Smart Manufacturing

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The Next Phase of Manufacturing in Asia: Predictive, Connected and Human-Centric

In 2026, Southeast Asia’s manufacturing landscape will be shaped by a decisive shift toward smarter, more connected, and more resilient operations. From the rise of predictive, data-driven production to the growing importance of edge intelligence, manufacturers across ASEAN are rethinking how they design, manage, and scale their facilities. At the same time, workforce pressures and sustainability demands are accelerating the adoption of technologies that enhance human capability and optimise resource use. The insights below illustrate how these forces are converging, and what they signal for manufacturers preparing for 2026. Predictive Manufacturing Moves From Concept to Core One of the clearest transitions underway in Southeast Asia is the shift toward predictive, data-driven manufacturing. In high-precision environments—semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials—where even the smallest variances affect yield, AI-powered simulations, digital twins, and predictive analytics are enabling manufacturers to move from reactive troubleshooting to proactive optimisation. Across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, companies are already applying digital twins to test production scenarios, reduce unplanned downtime, and optimise energy use amid rising operational costs. For manufacturers operating multiple facilities across ASEAN, these predictive capabilities are becoming crucial in standardising performance, even as supply chains and workforce capacity differ from market to market. Edge Intelligence Enables Faster, More Connected Operations As regional trade frameworks like RCEP and shifting global supply chains accelerate cross-border manufacturing, companies are building capacity in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. This distributed footprint demands real-time visibility and consistent performance across all plants. Intelligence at the edge is now central to achieving this. AI-driven anomaly detection, automated quality checks, and real-time process analytics deployed on the production floor help teams respond faster and reduce operating costs. Cloud-to-edge integration synchronises data across geographies, enabling unified decision-making and consistent quality standards. APAC’s rapid adoption of predictive maintenance is a strong indicator of this trend, as […]

Valmet’s solution for improved waste management and resource efficiency at South Korean incineration facility

Valmet is to deliver an automation system to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The order was placed by GS E&C Corp., the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the facility. By leveraging intelligent automation, the plant will optimize energy production, minimise emissions, and deliver efficient, consistent performance throughout its entire lifecycle. The solution will also give operators complete visibility and control over every stage of the waste-to-energy process. “We are proud to deliver Valmet’s automation solutions to Seongnam’s incineration facility. With our strong presence in South Korea’s waste-to-energy sector and experience in many local projects, we help the customer improve energy efficiency, advance local waste management, and support decarbonization by producing renewable energy,” says Wanmo Yoon, Sales Manager, APAC, Automation Solutions business area, Valmet. Valmet is to deliver a Valmet Distributed Control System (DCS) to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The Seongnam incineration facility is designed to improve local waste management and produce renewable energy. Equipped with two incineration lines with stoker-type boilers, the facility will be able to process up to 500 tonnes of municipal waste per day and generate up to 9.9 megawatts of clean electricity. Commercial operation is scheduled to begin early 2028. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The delivery will be taken over by the customer at the end of 2027. Valmet’s delivery includes a Valmet Distributed Control System (DCS) and an information management system to control two stoker-type boilers, along with the web-pased Valmet DNAe User Interface in the control room. The scope also covers the balance of plant (BOP) for the new incineration facility, including engineering, design, commissioning, and supervision services. Valmet provides comprehensive waste-to-energy solutions that enhance waste incineration performance and support the energy transition. About […]

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IBASE receives its first Taiwan Excellence Silver Award

