In the dynamic landscape of global technology and industrial advancement, national standards and research institutions are the engines that safeguard economic growth in science, technology, and innovation. In Malaysia and across the ASEAN region, SIRIM Berhad (SIRIM) is one of the leading organizations that is increasingly demonstrating how strategic leadership in science and research can propel a nation onto the world stage. SIRIM, through its ambitious dual strategy of domestic empowerment and international expansion, is solidifying its role as a pivotal leader in ASEAN and the global science sector.

As SIRIM celebrates its golden jubilee, this remarkable milestone not only marks 50 years of progress but also reaffirms its strategic role in advancing Malaysia’s national competitiveness. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation and regional collaboration, SIRIM is dedicated to redefining the future, both for Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region. By building trust for the future, SIRIM is not just adapting to change but actively shaping a new era, ensuring a legacy of growth, excellence and shared prosperity for generations to come.

Building a Nation of Smart Manufacturers
True regional leadership begins with domestic strength. With the rise of AI and green technologies, as well as global geopolitical polarization, SIRIM is on a critical mission to transform over 1,200 Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into smart manufacturers by accelerating their transition from Industry 1.5 to Industry 4.0. This initiative, which leverages Malaysia’s, is far more than a technical upgrade program; it is the foundational work of building a competitive and resilient national economy, transforming traditionally labour-intensive industries into modern, automated operations that are independent of foreign labour.

Cases on nation-wide partnership with government and private sector:

  • Through its Smart Manufacturing Experience Centre, launched in 2023, SIRIM is not merely selling technology; it provides a holistic ecosystem of assessment, consultation, and implementation support for the digital transition of the nation’s industry. By guiding SMEs through the adoption of automation, IoT, AI, and data analytics, SIRIM is directly enhancing their productivity, quality, and global competitiveness. This creates a powerful domino effect: a stronger Malaysian industrial base, comprised of technologically adept companies, becomes a more attractive and reliable partner within global supply chains. This internal fortification is the essential first step in projecting power and expertise beyond national borders.
  • Smart Take-Up Programme: To support the transformation of local SMEs into smart manufacturing, the government is providing funding assistance, and SIRIM offers technological interventions to assist industries along the way. In addition, SIRIM seeks financial support for such initiatives by building collaborations with businesses and financing agencies, such asMalaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF), under the supervision of Bank Negara Malaysia, to ensure these businesses can access financing at the lowest possible interest rates.
  • SIRIM is also collaborating with several multinational companies that are willing to share their automation systems with Malaysia, enabling a smoother transition from our current state to our desired future. Our primary focus is on the manufacturing sector, particularly in electrical and electronics, even though many interested companies are in the food and beverage industry.

Strategic Expansion into Key Global Markets
SIRIM’s vision, however, extends far beyond Malaysia’s shores. The organization is actively expanding its international presence, with a sharp strategic focus on India, China, and other ASEAN nations. This move is a clear declaration of its ambition to be a global player in testing, certification, and standards development.

This expansion is multifaceted:

  • ASEAN Integration: Deepening its presence in ASEAN is a natural priority. By aligning standards and providing trusted certification services across the region, SIRIM facilitates smoother trade, enhances product safety, and strengthens the ASEAN economic community from within. It positions itself as a central hub for quality assurance within the region.
  • Tapping Giant Economies: The focus on China and India represents a savvy pursuit of immense opportunity. These markets present huge demand for internationally recognized certification to export their goods globally. By establishing a local presence and forging partnerships in these emerging markets, SIRIM makes its coveted certification mark more accessible, simultaneously generating revenue and increasing its global influence.
  • A Global Benchmark: The planned upgrades to its laboratories to achieve international accreditation ensure that a SIRIM certification is not just a regional badge but a globally respected seal of approval. This elevates Malaysia’s standing in the global scientific community.

An ASEAN Leader on the World Stage
The synergy between national and international strategies is where SIRIM’s leadership emerges. The experience gained from digitally transforming thousands of local SMEs provides SIRIM with unparalleled, real-world expertise. This practical knowledge is an invaluable export in itself. When SIRIM engages with businesses in Vietnam, Indonesia, or India, it not only offers a testing service but also provides a proven blueprint for industrial modernization.

This positions SIRIM not as a passive standards enforcer, but as an active partner in development. It becomes the go-to institution for other developing economies looking to navigate their own 4IR journeys. By first mastering the challenges at home, SIRIM has earned the credibility to lead abroad. Electric Vehicle, Semiconductor, and Aviation are the high-tech sectors of SIRIM, aiming to become the global “game-changer”.

Its leadership in ASEAN is no longer just about setting standards; it is about setting the pace for regional and global industrial transformation. By ensuring Malaysian and ASEAN products are smarter, safer, and globally competitive, SIRIM is not only fuelling economic prosperity but also boldly placing both Malaysia and the ASEAN region firmly on the map as emerging powerhouses in global science and research.

References:

  1. https://thesun.my/business-news/sirim-on-mission-to-turn-more-than-1200-smes-into-smart-manufacturers-LG14122559
  2. https://thesun.my/business-news/sirim-steps-up-international-expansion-with-particular-focus-on-india-china-and-asean-AG14122367
  3. https://www.orissa-international.com/business-news/sirim-to-establish-a-smart-manufacturing-digital-experience-centre/

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