Engineering

Embracing Automation: Addressing ASEAN’s Manufacturing Challenges

Lim Boon Choon, President, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence for Korea, ASEAN, Pacific The ASEAN manufacturing sector is at a critical juncture, teetering on the edge of unprecedented growth and formidable challenges. In 2023, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows soared to a record-breaking $230 billion, a remarkable 24% increase from the annual average of $190 billion between 2020 and 2022, according to UNCTAD’s latest Global Investment Report. This surge in investment is a testament to ASEAN’s magnetic appeal to global investors, yet it also casts a spotlight on the pressing issues that could impede its progress. At the heart of these challenges lie quality assurance, manpower shortages, and cost efficiency. As the region grapples with these obstacles, the call for automation has never been louder or more urgent. Experts contend that automation is not merely an option but a crucial strategy for ASEAN to transcend these barriers and cement its status as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Manpower Shortages: The Growing Talent Gap Nowhere is the need for change more apparent than in Vietnam, where realised FDI reached $14.15 billion in the first eight months of 2024, with nearly 80% funnelled into manufacturing (Vietnam Ministry of Planning and Investment). Despite this growth, a severe shortage of skilled workers looms. A ManpowerGroup survey in 2023 ranked manufacturing as one of the hardest-hit sectors in Vietnam’s labour market. This trend isn’t limited to Vietnam. Across ASEAN’s six largest economies—Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam—the talent gap is projected to hit 6.6 million skilled workers this year[1]. The scarcity has pushed companies into a “talent tug-of-war,” destabilising production lines as newer factories poach experienced workers from established ones. For instance, in Thailand, the automotive sector has been particularly affected, with companies like Toyota and Honda struggling to maintain production schedules due to skilled labour […]

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand returns this November

After a hugely successful 2024 edition last November, DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2025 – The Southeast Asian “Digital Solutions for Business” exhibition and networking platform for the global tech and digital markets – is set to return bigger and better in Bangkok, Thailand at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre from 19th to 21st November 2025. The recently concluded 2024 edition attracted over 8,600 trade visitors from 44 countries, with over 350 technology exhibitors and brands from 10 countries showcasing their cutting-edge solutions. There were over 1,500 business-matching meetings held between trade buyers and sellers. The event also saw the conduct of over 70 well- attended conference sessions conducted by over 90 industry gurus. This year, DigiTech ASEAN & AI Connect 2025 will continue to serve as a key industry gathering and market platform to present the latest digital and AI solutions for businesses across ASEAN. This event provides digital and technology vendors with an effective “face-to-face” opportunity to engage with their targeted markets across 6 key sectors, namely, Business Software, Cybersecurity, E–Commerce & Digital Marketing, Data & Cloud, Smart Solutions and IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Ms. Peerayaphan Pongsanam, Assistant Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., the organiser said, “DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2025 is about facilitating business deals, partnerships, collaborations, and networking for the global tech and digital industry. This 3-day event also provides the platform for the industry to exchange views and stay updated on the latest trends and market opportunities.” Thailand offers robust growth in digital and AI sectors, supported by government initiatives and a tech-savvy population. The country’s digital economy is projected to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030, driven by rapid digital transformations, emergence of new technologies, and growing demands for digital tools and solutions. The current value of Thailand’s […]

SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou to open on 25 February

Guangzhou, 18 February 2025. SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2025 opens next week, from 25 – 27 February, in Area A of the China Import and Export Fair Complex. Since its debut in 2010, the exhibition has grown into a leading trade platform for intelligent manufacturing and automation solutions in China. As part of the international SPS network, it maintains the professional standards set by its sister show, SPS – Smart Production Solutions in Germany, supporting the technological transformation of the manufacturing industry through its showcase of advanced automation and intelligent manufacturing solutions. A well-established fixture of South China’s manufacturing sector, SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou continues to receive strong support from industry stakeholders, extending its influence from Guangdong Province to South China and Southeast Asia. The event showcases a wide range of intelligent and automated technologies, including sensor technologies, drive systems and motion controls, mechanical infrastructure, control technologies, industrial software, and connectivity technologies. Other key focus areas include industrial robots, project integration and services, industrial communication, intelligent equipment and system integration, human-machine interface devices, factory automation, automotive manufacturing and more. The 2025 edition will bring together 250 leading exhibitors in intelligent manufacturing, from both domestic and international markets. Highlighted exhibitors include Autonics, Binder, Bonfiglioli, Controlway, Datalogic, DEGSON, DINKLE, GSK, HIKVISION, HUALONG XUNDA, ifm, INVT, Jaten Robot, Li-Gong, MatriBox, SUPU, Wanjie, WATTSAN, Zhongda Leader and more. Strong international presence alongside regional innovation As a sister event to SPS – Smart Production Solutions in Nuremberg, Germany, in addition to continuing their close cooperation, the Guangzhou show connects with the broader international SPS network to bring world-class industry resources and knowledge to South China’s manufacturing sector. An international pavilion, organised in cooperation with SPS Italia, will showcase advanced technologies from global manufacturers, while exhibitors from Germany, Japan, South Korea and […]

Operationalising AI for Manufacturing in ASEAN

Karen Kim, CEO Human Managed While the hype around Gen-AI will shift to the buzz around agentic-AI in 2025, traditional sectors such as manufacturing will still be coming to terms on deploying AI strategies to become participants of Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is the next phase where disruptive trends including data, connectivity, analytics, robotics and human-machine interaction is said to transform manufacturing significantly. According to a Kearney study[1], while over 70% of ASEAN manufacturers polled claimed to be “non-leaders/followers” of AI adoption, 47% believe investment in AI is “very critical” for their business. Gartner’s[2] Prism use case of GenAI in Manufacturing encourages leaders to evaluate AI use cases on a strategy that addresses both value generation and feasibility . Value parameters include increased revenue, increased efficiency, managed risk and non-financial gain. Feasibility parameters include technical feasibility, internal readiness, external readiness. So how can leaders operationalize AI, keeping value and feasibility in mind? At Human Managed, we believe it begins with an understanding of data. A framework to understand the highest impact for manufacturing businesses in the age of AI, would be to understand “3 Ops”-DataOps (Feeding AI), MLOps (Tuning AI), IntelOps (Applying AI). Data Ops (Feeding AI) In the manufacturing sector, data can be provided through assets in an interconnected ecosystem. From a range of sensors, machine data on temperature, vibrations, pressure, power consumption, operating hours etc are collected. Industrial machines, robotic arms and assembly lines can provide process data includes information on production rates, cycle times, error rates, material usage. Image and video data from cameras capture data for product dimensions and defect detection. ERP systems provide information on inventory levels, order information, transportation data. Given the vast array of data, manufacturing enterprises have to first solve for the issues around understanding the data itself. […]

Founder Group to construct floating solar farm in Malaysia

Founder Group Limited, an engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) solutions provider for solar photovoltaic systems in Malaysia, has secured a Letter of Award (LOA) worth RM20 million (approximately US$4.5 million) for the construction of a floating solar farm in Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. Spanning approximately 24 acres, this project, utilising floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology, is designed to generate 9.99MWac/15.033625MWp of solar power. This cutting-edge FPV technology, which involves solar panels mounted on floating platforms in bodies of water, helps reduce land usage while maximising energy generation. The project is expected to significantly contribute to land conservation, preserve natural habitats, and reinforce Founder Group’s mission of delivering innovative, eco-friendly energy solutions. It further underscores the Company’s commitment to advancing carbon neutrality. Founder Group will serve as a sub-contractor, responsible for supplying labour, hand tools, materials, and necessary machinery and equipment to support the execution of General Conditions Preliminaries & Consultation. The floating solar farm is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. Founder Group Limited is a pure-play, end-to-end EPCC solutions provider for solar PV facilities in Malaysia. The company’s primary focus is on two key segments: large-scale solar projects and commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects. The company’s mission is to provide customers with innovative solar installation services, promote eco-friendly resources and achieve carbon-neutrality. https://www.founderenergy.com.my/.

