Early adopters of AI in manufacturing reaping productivity and efficiency benefits
Volume 2025 | Issue 04
Despite only 26% of manufacturers having embraced AI, early adopters are already seeing clear productivity and efficiency gains. According to FMM’s Helena Eian, companies using AI across areas like customer service, quality control, and predictive maintenance report up to 60% higher productivity and faster decision-making.
Backed by Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the nation aims to transform 3,000 smart factories, fostering innovation and high-skilled jobs. Experts from Sunway Group and industry leaders stress that collaboration and regulatory reform are key to unlocking AI’s full potential in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.
Sunway iLabs partners China International Capital Corporation to drive AI frontier in Malaysia and SEA
Sunway iLabs, the innovation lab and corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Sunway Group, has partnered with China International Capital Corporation (CICC) to advance AI technology and strengthen innovation ties between China and Southeast Asia.
Announced at FutureX Connect in Kuala Lumpur, the partnership bridges China’s mature AI ecosystem with Malaysia’s growing digital economy. Sunway’s Chief Innovation Officer Matt Van Leeuwen said “the partnership creates a two-way bridge where China contributes proven AI technologies and Malaysia provides a diverse environment for adaptation and regional scaling.”
With CICC Capital managing around US$60 billion in assets, the collaboration will accelerate AI adoption, talent development, and digital infrastructure growth, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional innovation hub.