Conference themes and schedule

Keynote:
20 Years Smart Factory – From Smart Machines to Worldwide Ecosystems

This keynote traces the milestones of smart factory development: from modular “LEGO brick” interoperability and digital twins to the rise of service-based communication standards. Looking ahead, Prof. Zuehlke explores how AI and generative AI will orchestrate supply chains and adaptive production in real time, while cybersecurity and human responsibility remain decisive. The session underscores the importance of equipping both young and experienced workers with interdisciplinary skills to thrive in a dynamic, IT-driven manufacturing world.

Industrial Metaverse & Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier

Building on the journey from smart factories to Industry 5.0, this session looks ahead to the next frontier of industrial innovation. The industrial metaverse promises immersive, interconnected ecosystems that transform collaboration, training, and operations, while quantum computing opens unprecedented possibilities in optimization, simulation, and materials discovery. Together, these breakthrough technologies extend the vision of digital transformation—offering ASEAN manufacturers and global leaders a glimpse into how tomorrow’s factories will be designed, operated, and sustained.

Declaring Industry 5.0: Unlocking the Power of Human-Centric Digital Transformation

This session declares Industry 5.0 as the new paradigm shaping global manufacturing, where the focus moves beyond automation to human‑machine collaboration, sustainability, and resilience. It will explore how this transformation is already influencing industries worldwide, with particular attention to ASEAN and Malaysia’s evolving role in the global value chain. By framing the opportunities and challenges of this new era, the session sets the stage for the following panel discussion on whether ASEAN manufacturers are truly ready to embrace Industry 5.0.

11:20 - 12:00

Panel discussion:
Are ASEAN Manufacturers Ready for Industry 5.0?

As ASEAN manufacturers stand at the threshold of Industry 5.0, the question is no longer if but how they will embrace human-centric, sustainable, and digitally empowered transformation. This panel will explore Malaysia’s readiness alongside regional peers, unpacking both the challenges and opportunities that define the path forward. Delegates will gain insights into where industry players are today—and what it will take to position ASEAN as a global leader in the next era of manufacturing.

Supply Chain Resilience in Practice through Digitalisation for Competitiveness

With rising material costs, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions reshaping global trade, manufacturers are under pressure to make their supply chains more competitive and adaptive. This session examines how digitalisation can deliver practical advantages—from improving supplier visibility and responsiveness to leveraging predictive analytics for pricing, sourcing, and risk management. By focusing on competitiveness rather than sustainability, the discussion highlights how manufacturers can use digital tools to reduce costs, secure supply, and build stronger partnerships. Delegates will gain actionable insights into how resilient supply chains can become a strategic differentiator for ASEAN manufacturers in today’s volatile market.

Industrial 5G: Turning digitalisation into measurable value

Industrial 5G is moving from pilots to production across Malaysia and ASEAN. This session focuses on how manufacturers can translate 5G into measurable value—improving real‑time visibility, automation, and responsiveness through private networks and edge‑enabled applications. Drawing on regional best practices and Malaysia’s expanding portfolio of use cases, speakers will share concrete deployment lessons, KPIs, and pathways to scale—turning connectivity into competitive advantage.

AI-Driven Production Optimization: Accelerating the Journey to Zero Waste Factories

This session explores how AI-driven Production Optimization can accelerate the transition toward zero‑waste manufacturing by 2030. By unifying machine data, process conditions, and energy usage into real‑time analytics, manufacturers can eliminate material waste, reduce rejects, and improve efficiency while delivering measurable ESG outcomes. Drawing on use cases from electronics, food processing, and high‑mix environments, the paper demonstrates how digitalisation translates vision into tangible value—boosting competitiveness and sustainability for Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.

Securing Intelligent Systems: Guardrails and Observability for Trustworthy AI in Manufacturing

As manufacturers adopt AI to drive competitiveness, resilience, and automation, ensuring that these systems remain secure, reliable, and aligned with business goals becomes critical. This session explores how to implement guardrails, observability tools, and governance frameworks that prevent AI from going wrong, whether through bias, mis‑decision, or cyber vulnerabilities. Speakers will share practical approaches to embedding trust into intelligent systems, from monitoring AI agents in production to securing digital twins and robotics. Delegates will gain actionable insights into building trustworthy, human‑centric AI ecosystems that deliver measurable value without compromising safety or integrity.

Scaling AI in Manufacturing: Lessons from Pilots to Plant‑Wide Deployment

This session explores how AI-driven Production Optimization can accelerate the transition toward zero‑waste manufacturing by 2030. By unifying machine data, process conditions, and energy usage into real‑time analytics, manufacturers can eliminate material waste, reduce rejects, and improve efficiency while delivering measurable ESG outcomes. Drawing on use cases from electronics, food processing, and high‑mix environments, the paper demonstrates how digitalisation translates vision into tangible value—boosting competitiveness and sustainability for Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.

Panel discussion:
From Cobots to Humanoids: Are Manufacturers Prepared?

Cobots are gaining traction in Malaysia and ASEAN as manufacturers seek practical automation solutions, while humanoid robots are advancing rapidly in AI and complex manipulation. One year after IMKL 2025’s debate, this panel revisits the question: which is the best fit for manufacturing today—and are we ready for humanoids yet? Moderated by Dominic, the discussion will assess the progress made in the past 12 months, compare real‑world cobot deployments with emerging humanoid use cases and explore why certain applications may require supports from robots. Delegates will gain a clear view of current realities, future pathways, and the readiness of ASEAN manufacturers to embrace the next wave of robotics.

Pitching session 1: Solution Providers on Digital Skills & Workforce Upskilling

Pitching session 2: ROI & Financing Models for Digitalisation

Pitching session 3: Data Management & AI Integration Solutions

ROI in Digitalisation: Why Manufacturers Invest and How Returns Are Realised

When manufacturers embark on Industry 4.0, understanding both the why and the how is critical. This case study highlights a successful digitalisation journey, sharing the rationale behind the investment, the implementation steps taken, and the timeline required to achieve measurable returns. It addresses common misconceptions that ROI is immediate, showing instead how gains are unlocked through continuous improvement, integration, and workforce alignment. Delegates will gain practical insights into setting realistic expectations, planning the right activities, and ensuring digitalisation delivers sustainable value.

Panel discussion:
Beyond Automation – Keeping Humans at the Heart of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

To conclude the two‑day program, this panel brings the conversation full circle by returning to the central theme of human‑centric digital transformation. While automation and intelligent technologies are reshaping manufacturing, the true measure of success lies in how they empower people. Panelists will explore practical strategies for ensuring that digitalisation enhances human capability rather than replacing it, from workforce empowerment and skills development to designing systems that prioritize safety, creativity, and collaboration. By reflecting on insights shared across the conference, this closing discussion will highlight how manufacturers can move beyond automation to build resilient, competitive, and human‑centered ecosystems for the future.