KUALA LUMPUR, August 15 — Agilent Technologies Inc. has placed Malaysia firmly on the global Industry 4.0 map after its state-of-the-art Penang smart factory was recognised by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company as a Global Lighthouse for advanced manufacturing excellence.
Leveraging artificial intelligence and cutting-edge digital technologies, the facility has boosted productivity by 40%, cut delivery lead times by 48%, and reduced environmental impact, while equipping 88% of its local workforce with AI-ready skills. It is one of only two Malaysian factories to receive the accolade.
Underscoring Penang’s growing prominence as a hub for smart manufacturing. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hailed the achievement as a testament to the state’s Industry 4.0 readiness, while Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim commended Agilent’s role in strengthening Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Agilent’s Interim President for Order Fulfillment and Supply Chain, Chow Woai Sheng, emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and human-machine collaboration, noting that its advancements are contributing to both Penang’s economic growth and global life sciences innovation.
