Building a Future-Ready Manufacturing Ecosystem

The International Innovative Research & Industrial Dialogue 2026 (iIRID 2026), hosted by UTeM, reinforced the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and government to accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards AI-driven smart manufacturing. The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on talent development, applied research, technology adoption and the future of Malaysia’s manufacturing competitiveness.

Representing CTRM Aero Composites (CTRM AC), Chief Operating Officer (COO), En. Nor Azham bin Baharin, participated as a panellist in the session “From Campus to Smart Factory: Building Industry-Ready Talent for Malaysia’s AI-Driven Manufacturing Future.” He shared industry perspectives on workforce readiness, the adoption of advanced technologies and the critical role of collaboration in driving sustainable industrial growth.

Key discussions highlighted the need to develop industry-ready talent through stronger industry engagement in education, accelerate the adoption of AI and digital technologies while maintaining human accountability, and translate academic research into practical industrial applications. The dialogue also emphasised the importance of long-term academia-industry-government partnerships and ensuring that digital transformation initiatives deliver measurable business value.

The insights shared align closely with CTRM AC’s commitment to talent development, innovation and operational excellence, while supporting the advancement of Malaysia’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem towards greater productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth.