The Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Asia Week 2024 convention, held from 3-4 September 2024, was a highly anticipated event that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore how to Advance, Accelerate, and Automate toward a sustainable future and how to embrace Deep Tech Innovation Frontiers for transformative growth.
AIM Asia Week serves as a platform where we gather esteemed industry leaders, government, investors and startups for impact from across Asia and beyond from the likes of Malaysia, the EU, UK, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Singapore to foster cross-border exchanges and cross-industry learning about cutting-edge tech, AI, capital raising strategies and sustainable manufacturing practices.
This two-day convention was a convergence of minds from key sectors such as Pharma, Biotech, Medical Tech, Green Tech, Chemical, Semiconductor, and Electronics.
AIM Asia Week was strategically positioned to foster unprecedented integration between traditional manufacturing and deep tech innovation, the event aims to unify corporations, SMEs, startups, and investors.
It presents a unique platform for showcasing groundbreaking projects and investment-ready opportunities, thereby enriching and understanding of the advanced manufacturing as well as deep tech ecosystems in Asia.
Organised by Hashtaqs and hosted at the St Giles Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, the event attracted more than 250+ attendees, providing a platform for learning, networking, and the exchange of ideas. The convention was graced by the presence of YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, the Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, and chaired by Renee Tan, Chairperson of AIM Asia.
The event was supported by the Penang State Government.
Together with Strategic Partners such as MGTC, Invest Penang and MDEC, our Silver Sponsor, Kagro, Bronze Sponsors, Monitor ERP and Accelerated Materials, Exhibitors such as Aenon Solutions, City Bright, Ubestream, Anlyvis, CAD Vision and XCION, Associate partner, Protectoria and supported by community partners such as HASH Innovation, AIII, CBASS, Smart Cities Network, SingCham Malaysia, XCION, CXO4Good, Digital Penang, SiTA, Apara, Keepital, HER Entrepreneur, Heealy and Industry Events.
We completed our learning journey through the site tour at Aemulus, who hosted the attendees as our site tour partner.
The convention was a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the future of manufacturing and innovation. AIM Asia 2024 was more than just an event—it was a movement toward sustainable industry practices and technological advancement.
Day 1 (3 Sept) – Manufacturing Technology Day
The official opening of the convention was marked by a captivating performance from a cultural dance troupe, symbolizing the rich heritage and forward-looking vision of the host country, Malaysia. This was followed by opening remarks from Renee Tan and our Guest of Honour, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, whose inspiring words officially kicked off the convention.
The first panel for the day was on ‘Human-Centric AI & Robotics in Industry Collaboration & Innovation,‘ moderated by Dr. James Ong from AIII, featured speakers like Yvonne Keil Senior Director, GF Operations, Global Foundries, Ramu Iyer, Vice President & Managing Director, Micron Memory, Balakrishna Mekala, Director, Enterprise Service & Digital Solutions, GE Healthcare and Jamie Neo, Senior Director, Quality & Product Engineering, HP.
The panel delved into the integration of AI and robotics with human skills to foster a collaborative and innovative manufacturing environment, highlighting the role of cognitive computing and human-robot collaboration in enhancing efficiency and safety in production processes. The use of AR and VR in training, maintenance, and production visualization was also explored.
Empowering the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries
Following the panel, Ramu Iyer of Micron Memory presented ‘Empowering the Future: Pioneering Innovations and Resilience in the Semiconductor Industry.’ He discussed breakthrough semiconductor technologies that are transforming computing and miniaturisation, the pursuit of overcoming scalability hurdles, and the importance of strategic resilience frameworks to fortify global supply chains against unprecedented challenges. Eco-innovative practices in semiconductor manufacturing were also championed, emphasizing the synergy between environmental stewardship and sustainable industry growth.
