The 2nd Annual Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Asia Week 2025, hosted on September 11–12 in Penang, delivered everything it promised and more. Over two action-packed days, more than 350+ delegates from across Asia’s advanced manufacturing and deep-tech sectors converged to chart the next frontier to “Propelling Advanced Manufacturing Towards Sustainable Industry 5.0 in Quantum Horizon,” convening advanced manufacturing leaders, innovators, government and investors who are pushing the limits of what’s possible in AI, robotics, capital raising, sustainable manufacturing, and beyond.
From tech innovators to established industry leaders, participants were united by a shared urgency to reimagine manufacturing across semiconductors, electronics, MedTech, and green tech.
Hosted at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang, Malaysia, the convention welcomed over 350 attendees who networked, exchanged ideas, and learned from like-minded peers. It was led by Renee Tan, Chairperson of Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Asia, and featured Guest-of-Honour YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, Malaysia.
The event was supported by MATRADE, MDEC, TalentCorp, and the Penang State Government, alongside supporting association AutomationSG, digital economy partner Digital Penang, ecosystem partners NCER, MARii, CREST, SAMENTA, MBAN, Maycham China, Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, Malaysia-China Silk Route Business Chamber, Malaysia-China (Greater Bay Area) Science-Tech Innovation Alliance, Circular Business Association, IEEE, EPS – IEEE Electronics Packaging Society, TusStar Malaysia, ESG Malaysia, Antler, Heealy, Entrepreneur Growth Hub, Saichuang Weilai, Intrinsic SEA, TNGlobal, Global Business Chambers, HER Entrepreneur, Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), HASH Innovation, and CXO4GOOD.
The exhibition showcased the Singapore pavilion and featured cutting-edge solutions from Maybank, IVC Global Solutions, Documenter AI, Origami, Rendeur, Cosmos Innovation, Evvo Labs Pte Ltd, TRST01, Zealcorps, Securevision, Irista.ai, AFFIN Group, and Open DC, etc.
AIM Asia Week features the main conference, where senior decision-makers gather to discuss the latest strategies, while the Deep Tech Innovation Asia Summit, held in the AIMXchange arena, attracts technical end-users, government representatives, and solution providers to share the latest innovations, policies, and expertise.
What was learned at AIM Asia 2025 will continue to shape conversations, strategies, and innovations across Asia in the months ahead.
Day 1 (11 Sept) – Future Manufacturing Tech Day
The event began with a vibrant Chinese cultural dance performance, setting the stage for opening remarks by Renee Tan, Chairperson of Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia. She expressed heartfelt thanks to the speakers, exhibitors, partners, associations, and supporters who made the gathering possible, before reflecting on Hashtaqs’ mission of driving Innovation, Investment, and Impact (the 3Is). Renee underscored the importance of uniting leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors to build an advanced, sustainable, and inclusive Industry 5.0 ecosystem, as industries rapidly transform through AI, robotics, automation, green technologies, and circular economy practices. She also reminded participants that technology alone cannot drive change without people and skills. Closing her remarks, she described AIM Asia as “a catalyst for transformation, where ideas become action, partnerships, and lasting impact.”
She then invited Guest of Honour YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, Malaysia to the stage, who took the opportunity to thank Renee and the AIM Asia Team before delivering an inspiring address on Penang’s dynamic landscape, Malaysia’s investment opportunities, and the importance of cross-border collaboration across Asia. The morning concluded with an opening commemoration featuring Renee, YB Jagdeep, and partners to officially mark the start of AIM Asia Week 2025.
Revolutionising Advanced Manufacturing with Industrial AI & Robotics from Design to Production
Speakers:
- Dr. Poh Leng Eu, Senior Director, Package Innovation, NXP Semiconductors
- CS Tan, Group Vice President & General Manager, ST Microelectronics
- Peng Koon Hew, Senior Director, Automation & Analytics Development Engineering, SanDisk Storage Malaysia
This first panel explored how AI-powered design, robotics, and adaptive systems are redefining product development and production in Industry 5.0. Moderated by Renee Tan, Chairperson, AIM Asia, the discussion highlighted how predictive analytics and self-correcting systems can shorten time-to-market, enhance efficiency, and build resilience. Together, the panel painted a compelling picture of a manufacturing future driven by intelligence, automation, and adaptability.
Uncovering the Future of Artificial Super Intelligence and Automation towards Industry 5.0
Speakers:
- Yvonne Keil, Senior Director, GF Operations, GlobalFoundries
- Choong Poh Foong, Senior Manager, Data, Advanced Analytics & Insights, HP
- Dr. Yongji Fu, Vice President & Head of R&D, B. Braun Medical Group
- Chee Chun Yee, Director, Product Development, AMD
Moderator: Victor Fasahati, Founder & Managing Partner, Mayflower & Partners and Board Member, SingCham
The second panel looked at how AI and automation are transforming R&D and accelerating the journey from innovation to large-scale production. The conversation explored how advanced analytics is shifting R&D from data gathering to actionable intelligence, while the convergence of AI, robotics, and human creativity is reshaping industrial research. Panelists emphasized that Industry 5.0 is about redefining innovation pipelines to make breakthroughs faster and sharper.