Aerotech introduces Mini Hexapod

Aerotech Inc., a global leader in precision motion control and automation, has the HexGen HEX150-125HL Miniature Hexapod, a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) precision positioning system. This compact, cost-effective hexapod, with a 150 mm base diameter and a nominal height of 125 mm, achieves minimum incremental motion to 15 nm and payload capacity up to 12 kg for applications requiring multi-DOF motion – especially those with constricted operational environments. HEX150-125HL’s advanced features and capabilities include maximum speeds up to 30 mm/s and 30 °/s, a robust design and superior peak-to-peak repeatability over a large travel range. Its minimalistic two-cable connectorisation design allows for easy installation and straightforward integration with our motion controller – ultimately enabling seamless coordination with other motion axes. HEX150-125HL provides users with consistent, reliable six-DOF motion in a compact yet stiff platform. This hexapod comes standard with guaranteed peak-to-peak performance at a competitive price point and low total cost of ownership. Plus, pairing it with the powerful, intuitive Automation1 motion control platform makes integration with other motion axes easy. HEX150-125HL miniature hexapods are ideal for a broad range of applications including: Silicon-photonic device manufacturing and inspection Optics inspection, alignment and bonding Photonic device manipulation and advanced packaging Optical wafer probing Electro-optics testing and qualification Many other high-precision manufacturing and inspection applications

Kacha Panyaroj the Country Manager for Thailand (002)

Sustainable Manufacturing – Thailand’s Path to a Greener Future

By Kacha Panyaroj, Country Manager for Thailand, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Thailand’s manufacturing sector is at an important juncture, poised for strategic evolution. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira’s recent concerns over the slowing GDP growth rate—down to 0.8% in Q2 2024—and declining export competitiveness highlight the need for a renewed focus on long-term economic growth. The manufacturing industry, which makes up 27% of Thailand’s GDP and provides jobs for over 6.26 million people, plays a crucial role in shaping this future. The government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative envisions a shift toward a high-tech, innovative economy, with emphasis on sectors like electric vehicles, smart electronics, and biotechnology. However, accelerating progress in these areas is essential to remain competitive in the region. This economic imperative aligns perfectly with our environmental commitments. With Thailand pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, sustainable manufacturing emerges not just as an environmental responsibility but as a strategic necessity for our future competitiveness. The convergence of these economic and environmental imperatives presents a unique opportunity to reimagine Thailand’s industrial landscape. Why is sustainable manufacturing essential? In today’s global economy, sustainable manufacturing represents more than environmental stewardship – it’s a competitive imperative. As major economies and multinational corporations increasingly prioritise green supply chains, Thailand’s industrial sector must evolve to maintain its competitive edge while meeting our national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. A diverse industrial landscape offers compelling opportunities for this transformation. Thailand’s electronics sector, as the world’s second-largest producer of hard disk drives, stands ready for sustainable innovation. The chemicals and petrochemicals industry, contributing 5% to GDP, faces the critical challenge of reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining productivity. Perhaps most promising is our burgeoning electric vehicle sector, which aims to produce 1.2 million EVs by 2036 – a goal that perfectly […]

Weichai energises global markets through strategic partnerships and innovation

On December 10, the 2025 Weichai Global Partners Conference overseas session was held in Weifang, China, drawing global customers, partners and key stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The event served as a platform for reviewing past collaborations, deepening ties, and strategizing future ventures aimed at driving sustainable growth in the global energy sector. Driving Growth through Global Collaboration In 2024, Weichai demonstrated robust growth, leveraging comprehensive supply chain collaborations to capitalize on global market opportunities. The company’s engine exports are projected to grow by 7.7% year-over-year, marking significant inroads into high-end markets with its state-of-the-art data center power generation products across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Innovations in Energy and Power Systems Weichai has strategically positioned itself with 14 innovative platforms, delivering power solutions ranging from 18 to 4550 kW. These systems are designed for critical applications across multiple sectors including data centers, financial institutions, public utilities, and emergency services, showcasing versatility with fuel adaptability including diesel, natural gas, and biogas. This breadth of application underscores Weichai’s commitment to delivering competitive, globally relevant energy solutions. Maritime and Construction Machinery Advances Weichai has made significant advancements in marine propulsion, optimizing power solutions for high-speed boats, tugs, fishing vessels, and transport ships. The company now offers 21 distinct marine engine series, each designed to deliver a broad spectrum of power outputs. These engines are versatile, supporting a variety of fuels including diesel, heavy oil, methanol, liquefied natural gas, and B100 biodiesel. This range ensures adaptability across diverse marine applications, from fishing vessels and inland waterway transports to coastal transports and high-speed ferries, underscoring Weichai’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in the marine sector. In the construction machinery power market, Weichai has accelerated the introduction of large-bore products, targeting high-end markets and supporting diverse […]

