Nik Sazali: The launch of these two management system certifications represents a strategic leap from ad-hoc technology adoption to a disciplined, systemic approach. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
SIRIM Bhd plans to certify 1,000 companies and organisations under two newly introduced management system certifications within the next three years.
The initiative will be officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, on Nov 19, on the sidelines of the Majlis SIRIM Industry 2025 certification presentation ceremony for various industries.
The two certifications comprise the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Management System (ISO/IEC 42001:2023) and the Innovation Management System (ISO 56001 and MS ISO 56001).
Currently, more than 1,500 products have been certified under SIRIM’s various product and management system certifications.
“The launch of these two management system certifications represents a strategic leap from ad-hoc technology adoption to a disciplined, systemic approach.
“These frameworks will provide Malaysian industries with a clear blueprint to build an enduring culture of innovation and deploy AI responsibly and accountably,” said SIRIM Bhd acting president and group chief executive officer Nik Sazali Nik Hussin.
He said SIRIM would roll out several initiatives to support the certification of companies and organisations, including:
> Engaging industries through briefings, workshops and awareness sessions on AI and innovation requirements;
> Sharing updates on standards, best practices and emerging trends to improve industry readiness;
> Collaborating with authorities and industry bodies to ensure alignment with national priorities;
> Delivering information through webinars, announcements and participation in key events;
> Emphasising transparency, clarity and supporting responsible adoption of AI and innovation programmes to encourage industry participation.
The move is expected to help Malaysia attract high-value investments, especially as AI is projected to contribute US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Nik Sazali noted that the Smart Tech Up programme — an initiative under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and managed by SIRIM as an agency under the Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) — serves as the operational engine to transform 3,000 companies into smart factories by 2030.
Among the initiatives implemented under Smart Tech Up programme are:
> Conducting smart factory assessment;
> Identifying suitable Industry 4.0 technology solutions including automation and digitalisation;
> Providing technical consultancy and mentoring (handholding) throughout the transformation journey;
> Facilitating access to matching grants of up to 50% (maximum RM500,000) for technology adoption projects;
> Connecting companies with solution providers and integrators for implementation.
“Through the Smart Tech Up programme, SIRIM acts as a strategic partner — conducting readiness assessments and providing end-to-end guidance,” said Nik Sazali.
“Through the Smart Tech Up programme, SIRIM acts as a strategic partner — conducting readiness assessments and providing end-to-end guidance,” he said.
Nik Sazali explained that SIRIM is leveraging partnerships with multinational corporations and financial institutions to make these AI-driven technological interventions both accessible and affordable, ensuring that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can transition from Industry 1.5 to Industry 4.0 and contribute to building a resilient national economy.
This programme is also open for mid-tier companies, defined as those with annual revenue of RM50mil to RM500mil (manufacturing) as well as organisations providing services from pre-manufacturing to after-sales activities that add significant value to the manufacturing sectors.
He also highlighted that SIRIM has begun embedding AI into its Testing, Inspection, Certification and Calibration (TICC) services through its digital platforms.
“SIRIM is embracing AI within our TICC services by enhancing our digital capabilities and supporting organisations in adopting AI responsibly, in line with national and international standards,” he said.
Beyond technology adoption, SIRIM is also strengthening the skills and capabilities of the nation’s workforce through SIRIM Academy.
“We are actively ‘humanising’ AI in our discourse, positioning it as a tool that augments human capability rather than replacing it.
“This includes offering the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Certified AI Assessor programme to build local expertise in responsible AI and integrating AI-related topics into our technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and upskilling modules.”
SIRIM has also launched an Ethical Artificial Intelligence Systems Assessor programme in collaboration with IEEE to further develop local expertise in responsible AI.
To date, SIRIM has trained over 300,000 individuals and 10,000 organisations across Malaysia.
SIRIM’s 50th anniversary, celebrated on Sept 16, marks a significant milestone that reflects its long-standing contributions to Malaysia’s technological progress, industrial competitiveness and national economic growth.
Since its establishment, SIRIM has played a pivotal role in advancing Malaysian industries through cutting-edge research, standards development and industry-focused solutions.
“The domestic transformation we are driving is the cornerstone of our regional and global strategy. When we engage with partners in Vietnam, Indonesia or India, we are not merely offering a certification — we are offering a practical partnership in industrial modernisation.
“Our aim is to solidify Asean’s position as a cohesive, innovative bloc, where a SIRIM certification is recognised as a global seal of approval for quality, safety and smart innovation,” he emphasised.