Speed Networking Session
Next, the speed networking session gave participants a lively platform to connect, exchange contacts, and spark potential collaborations in a fast-paced, engaging format.
Innovative Manufacturing Digital and Remote Strategies for a Global Impact
Speaker: Yvonne Keil, Senior Director, GF Operations, GlobalFoundries
This session showcased how digital and remote strategies are addressing key challenges in semiconductor manufacturing.
Drawing from GlobalFoundries’ journey, Yvonne highlighted how AI-driven analytics, smart hubs in Penang and Bangalore, and remote strategies are enabling global scalability. She stressed the importance of collaboration and change management to ensure innovation remains resilient in the face of rising complexity and cost pressures.
AI at the Edge: Powering an Autonomous Future
Speaker: Dr. Poh Leng Eu, Senior Director, Package Innovation, NXP Semiconductors
This presentation examined how moving AI from the cloud to the edge empowers manufacturers with real-time intelligence.
Dr. Eu explained how edge AI enables instant decision-making, adaptability, and sustainability in operations. He highlighted how agentic AI systems that learn and collaborate across people and machines are shaping a more autonomous, efficient, and future-ready manufacturing landscape.
Bridging the Gap in Semiconductor Innovation: Advancing AI Hardware from Definition to Deployment
Speaker: J-Wing Teh, Director, Silicon Design Engineering, AMD
This session focused on the challenges of scaling AI hardware from concept to real-world deployment.
J-Wing discussed the “benchmark delusion,” over-engineering risks, and the need for meaningful performance metrics like latency and energy consumption. He emphasized that bridging the gap requires efficiency, scalability, and practicality—not just raw performance.
Building Global Lighthouse Factories for the Future
Speaker: Vigneesha Muniandy, Senior Data Scientist, HP
This session explored how “lighthouse factories” can set new benchmarks for Industry 5.0.
Vigneesha described how hyperconnected ecosystems powered by AI, IoT, and digital twins enable real-time decision-making and strengthen end-to-end value chains. She also emphasized sustainability through circular manufacturing and energy-efficient strategies as crucial for long-term competitiveness.
Business-for-Impact Session
This interactive session gave businesses the opportunity to pitch their digital solutions for manufacturing transformation.
Speakers:
- William Zhong, CEO & Founder, Irista.AI
- Kennard Lin, Vice President, TRST01
- Shri Shailesh, Managing Director, Zealcorps
Moderator: Alan Ong, Penang Chapter Chairman, Malaysia Business Angel Network
Businesses presented their solutions in quick-fire pitches followed by Q&A from industry experts. The session emphasized that beyond innovation, scalability and collaboration are critical to delivering real impact in the manufacturing ecosystem.
The Future of Commercialisation and Capital Raising for Deep-Tech Innovation
Speakers:
- Riady Gozali, Managing Director, Golden Vision Capital
- Frank Kang, Associate Partner, Antler
- Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani, Group CEO, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation
- Maisy Ng, Founder & Managing Partner, Delight Capital
- Victor Fasahati, Founder & Managing Partner, Mayflower & Partners; Board Member, SingCham
Moderator: Alan Ong, Penang Chapter Chairman, Malaysia Business Angel Network
This panel addressed how to fund and scale deep-tech innovations in advanced manufacturing.
Panelists discussed strategies to align technologies with market opportunities, balance risk and innovation, and accelerate commercialization through funding models and ecosystem partnerships. They highlighted the importance of committed investors and strong networks in bridging invention to impact.
Closing and Networking Night
Day 1 concluded with closing remarks from AIM Asia Chairperson Renee Tan, followed by a networking night at Tiffin Hall on Level 2 of the Iconic Marjorie Hotel for registered participants. The networking night provided an informal space for attendees to strengthen connections, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships.
Day 2 (12 Sept) – Sustainable Manufacturing Day
Day 2 opened with remarks from Chairperson Renee Tan, who highlighted the day’s focus on sustainable manufacturing, emphasizing that sustainability is not only about protecting the environment but also about securing industries, empowering people, and ensuring long-term resilience. She underscored that human capital is the foundation of innovation, reminding participants that Industry 5.0 is about the symbiotic relationship between human ingenuity and technology
Driving a Sustainable Economy Through Innovation, Manufacturing, and Investment Strategies
Speakers:
- Graham Rice, Vice President, Sustainability Asia Pacific, B. Braun Medical Group
- Dr. May Win Naing, Director, Advanced Manufacturing Cluster, A*STAR
- Ramesh Verma, Director, Investment, NCER
- Vikneswaran Muthurajoo, Manager, New Investment Industry & Ecosystem Division, MDEC
Moderator: Renee Tan, Chairperson, AIM Asia
This panel explored how innovation and sustainability can drive growth and competitiveness.