Additionally, Ramu has also outlined Micron’s strategic investments in global manufacturing and R&D to support the digitisation of the global economy. Memory technology’s pivotal role in sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, and AI with innovations such as the HBM3E memory designed to enhance AI workloads through improved bandwidth and energy efficiency.
Micron’s operations in Malaysia showcased significant investments, a workforce exceeding 4,500, and a commitment to sustainability, including achieving 100% renewable energy in Malaysia by 2022 and targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. The presentation also underscores community engagement and partnerships that drive innovation and sustainability, supported by sustainability-linked credit facilities and green bonds, reinforcing Micron’s position as a leader in the memory and semiconductor industry.
Innovating for a Smarter World: Driving Progress in the Electronics Industry
Next, Lim Kok Leong from HP presented on the session of ‘Innovating for a Smarter World: Driving Progress in the Electronics Industry.’ His insights centered on the use of advanced technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, and 3D printing in manufacturing to enhance efficiencies, the role of AI in automating quality assurance processes, and fostering a cultural shift towards adopting these technologies and enhancing quality assurance practices.
Kok Leong also introduced on HP Malaysia Manufacturing office Penang, its list of advanced applications technology in manufacturing, Augment Quality System and the working culture and mindset at HP.
Thought Leadership: Strategic AI & Biotech Deeptech Investment
The day continued with a short thought leadership session on Strategic AI & Biotech Deeptech Investment, featuring Dr. James Ong (AIII) and Thong Yuin Kuan, CEO, Kagro Botanical Drug Biotech.
They highlighted the strategic importance of investing in these advanced technologies to drive innovation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing how AI can accelerate drug discovery and enhance biotech solutions. Their discussion underscored the potential for transformative growth in the biotech sector through strategic AI integration and collaboration across industries.
Revolutionising Healthcare: Breakthroughs in Medical Technology
The next presentation was by Balakrishna Mekala (GE Healthcare) on ‘Revolutionising Healthcare: Breakthroughs in Medical Technology.’ He highlighted the latest advancements in medical devices and equipment that are enhancing diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.
The integration of AI and machine learning in medical technology was discussed, focusing on improving precision and personalization in healthcare. The session emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in building state-of-the-art solutions.
In his presentation, he also highlighted significant advancements reshaping the healthcare landscape, which includes the rise of personalised medicine, the integration of AI in diagnostics and patient care, as well as the expanding role of telemedicine and wearable technology. These innovations are driving more precise, efficient, and accessible healthcare while also raising important ethical considerations, such as data privacy and AI biases.
Looking ahead, Balakrishnan concluded that continued evolution of these technologies promises to transform medical practices further and improve patient outcomes.
Harnessing Digitalisation and Deep Tech Commercialisation
The second panel of the day, ‘Harnessing the Power of Digitalisation for Smart Factory Transformation,’ was moderated by Dr. James Ong from AIII again and featured speakers like Mun Kok Woh, Chairman, Smart i4.0 Transformation Alliance (SiTA), Dr. Tan Chee Fai, President, ASEAN Federation of Smart Industry and Ts Dr Hon Hock Woon, Senior Principal Researcher, MIMOS.
This discussion explored more on the integration of smart factory technologies like robotics and automation to create more agile and responsive manufacturing environments. Speakers also explored the use of predictive analytics and machine learning for proactive maintenance and quality control in manufacturing and the ethical considerations in designing AI and robotics systems that prioritise human well-being and job satisfaction.
Exploring Digital Investment Opportunities in Malaysia
Raymond Siva, SVP Digital Investments of MDEC led the next session on ,‘Exploring Digital Investment Opportunities in Malaysia,‘ emphasizing on Malaysia’s growing digital investment landscape as well as highlighting opportunities in the tech sector.
He also discussed different strategic initiatives that position Malaysia as a digital hub, attracting global investors with its robust digital infrastructure and supportive government policies.
Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability by Applying AI to Industrial Applications
Dr. Hon Hock Woon Senior Principal Researcher of MIMOS in his session on Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability by Applying AI to Industrial Applications focused on the role of AI in enhancing industrial productivity and sustainability.
