KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) model smart factories will assist SMEs in similar industries to learn first-hand about automation, digitalisation and high-technology in smart manufacturing.

According to SME Association of Malaysia (SME Malaysia) national president Ding Hong Sing, the smart factories, which are open for educational tours, would facilitate SMEs in establishing their own smart factories.

"Sharing on challenges faced and learning points on implementation of factory infrastructure by the factory owner can prove invaluable to other SMEs embarking upon Industrial Revolution 4.0," Ding said.

He proposed the model smart factory concept at the association's Platinum Business Awards 2023 (PBA2023) Presentation and Gala Dinner at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, attended by deputy minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Saraswathy Kandasami as guest-of-honour.

PBA2023 organising chairlady Datuk Ada Poon said SME Malaysia believes that its efforts to discover companies and individuals who have improved their business performance will count towards furthering the growth and development of Malaysian businesses. 

On PBA2023, she said there were a total of 107 award recipients this year, comprising 95 recipients for awards by-nomination and 12 by-invitation.

"After Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Sabah has the third highest number of winners; it is truly wonderful to witness such achievements by our East Malaysian friends. "Winning the NBA will help award recipients tap onto greater market access and brand recognition potential," she added. 

Established in 2002, the PBA is a premium, annual awards platform recognised for its rigorous selection of award recipients involving an internal assessment committee, independent auditor and a selection board comprising industry leaders.

Source: Business Times