The Chairman of FMM ATIG, Mr. Tiong Khe Hock, expressed optimism regarding the state of the Malaysian economy, and particularly the impact the slowdown in the US would have on the Industrial Automation industry in Malaysia. He felt that the next six months would be particularly difficult, but that after a year, the situation would get a lot better.

He was, however, disappointed that some MNCs, particularly in the domestic appliances sector, had left the country for cheaper pastures. The Chairman nevertheless felt that with a combination of Government measures, FMM and ATIG initiatives, and the efforts of MNCs still operating here, the future looked bright. This was because all concerned had been forced to take stock of their respective roles in the industry.

Mr. Tiong, however, warned of the adverse effect that the lop-sided tariff system was having on the decision-making processes of locally-based MNCs and their Malaysian counterparts, and that if matters were not rectified soon, the country would suffer further migrations of MNCs to countries which offered a more conducive environment. In his opinion, the Third Industrial Master Plan (IMP3) would go a long way towards remedying this problem.

The Government, through the efforts of MIDA and MITI, and with the introduction of PEMUDAH, had made it very much easier for businesses, local and foreign, to set up shop and thrive. A lot of the red tape, previously endemic in Malaysia, has been obliterated. Mr. Tiong also expressed the hope that the tariff problem would be resolved soon, through the efforts of all concerned.

The Chairman was, however, very concerned about the availability and quality of human resources in the country. Members of FMM ATIG operate at the forefront of technology, and thus need to have a ready supply of highly qualified and innovative personnel to function efficiently. Owing to the mismatch in demand and supply of labour resources produced by the country’s training and academic establishments, there is a serious shortage of the kind of human resources sought by industry players.

The problem has been compounded by a brain drain of some of the country’s best youngsters to foreign climes. Most of the time, local working conditions are responsible for this phenomenon. To help reverse this brain drain, MIDA and MITI, together with FMM and ATIG, have initiated a “Brain Gain” Programme, whereby skilled Malaysians working in foreign countries are enticed to return to Malaysia through the offer of various incentives and improved working conditions.

From the standpoint of technological developments, Mr. Tiong was disappointed at the rare instances of quality product development initiatives undertaken by Malaysians. As far as he was concerned, the time when local Companies could compete with their foreign rivals in developing new technologies, which result in technologically advanced products, was still a long way off. He was, however, proud of the ability of Malaysians in taking developed products, and adding value to them through the application of hard work and innovation.

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) was founded in 1968, and the Automation Technology Industry Group (ATIG) was set up under its’ aegis in April, 2003. ATIG has 40 members and is managed by an Executive Committee headed by a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman, an Honorary Secretary and an Honorary Treasurer. There are four sub-committees which focus on Business Development, Membership, Training and Technology.

In terms of business development, the Group expended a lot of its’ resources in participating in overseas trade missions, attending international seminars and exhibitions, and creating the networks whereby industry players could interact with each other. These networks are being created through the hosting of local and international conferences and technical talks, and visits to the factories of member organizations.

After four years and a few unsteady steps, the Chairman felt that FMM ATIG was ready to launch itself as a serious player in the industry. His most important immediate duty as far as ATIG was concerned, was the creation of awareness of the Group throughout the industry. To this end, the organization operates a dedicated website and also published regular Newsletters.

On the question of membership, Mr. Tiong was of the view that most players along the industrial automation value chain could, and should, join FMM ATIG, to form a community of businesses with the same objectives. To this end, the Group was organising various activities designed to achieve an increase in membership. A highlight of these activities is the Members’ Night. The next one has been organized for the 28th of March, 2008.

Being Chairman of FMM ATIG, the organization charged with the oversight of the Industrial Automation Industry, he was very keen on upgrading the skills of the workforce. To this end, the Training Services Sub-Committee has set up a number of certified basic skills training courses in collaboration with the FMM Institute and Member Companies. So far, the response from industry players was satisfactory.

Mr. Tiong’s parting words were that he wanted all members to participate fully in the activities organized by the Group, and that all the players in the industry were most welcome to join up as members, and thus strengthen FMM ATIG.

Courtesy of IA-Community