He explored how AI-driven innovations are being scaled to improve resource efficiency and environmental protection, particularly through advanced material engineering, paving the way for sustainable industrial solutions.
Dr Hon also highlighted that Generative AI offers significant opportunities for automating creative processes, enabling businesses to produce innovative content and personalised experiences at scale. However, he also notes that it is also important to address the many challenges such as the ethical implications of AI, particularly concerning deepfakes and intellectual property concerns.
Start-ups For Impact
Next, we had the Start-ups For Impact session where we showcased innovative digital solutions in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Start-up speakers, Norman Lam, Co-Founder & CEO of Anlyvis, Dr. Mohammed Jeraal, AI & Automation Engineer of Accelerated Materials, Erik Storelv, COO, CFO of Proctectoria Ventures and Krissy Pai, Vice President of Ubestream presented their 4-minute business pitch and followed by a Q&A session in front of a panel of investors.
Dr. Mohammed Jeraal, AI & Automation Engineer of Accelerated Materials
Dr Jeraal showcased Accelerated Material’s cutting-edge technology designed to transform the nanomaterials industry. At the heart of their innovation is the patented Annular Microreactor platform, which drastically reduces the time and cost of scaling up material production by 90%, offering high precision synthesis with fewer experiments.
This platform leverages machine learning and automation to enhance the discovery and manufacturing processes, providing a versatile toolbox for industries such as pharmaceuticals, coatings, and electronics.
Their product lineup includes the ZArmour range, featuring eco-friendly and antimicrobial coatings that promise high purity and exceptional UV absorption. The company which is incorporated in both Singapore and Great Britain, offers comprehensive support services, including nanomaterial education and R&D optimization.
Norman Lam, Co-Founder & CEO of Anlyvis
Next we had Norman, whom had introduced Anlyvis as a company founded in 2022, that has made significant strides in deploying AIoT solutions, notably through its Anlyvis AI-Box Set, across over 20 projects.
The Anlyvis AI-Box Set captures visual data through proprietary AI algorithms, operating efficiently on the edge, which minimizes latency and enhances response time by eliminating the need for data transmission to remote servers.
This technology integrates with 5G routers and PoE switches, offering scalability, customization, and cross-sector applicability in smart cities, manufacturing, logistics, and more. Key applications also include real-time detection and monitoring, vehicle type recognition, and security alerts, contributing to goals of improved operation efficiency and sustainability.
Erik Storelv, COO, CFO of Proctectoria Ventures
Erik presented a compelling vision for a decentralised digital identity infrastructure poised to revolutionize Industry 4.0. This innovative approach promises enhanced security, privacy, and efficiency, facilitating seamless human-machine interaction and protecting against identity-based cyberattacks. Aligned with EU regulations and W3C standards, the infrastructure offers global interoperability, supporting secure digital relationships and transactions in a rapidly digitalised world.
The technology itself also promises economic advantages through reduced operational risks and a streamlined monetization strategy involving fees for setup, transactions, and ecosystem connections.
Krissy Pai, Vice President of Ubestream
Our final speaker Krissy, showcased Ubestream’s cutting-edge technological advancements in the field of Natural Language Understanding (NLU) voice AI solutions.
As the first AI-powered innovation company listed on the GISA board of the Taipei Exchange, Ubestream made significant strides in empowering machines to understand human speech without internet dependency.
She also highlighted their multi-lingual capabilities, offering real-time speech transcription and translation across 16 languages with impressive accuracy. The company’s participation in international events like CES 2024 and COMPUTEX 2024 has garnered attention from global media, emphasizing their role in integrating AI technology into everyday life and expanding their market presence.
The session highlighted their contributions to enhancing manufacturing processes through AI, automation, and advanced materials, emphasizing the crucial role of startups in driving industry transformation.