IBASE Technology Inc. , a leading provider of rugged embedded and edge AI computing platforms, announced that its MPT-3100V rugged in-vehicle AI edge computer has been honored with the Silver Award at the 2026 Taiwan Excellence Awards. Limited to only 20 products each year, the Silver Award highlights IBASE’s exceptional strengths in innovation, R&D, and product design. Selected from more than one thousand entries, the MPT-3100V impressed international judges with its advanced design and engineering. The system is certified to ITxPT and E-Mark standards and powered by the Intel® Atom™ x7000RE processor with a Hailo-8 AI accelerator, enabling high-performance in-vehicle AI processing, multi-angle obstacle detection, and intelligent analysis using PoE cameras. It features an innovative E-Fuse electronic fuse and a supercapacitor that eliminates the need for traditional fuse or battery replacement. The system also meets MIL-STD-810H shock and vibration standards, supports -40°C to 70°C operation, and offers wide-range 9V to 36V DC input with waterproof M12 and automotive FAKRA connectors for deployment in harsh vehicle environments such as public transportation, smart fleet management, and mobile AI applications. “Following the nine Taiwan Excellence Awards we received this year, the MPT-3100V once again demonstrates IBASE’s innovation and engineering strength by earning high praise from international judges and securing our first Silver Award since joining the Taiwan Excellence competition in 2010,” said Albert Lee, President of IBASE Technology. “I would like to express gratitude to our team for their dedication in product development and design, which made this achievement possible. IBASE will continue to advance its capabilities and deliver intelligent computing solutions that combine innovative design, high reliability, and sustainable value to create greater benefits for customers worldwide.”

China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, 4 – 6 March 2026

SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2026 to showcase global innovations supporting the Greater Bay Area’s industrial transformation. Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2026, the leading smart manufacturing exhibition in China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA), a major economic and manufacturing zone in Southern China, will take place from 4 – 6 March 2026 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The event connects Chinese industry with leading global suppliers, supporting the region’s shift towards industrial modernisation and digital transformation. By pairing international technology showcases with business matchmaking, it enables manufacturers to progress from standalone equipment upgrades to fully integrated, factory-wide automation systems. Government investment and partnerships between industry, academia and research institutions are driving significant growth in the GBA’s intelligent manufacturing sector. The region combines the R&D strengths of Hong Kong and Macao with the extensive industrial base of the nine Pearl River Delta cities, creating an environment where the entire industrial value chain is locally accessible, from foundational research to production, financing and talent support. To advance this expansion, Guangdong has allocated RMB 26.2 billion (USD 3.6 billion) to its ‘manufacturing-first’ strategy. In addition, state-owned enterprises will invest more than RMB 20 billion (USD 2.8 billion) in artificial intelligence by 2027, with the goal of establishing an industry worth over RMB 100 billion (USD 14 billion). Aligning with these initiatives, SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2026 will bring together leading automation suppliers and manufacturers across more than 30 application sectors, including automotive engineering, 3C electronics, home appliances, food and beverage and new energy. At the fair, manufacturers will find the hardware, software and customised systems needed to improve product quality, enhance efficiency and modernise their operations. The event also draws on the international SPS network to link global technology providers with regional manufacturers, helping Chinese companies find international […]

Trelleborg opens state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Vietnam

Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure a world leader in critical solutions for marine, port and infrastructure industries,has openedof a new, cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Vietnam. This strategic expansion is set to meet the rising demand for Trelleborg’s core products with a particular focus on enhancing delivery times and production flexibility to better serve clients worldwide, including the Asia-Pacific region. The facility’s key production capabilities encompass a comprehensive range of marine infrastructure solutions, including advanced docking and mooring systems, navigation and piloting solutions, specialized rubber processing, steel fabrication, high-performance sealing systems for critical infrastructure, and advanced polymer solutions for marine construction projects. This expanded capacity strengthens Trelleborg’s ability to deliver fully integrated, bespoke solutions from design through installation, all supported by the company’s in-house engineering expertise and rigorous quality control. “We are excited about the opportunities this new facility creates for our customers, our employees and the region,” said Richard Hepworth, Business Unit President at Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure. “This investment underscores our commitment to providing our customers with high-quality solutions, delivered with the responsiveness and efficiency they expect. Vietnam’s strategic location and skilled workforce make it an ideal location for this expansion.” Representing a significant investment in Trelleborg’s global manufacturing capabilities, the new 60,000 sqm facility is located in the Phu My 3 Specialised Industrial Park (SIP) of Tan Phuoc Ward, Ho Chi Minh city. Equipped with advanced technology, the facility meets the highest international standards for safety and integrates measures to reduce environment impact, including solar panels and advanced wastewater management.