Panelists stressed the importance of aligning innovation with investment to scale green solutions, increase profitability, and build resilience. They agreed that sustainable growth must balance environmental responsibility with economic opportunity.
Unite to Innovate: Building Collaborative Ecosystems for Investable Growth
Speakers:
- Chong Seng Lim, Director, Ecosystem Development, Digital Penang
- James Ong, Founder & Managing Director, AIII
- Syed Mubarak, Managing Director, HyCee and Vice Chairman, SMART Cities Network
- Kean Yaw See Toh, Founding Partner, Kairous Capital
Moderator: Victor Fasahati, Founder & Managing Partner, Mayflower & Partners and Board Member, SingCham
This session focused on how ecosystems and partnerships accelerate innovation. Speakers emphasized the role of cross-industry collaboration and strategic investments in scaling sustainable innovation. They highlighted that ecosystems are vital to ensure solutions are future-ready and aligned with global sustainability goals.
Harnessing Sustainability AI to Transform Manufacturing for a Greener Future
Speaker: Eddy Liew, Chief Technology Officer, IBM
This session examined how AI can enable greener, more efficient manufacturing. Eddy demonstrated how AI can optimize resource use, reduce waste, and integrate ESG practices into production. He emphasized that sustainability-driven AI is not only good for the planet but also adds long-term business value.
The Power of Diversity & Inclusion to Fuel Innovation in Manufacturing
Speakers:
- Ravenna Chen, CEO, Intrinsic SEA
- Dr. Poh Leng Eu, Senior Director, Package Innovation, NXP Semiconductors
- Azura Ahmad, Assistant Vice President, TalentCorp Northern Region
Moderator: Renee Tan, Chairperson, AIM Asia
This panel explored the role of inclusive strategies in driving innovation. Panelists discussed how diverse perspectives enhance problem-solving and innovation. They also touched on inclusive investment approaches and cross-cultural talent development as keys to accelerating collaboration in global manufacturing.
Developing Future-Ready Workforce for the Industry 5.0 Revolution
Speakers:
- Deric Chew, HR Director, Lumileds Malaysia
- Clement Pang, IT Director, Micron Technology
- Nina Yassin, Chief People Officer, Human Capital, Ekuiti Nasional Berhad
- Azura Ahmad, Assistant Vice President, TalentCorp Northern Region
Moderator: Dato’ Seri Abdul Halim Hussain, Former Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development
This session focused on preparing talent for the future of manufacturing. Speakers shared strategies to attract and retain top talent while evolving roles to meet Industry 5.0 needs. They emphasized using data-driven workforce planning to maximize ROI and the importance of adaptability in building resilient teams.
Exploring Cross-Border Exchange of Knowledge, Talent, and Technologies to Propel ASEAN’s Growth
Speakers:
- Vellu Mahadaven, Country HR Director, Micron Technology Malaysia
- Ts. Dr. Shahrul Yazid Yahaya, Vice President, Market & Industry Development, CREST
- Stephen Lai, Chairman, Malaysia-China Greater Bay Area Science-Tech Innovation Alliance
- Dato’ J. Palaniappan, Executive Chairman, ASEAN Future Workforce Council
Moderator: Dr. James Ong, Founder & Managing Director, AIII
The final panel of the event explored ASEAN’s role in global manufacturing growth. Panelists examined how R&D ecosystems, talent mobility, and regulatory harmonization can strengthen ASEAN’s competitiveness. They concluded that knowledge-sharing and cross-border partnerships are central to positioning ASEAN as a hub of sustainable innovation.
AIMxchange Arena – Deep Tech Innovation Asia Summit
The AIMxchange Arena proved to be a vibrant hub at the heart of the exhibition, bringing project owners and solution providers together through live pitches, interactive Q&A, and dynamic networking. Project leaders shared their upcoming challenges and needs, while solution providers showcased cutting-edge technologies and services to address them. The session fostered real-time exchanges and sparked immediate opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing AIM Asia as a true catalyst for innovation and growth in advanced manufacturing.
Conclusion
AIM Asia Week 2025 concluded after two impactful days of panels, masterclasses, showcases, and networking that highlighted the power of collaboration, innovation, and investment in shaping Industry 5.0. The journey continues with AIM Asia Week 2026, set for 23–24 September 2026.
At HASHTAQS, we remain committed to helping businesses scale, venture build, and internationalise. If you are keen to explore opportunities in business growth, thought leadership, ecosystem development, or brand transformation, contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp/Call +65 8868 1418 for a non-obligatory consultation.
Together, let’s continue building a sustainable, inclusive, and intelligent future for manufacturing.