd out of 133 economies. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, we are working to help the country break into the top 30 by 2025,' he added. Muhammad Izzal said about 90% of the public still associates Sirim only with appliance safety testing. 'People don't know that Sirim's technologies extend beyond cosmetics into areas like vaccine development, artificial coral reef restoration, and semiconductor readiness. For example, our patented artificial coral reef technology can help regenerate fish populations in warming oceans – an innovation matured here at Sirim but still largely unknown to the public.' He stressed that local businesses can use Sirim's existing infrastructure, equipment and scientific manpower rather than investing heavily in in-house research and development. 'Sirim offers chemical analysis, microbiological testing, heavy metal detection, allergen and irritation tests all in line with ISO certification. Our goal is to support companies in creating certified, safe, effective products without the cost burden of building their own labs, said Muhammad Izzal. The event brought together cosmetic brands, mid-sized manufacturers and startups to explore licensing and co-development opportunities for Sirim's patented innovations. It showcased five innovations ready for market adoption with complete intellectual property protection and is available for immediate licensing through Sirim's flexible commercialisation programmes, including Nephelium lappaceum (rambutan) extract, postbiotic pineapple biomass microbiome friendly extract, kenaf seed oil, roselle extract and biodegradable microbeads. Through its Life Sciences Centre, Sirim Industrial Research also provides support to licensees, offering not just the technologies themselves but also technical expertise, product development resources and market readiness guidance.