Veolia expands mobile water services fleet to address growing needs in Oceania

Veolia expands its mobile water services fleet in Oceania to support municipalities, mining operations, and other industrial customers with advanced treatment technologies including clarification, filtration, reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems. New additions include Hydrotech™ disc filters for enhanced solids removal and Actiflo® clarification units to improve water clarity and minimise pollutants in both discharged and recycled water, delivering greater efficiency in a compact footprint. Expansion strengthens Veolia’s ability to provide rapid-response water treatment solutions while supporting its GreenUp strategic programme for ecological transformation. Veolia is expanding its mobile water services fleet in Oceania, reinforcing its long-term commitment to helping mining, municipal, and other industrial customers to meet diverse and evolving water treatment needs. As part of the company’s GreenUp strategic programme — Veolia’s global initiative to accelerate ecological transformation — the expanded fleet will help organisations enhance water efficiency and reduce environmental impact through rapidly deployable, high-performance water treatment solutions. Veolia’s mobile water treatment portfolio in Oceania now offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of solutions available in the market. This includes clarification, filtration, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange technologies through a diverse fleet of mobile Actiflo® clarifiers, Hydrotech™ disc filters, and ZeeWeed™ ultrafiltration membranes. These flexible, modular mobile assets are designed to address a wide range of water treatment challenges, from emergency response and planned maintenance to long-term augmentation of existing plant capacity. Recent investments to expand the fleet have allowed the addition of the following high-performance technologies: The newly introduced mobile Hydrotech disc filter technology provides enhanced solids removal, reducing fine suspended solids with its 10-micron filtration system. Treatment capacity ranges from 90 to 360 cubic metres per hour (m3/h), delivering greater efficiency without increasing the system’s footprint. Veolia’s Actiflo clarification system uses microsand ballast to accelerate the settling of suspended solids and precipitation of dissolved metals. This process improves water clarity and minimises pollutants in both discharged and […]

Valmet to supply automation for hydrogen fuel cell power facility in Naepo New Town, South Korea

Valmet has been selected to supply mission-critical automation solutions for a 20-megawatt (MW) hydrogen fuel cell power facility in Naepo New Town, South Korea, supporting Naepo City’s vision of becoming a clean energy hub. “We have previously partnered with Valmet on a biomass power plant and are now pleased to continue our collaboration on this pioneering hydrogen fuel cell project. Their automation expertise gives us confidence in achieving the clean energy goals for Naepo City,” says Changhyun Jung, Manager, Power Green Energy Department, Plant Business Division, Lotte Engineering & Construction. Lotte Engineering & Construction is acting as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor for the project. The end user, Naepo Green Energy Company, aims to transform Naepo City into a clean energy hub by complementing its existing 500 MW LNG combined heat and power (CHP) plant with hydrogen-based power generation. “Valmet is committed to supporting the global clean energy transition with advanced automation solutions. We are pleased to receive this new order from Lotte Engineering & Construction, reflecting the mutual trust built through our previous collaboration. This project further strengthens our position and opens new opportunities for energy transition applications in the region,” says Wanmo Yoon, Sales Manager, Asia-Pacific and China, Energy and Process Systems, Automation Solutions, Valmet. The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter of 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed. Delivery is scheduled for January 2026. Details about Valmet’s delivery The scope of delivery includes a Distributed Control System and User Interface. The automation system will manage and optimize operations across 48 hydrogen fuel cells, enabling high-efficiency, low-emission power generation through electrochemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen. It is designed to ensure operational reliability, lifecycle efficiency and seamless integration with future energy infrastructure. About the customer Lotte Engineering & Construction […]

