Strategic expansion and PSDC partnership set to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption and talent development in Northern Malaysia

PENANG, June 18 (Bernama) -- KUKA Robotics Malaysia, a subsidiary of Germany-headquartered KUKA — a global leader in intelligent automation solutions and majority-owned by China’s Midea Group – today marked a significant milestone with the official launch of its new Penang branch in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. This strategic move reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing industrial automation and robotics innovation in Malaysia and across the Asia-Pacific Economic region.
 
The ceremony was graced by YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, alongside senior representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), InvestPenang, and key industry leaders.
 
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, congratulated KUKA on its office expansion to Penang, stating, “KUKA’s expansion into Penang underscores Malaysia's robust industrial ecosystem and the growing demand for advanced automation solutions. This new office will assume a key role in supporting our high-technology industries through closer customer engagement, enhanced technical services, and the development of local talent. The initiative is well aligned with the goals of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, particularly in building Malaysia’s strengths in smart automation.”
 
This expansion follows KUKA’s successful establishment of its first Malaysian office in Puchong, Selangor and represents a strategic move to support Northern Malaysia's growing prominence in high-tech manufacturing and smart automation.
 
During the ceremony, KUKA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) to collaborate on robotics training and workforce development — a key initiative aligned with Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 vision.
 
“Penang’s strength in advanced manufacturing makes it the ideal location for KUKA’s next chapter. We are proud to partner with state agencies and PSDC to shape the next generation of industrial talent,” said Mr. Tean Shen Zen, CEO of KUKA Southeast Asia.
 
“KUKA's investment in Penang reflects our confidence in Malaysia as a strategic partner for innovation in automation and robotics,” added Mr. Alan Fam, Chief Regional Officer, KUKA APeC.

The new facility features:

• State-of-the-art Application Center showcasing KUKA's latest robotic solutions

• Advanced demonstration areas for electronics, automotive, logistics, and medical applications

• Swisslog AutoStore demo facility highlighting intralogistics capabilities

• Training facilities for workforce development programmes

With this latest expansion, KUKA strengthens its footprint in Malaysia and reinforces its commitment to supporting the nation's Industry 4.0 transformation. The Penang branch is set to serve as a regional hub for innovation, technical support, and talent engagement — empowering businesses across sectors to embrace smarter, more efficient automation solutions.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd today announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership for its Upstream business with Beicip-Franlab, a leading geoscience and reservoir technology company, and AFED Digital, a specialist in advanced AI and digital solutions. Together, they have entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) via TriCipta AI, a pioneering venture aimed at accelerating hydrocarbon discovery, reducing uncertainties, and maximising recovery sustainably across PETRONAS Carigali’s operations.

The partnership will initially focus on delivering high-impact and tangible AI solutions to directly address key challenges in exploration, development, and production. Built on a long-term vision of collaborative success, the strategic partnership reflects PETRONAS’ drive towards operational excellence and future readiness across its value chain.

PETRONAS Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Upstream, Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab said, “This partnership reflects PETRONAS’ firm commitment to collaborate for a future-ready Upstream digital and technology ecosystem. By integrating advanced AI and data-driven solutions across the value chain, PETRONAS is reinforcing our position as a resilient and adaptive upstream player.”

This strategic move underscores PETRONAS’ enduring drive for innovation and growth through partnerships, to deliver advantaged barrels in meeting sustainable energy needs.

Issued by
Media Communications 
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS
 
SOURCE: PETRONAS

SHAH ALAM, June 18 (Bernama) -- At the 55th International Paris Air Show (16–22 June 2025, Le Bourget), Menteri Besar Selangor (Pemerbadanan) or MBI Selangor and the National Aerospace Industry Corporation (NAICO) are jointly highlighting their strategic commitment to talent development through the Selangor Aero Park @KLIA Aeropolis and broader initiatives across Selangor. 

As part of their showcase at the Malaysian Pavilion (Hall 3, Stand D94), MBI Selangor and NAICO will unveil a coordinated suite of talent development programmes focused on building a resilient and future-ready aerospace workforce. These initiatives are structured around three key pillars: 

• Development of a Centralised Talent Hub: MBI Selangor and NAICO are exploring the establishment of an Aerospace Talent Centre (ATC) within Selangor Aero Park or other mutually agreed locations. The ATC will serve as a centralised platform for training, reskilling, upskilling, and aerospace-related research, supporting the development of both new and existing talent in the sector.

• Research and Technological Advancement: The partnership will facilitate government–industry–academia collaboration in areas such as advanced manufacturing, composite structures, digitalisation, and emerging aerospace technologies, aimed at driving innovation and ensuring Malaysia remains at the forefront of aerospace capabilities.

• Competency Development via MyAERO Centre: MBI Selangor will collaborate closely with the MyAERO Centre, leveraging it as a key strategic resource hub for competency enhancement. Both parties will participate in aerospace programmes, projects, and national initiatives coordinated through the MyAERO platform. 

“Our approach places talent at the core of Selangor Aero Park’s vision—ensuring we shape, attract and retain the next generation of aerospace professionals,” said YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Menteri Besar of Selangor. 

By collaborating on training capacity and structured pathways, MBI Selangor and NAICO are building a sustainable pipeline of aerospace talent to support both local and global industry needs.

This focus on talent is aligned with Malaysia’s national aerospace aspirations and the Selangor Aerospace Action Plan. Selangor currently accounts for over 65% of the country’s aerospace industry activity, with expectations to exceed 70% by 2030. With key projects like GE Aerospace’s facility and the development of smart infrastructure within Selangor Aero Park already underway, talent readiness is pivotal to supporting long-term industry growth. 

Throughout the event, MBI Selangor and NAICO will host a series of engagements— including in-booth briefings and bilateral meetings with OEMs, MRO operators, academia, and investors—to position Selangor Aero Park as a talent-rich, innovation-driven hub for ASEAN’s aerospace ecosystem.

About Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) (MBI Selangor) 

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated)  (“MBI Selangor”) was established under the Menteri Besar Selangor Enactment (Enactment No: 3 1994) on 21 September 1994. MBI Selangor is a body that was established to administer assets and investments of the State Government, and to represent the State in economic and business activities that are beyond the state government’s jurisdictions. MBI Selangor also plays a role towards promoting and supporting the state government’s development efforts as well as to carry out social responsibility obligations for the public.
 
MBI Selangor is also driving the key economic thrusts under the Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1) launched by Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, Selangor Chief Minister, in July 2022.
 
SOURCE: Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) (MBI Selangor)