Centre in Penang launches schemes to empower industry captains to leverage, successfully adopt new technology
IN the high-stakes world of global manufacturing, being “fast” is no longer enough – one also has to be “smart”.
But for a large number of Penang’s industrial players, this digital alert is falling on deaf ears.
Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Hari Narayanan shared a sobering statistic that had local industry captains leaning in.
He said a recent survey revealed that 71% of 62 organisations in the state were still largely unaware of how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI).
“This is a concern as Penang is a semiconductor powerhouse and the gap in AI literacy could become a bottleneck for future growth.
“We cannot afford to wait as companies which successfully adopt AI will see a surge in productivity and innovation.
“Those that stay on the sidelines will find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive in a global supply chain that is moving at lightning speed,” he said at the launch of the AI for Manufacturing Programme (AIMP) and the AI Sandbox for Industries, the PSDC programmes to address this issue.
Hari expressed hope that the initiative would gain traction.
“Last year, we successfully upskilled 1,401 individuals from 30 companies and on a national level, PSDC is punching well above its weight, accounting for 32% of the 4,350 people trained in AI nationwide last year,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the programme in Bayan Baru, said the move signalled Penang’s transition from a manufacturing hub to a leader in intelligent manufacturing.
“The future of manufacturing will be more connected and increasingly powered by AI,” Chow said.
“The state government remains committed to ensuring Penang stays ahead with the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ensure this digital transformation is inclusive.
“I urge all players from multinationals to local SMEs to take full advantage of these facilities by investing in your people now so they can lead the charge tomorrow,” he added.
Also present at the launch were PSDC management council chairman Datuk Solomon Lorthu, Siemens Malaysia president and CEO Tindaro Danze, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Szeto Wai Loong and SNS Network enterprise sales director Adrian Goo.
The AIMP is made up of two pathways: Track A which focuses on Classical AI and Data Analytics, and Track B, which dives into the world of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).
Providing the “brawn” for these “brains” is the AI Sandbox, a high-performance computing facility equipped with Nvidia H100 technology that allows companies to test-drive AI prototypes and validate solutions in a safe environment before rolling them out on the factory floor.
According to Hari, the programme was not just about high-tech theories, but practical results.
“I hope to kick-start the first official intake next month, with an initial target of at least 200 manufacturing professionals.
“With 50% of the AIMP fees funded by Silicon Island Development and the remainder claimable via Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the path to the future has been cleared of financial hurdles.”
