M'sia 'losing out' in robotics industry

PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia's robotics and automation technology is lagging by a decade compared with its neighbours despite being among the first in the region to venture into the industry.

"Sadly, Singapore and Thailand have already overtaken us in this arena and we are losing millions in foreign direct investments," said Malaysia Robotics and Automation Interest Group chairman Prof Ishkandar Baharin.

He said the lack of concerted efforts to develop the industry was the cause of Malaysia losing out.

"Europe, the United States and Japan excelled in this area because they synchronised government, industry and academia efforts to develop the industry.

"They drew up clear masterplans monitored by investors. We got the ball rolling, but there was no coordinated efforts. Everyone was working on their own. That is why it is not growing as a fast as it should."

Ishkandar said despite the many discussions in the industry, there was no agency to take up the responsibility to develop this sector.

"Better advancement in the robotics industry from simple products like a vacuum cleaner to car assembly line robotic arms will work in the nation's favour."

Malaysian Society for Engineering and Technology (Mset) president Prof Datuk Abang Abdullah Abang Ali said: "We are working with the government to establish the Malaysian Board of Technology to oversee the nation's engineering fraternity this year.

"Although the country has about 300,000 engineers and technicians, they are not trained beyond their degree. As a result, we fail to produce human capital that are able to compete internationally."

-New Straits Times