KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Technology Development Corp (MTDC) Sdn Bhd has urged more small medium enterprises (SMEs) to embrace relevant know how of the fourth industrial revolution with the launch of the Centre of 9 Pillars (Co9P) initiative.
"We want interactions, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger companies in incorporating Industrial 4.0 solutions to be more productive," said MTDC chief executive officer Datuk Norhalim Yunus.
He was speaking to reporters after the soft launch of Co9P here today.
MTDC also signed with five partners of the initiative. They were Malaysian Robotics and Automation Society, Malaysia's lnternet-of-Things Association, RESPECT Business and Advanced Technology Solutions Sdn Bhd of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Research Triangle Institute and Human Life Advancement Foundation.
The signing came a week after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched the national Industrial 4.0 policy.
Norhalim said Co9P, built on a community-based concept for Industry 4.0, had a manufacturing laboratory and a co-working space for SMEs to familiarise with Industrial 4.0 solutions.
"We want to nurture more creation of Industrial 4.0 technopreneurs," he added.
Norhalim explained that the Co9P had the necessary equipment to enable ideas and concepts to be developed into prototypes. Ultimately, local businesses can look to deflect cost of imported solutions.
Also present at the event were MTDC board of directors Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Datuk Khoo Boo Seng and Faizal Mohd Yusof.
MTDC is a wholly-owned unit of Khazanah Nasional Bhd and has been a key player in the commercialisation and management of government funding since the Seventh Malaysia Plan.
Currently, MTDC manages six funds amounting to RM1.8 billion, specifically the Commercialisation of R&D Fund, Technology Acquisition Fund, Halal Fund, Business Start-Up Fund, Business Growth Fund and Business Expansion Fund.
MTDC also provides integrated support services for technopreneurs which includes advisory services such as mentoring, soft-landing, branding, fundraising, international collaboration and networking.
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