Discussion underway on efforts to strengthen the Industry4WRD programme for Malaysia's SMEs

The programme, first announced in 2018, assesses organisations on their ability and willingness to accept Industry 4.0 technology and processes.

The Industry4WRD Readiness Assessment (Industry4WRD-RA), which was first launched on 31 October 2018 to drive digital transformation of the manufacturing and related services sectors in Malaysia, is being discussed by Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), in conversations led by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong.

Meeting related agencies in a conversation titled 'Moving Capital and Finance For Industry4WRD' on 7 February 2022, the Ministers both wrote about how they are keen to see this programme facilitate the effectiveness and automation of SMEs (also known as PKS) in Malaysia. 

Minister Zafrul shared: "Industry4WRD-RA is a comprehensive programme that will help companies in Malaysia evaluate their ability level & willingness to accept Industry 4.0 technology and processes," adding that going forward, MITI and related agencies will facilitate this programme to help more PKS to improve their competitiveness at the global level.

Minister Liew said: "We discussed efforts to strengthen the Industry4WRD Availability Assessment process and funding through the Industry4WD Intervention Fund."

The discussion, he noted, was attended by MITI agencies such as Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC), Malaysia Investment Development Board (MIDA), and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance (MIDF).

To recap, the Industry4WRD policy's framework is as follows:

The following is the eligibility criteria for PKS to be part of this programme:

• Manufacturing and its related services sectors,
• Valid registration and business licences, 
• Company has at least 60% local equity, 
• In operation for more than three years.

Photo / Minister Zafrul