IFC to help finance first sustainable aviation fuel facility in Pakistan and broader region

IFC is providing up to $35 million in equity and debt financing to SAFCO Venture Holdings Limited (SAFCO Ventures) to help establish Pakistan’s first greenfield sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility, which will convert thousands of tons of used cooking oil and other waste oils into aviation fuel, helping to reduce global emissions. IFC’s investment, mostly in the form of long-term patient equity capital, has been instrumental in anchoring this project and financing a nascent sector. The project is expected to help promote a circular economy in Pakistan, create jobs, and support export-led growth. SAF, a biofuel made from renewable biomass and waste resources, can reduce life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 94 percent compared to conventional jet fuel. The transport sector accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with aviation contributing 13.9 percent of these emissions, making it the second-largest source of emissions in the sector after road transport. Producing SAF is therefore expected to help reduce global emissions. The new 200,000 tons-per-annum (TPA) facility in Sheikhupura, Punjab will collect 250,000 tons of feedstock oil annually and convert it into SAF, helping to reduce more than 500,000 tons of CO2 annually. It is also expected to create 300 direct jobs through the transfer of technology and technical training and lead to an estimated 20,000 indirect jobs in the waste-to-fuel value chain, while generating foreign exchange revenue for Pakistan through SAF exports. IFC’s $35 million financing package comprises $30 million equity and $5 million debt. Of the total equity contribution, $20 million is from its own account and an additional investment of up to $10 million is from a climate-related blended finance program (CIFPAK) that was recently launched in partnership with the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office. The facility, the first-of-its-kind in South […]

SANY Empowers Intelligent Port Construction to Achieve Major Breakthrough

SHANGHAI – Sany Marine Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., the port machinery subsidiary of SANY Group, has achieved a significant breakthrough with its H-Move2.0 intelligent system in the tire crane automation project at the Port of Tianjin. The system has improved the operational efficiency of tire cranes to 20 moves per hour, setting a new standard in the development of green, digital, and intelligent ports. With the upcoming COP29 and the manufacturing industries calling for net-zero development, SANY is firmly taking the path of industrial transformation with concrete actions to reach the carbon goals. SANY Marine is committed to becoming the technology leader of logistics equipment, providing electric, intelligent, unmanned and integrated solutions for intelligent ports and supporting the green transformation of the global port machinery industry. Faced with challenges such as energy saving carbon reduction, and intelligent development, the need for anti-shaking and anti-twisting capabilities, and labor shortages, SANY Marine’s intelligent port solutions have provided significant advancements. These include real-time anti-shaking and anti-twisting technologies to ensure automated and safe operations, pushing operational efficiency beyond traditional manual methods. Leveraging digital twin technologies, the team can predict and simulate the trajectory and position of the containers and adding the spreader lowering action to essential technical functions to achieve exceptional results. The automation efficiency of a traditional tire crane is about 15 to 16 cycles per hour, while the new version integrating GPS, AI visualisation, and 3D scanning imaging technologies can significantly improve the signal’s reliability. After four months of test trials, the No.45 machine has improved the automated working efficiency to 20 cycles per hour, surpassing manual labor for the first time in the industry. By predicting and simulating the trajectory and position of the landing box, the action of lowering the spreader is added to the technical essentials of manual work, […]

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