Hitachi Hi-Tech announces SU96000 electron microscope

Accelerating the expansion of digitalised assets and the deployment of Lumada 3.0 with a focus on the semiconductor field through the launch of a flagship model. Ultrahigh-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope SU9600 Hitachi High-Tech Corporation has launched the Ultrahigh-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope SU9600, which allows for highly accurate and precise observation of substances down to the sub-nano level(*1). The SU9600 retains the world-leading high resolution. It also incorporates efficient and automated functions to provide improved throughput of data acquisition, thereby helping users with highly precise and highly efficient observation. In response to the growing demand for large-scale data analysis driven by the rise of AI, Hitachi High-Tech supports the research and development of next-generation semiconductors and advanced materials. Hitachi Group is advancing Lumada 3.0, providing digital services that combines data generated from digitalized assets with domain knowledge and advanced AI. Through the SU9600 as a digitalized asset that acquires and generates data, Hitachi High-Tech is realizing the digital service “HMAX for Industry” that embodies Lumada 3.0, aiming to deliver greater value to our customers. By focusing on “Integrated Industry Automation” which aims to expand “HMAX for Industry” into growth industries horizontally such as semiconductors, we will contribute to drive innovation for frontline workers. (*1) Sub-nano level: Less than one nanometer (one millionth of a millimeter) in size. SU9600 Development Background Scanning Electron Microscopes (“SEM”) are used in a wide range of fields, including semiconductor devices, electronics and advanced materials. They have become indispensable in cases requiring high-precision observation of microstructures, including everything from research and development to process control at production sites. In particular, the recent surge in AI-driven demand within the semiconductor market has accelerated development cycles and created a growing need for high-precision, high-throughput analysis using SEMs. This is driven by the requirement for faster innovation and precise […]

Secutech Thailand spotlights key additions and solution categories set to define country’s safer, smarter cities

With safe, secure smart city initiatives central to Thailand’s economic ambitions, Secutech Thailand – the country’s leading platform for security and fire safety technologies – returns from 5 – 7 November 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Security and fire safety are inseparably paired with Thailand’s smart city ambitions. Safety enables the functionality of smarter urban systems, reinforcing the fair’s role as a catalyst for innovation and improved quality of life. Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd – Taiwan Branch, elaborated: “Our vision is simple: you cannot build a truly smart city without first building a safe city. Secutech Thailand 2025 will showcase critical security and fire safety solutions that ensure future cities are both intelligent and protected.” Backed by key public and private partners, Secutech Thailand 2025 will leverage the rapid growth of the nation’s smart city sector, which continues to receive strong support from the Thai government[1] as part of its Thailand 4.0 and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) initiatives. The industry’s continued development is directly reflected in increased interest surrounding the upcoming fair, which is set to host over 400 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions including Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the UAE, alongside an anticipated 14,000 visitors – with both figures more than double last year’s totals. This year marks an exciting new collaboration with N.C.C. Management and Development, who not only manage the 11,600 sqm fairground, but also organise the co-located Thailand Smart City Expo. The synergy between both shows promises to enhance the visitor and exhibitor experience, delivering a business environment that brings the key players of both industries under one roof. In addition, the concurrent Fire & Safety Thailand and co-located EdTEX, allow for even deeper cross-sector synergies, opening up new business possibilities across all […]

Rio Tinto and China’s State Power Investment Corporation launch battery swap truck trial fleet at Oyu Tolgoi mine

Rio Tinto and China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) Qiyuan have launched a trial of battery swap electric haul truck technology at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia. The trial is Rio Tinto’s first use of battery swap electric haul trucks in surface mining operations. This is a major step towards developing the cost-effective technology and operational learnings required to reduce emissions from mining haulage fleets – one of the largest contributors to the company’s Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint. Over the last year Rio Tinto and SPIC Qiyuan have delivered and installed a fleet of eight 91-tonne Tonly trucks, together with 13 batteries (each 800 kWh), a battery swapping station, static charger, and supporting infrastructure. The trucks will now be used by Oyu Tolgoi for tailings dam construction and top soil transportation tasks, providing Rio Tinto with hands on experience operating and maintaining a complete battery electric truck and swap charging system. Battery swapping technology allows the battery of an electric mining truck to be replaced at a battery swap station in less than seven minutes, without the need to charge the vehicle at a fixed charging facility. This minimises downtime and improves equipment efficiency. Rio Tinto General Manager Global Equipment and Diesel Transition Ben Woffenden said: “The launch of this trial with SPIC Qiyuan is an important milestone, harnessing China’s widely used and leading battery swap technology in a partnership that supports Rio Tinto’s drive to accelerate low-carbon innovation. The rapid deployment and fast-tracked operational learnings have highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing low-emission haulage alternatives for our business. “By working with partners such as SPIC Qiyuan and Tonly, Rio Tinto is rapidly identifying and adopting cost-effective, proven innovations that can support operational excellence and advance decarbonisation goals.” General Manager of Qiyuan Green Power, Mr. […]

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