Accelerating Success: Mastering Commercialisation and Capital Raising in the Deep Tech Arena
The third and final panel of the day, ‘Accelerating Success: Mastering Commercialisation and Capital Raising in the Deep Tech Arena,’ was moderated by Stephen Lai, Chairman of Malaysia-China (Greater Bay Area) Science-Tech Innovation Alliance and featured speakers like Thong Yuin Kuan, CEO, Kagro Botanical Drug Biotech, Michael Blakely, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Cocoon Capital, Shoko Suzuki, Executive Director & CIO, UntroD Capital and CK Tan, COO, BlueChip VC.
The session delved into in-depth discussions on dynamic commercialisation approaches, emphasizing the transformation of innovative concepts into viable products that meet market demands.
The panellists highlighted the importance of understanding investor expectations, identifying strategic funding avenues, and leveraging non-dilutive financing opportunities to fuel growth without sacrificing equity. Furthermore, the discussion underscored the crucial role of robust intellectual property (IP) management, highlighting its significance in safeguarding core innovations and facilitating global expansion.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
We had a vibrant convergence of innovation and industry prowess in the exhibition hall, where a dazzling array of exhibitors and sponsors shined at the event.
Our Silver Sponsor, Kagro Biotanical Drug Biotech captivated attendees with their cutting-edge biotech solutions, showcasing its innovative approach to health and wellness. The company highlighted its development of dropping pills, extracted from the fruiting body of Antrodia cinnamomea, known for its triterpenoid-rich composition that boosts immunity, repairs liver function, and offers potential anti-cancer benefits.
Additionally, the pills also featured an ingredient called Burdock Essence, which was known for its impressive health advantages, including improving blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, and offering preventative effects against gastric and uterine cancers, making it a powerful supplement for gastrointestinal health.
Bronze sponsors Monitor ERP & Accelerated Materials showcased their thought leadership and capabilities through the conference and exhibition.
Monitor ERP showcased its trusted and reliable ERP system, supporting manufacturers. Used by over 5,500 companies globally, including 160 in Southeast Asia, Monitor ERP provides real-time insights that empower manufacturers to optimise operations, track CO2 emissions with ease, ensuring compliance with international standards, making it an invaluable tool for businesses looking to enhance efficiency while meeting sustainability goals.
Accelerated Materials on the other hand showcased sustainable, next-generation nanomaterials technologies. With state-of-the-art facilities in both the UK and Singapore, the company is at the forefront of combining cutting-edge technologies with real-world applications to drive sustainable development.
Their innovative approach to materials science aligns perfectly with the global shift toward sustainability, positioning Accelerated Materials as a key player in the future of green manufacturing solutions.
The bustling booths of exhibitors like Aenon Solutions, led the charge in business process improvement, highlighting their prowess in technology, automation, and software engineering. With a focus on preparing organisations for the era of IoT and digital transformation, Aenon Solutions provides cutting-edge strategies to help businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, enabling companies to seamlessly integrate advanced technologies and drive efficiency and innovation.
City Bright, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, dazzled attendees with their pioneering work in ingenious inorganic light-storage, a self-luminous material that promises to revolutionise how we perceive and utilise light in darkness.
This cutting-edge technology ensures reliable illumination in dark or emergency environments, demonstrating their commitment to advancing safety and material science through pioneering research and development.
Next Ubestream, the first AI company to be listed on the Taipei Exchange, demonstrated their cutting-edge smart voice AI solutions, offering a seamless experience in multilingual voice transcription, translation and real-time dialogue for non-contact applications.
They presented two products: AIspeakin, a versatile multilingual voice tool capable of transcription, translation, interpretation, and conversation generation, and AIaaS, a powerful AI service boasting 95% accuracy in recording audio, video files, or real-time dialogue.
Meanwhile, Anlyvis, showcased its transformative solutions for empowering businesses through Edge Computing and AIoT technologies. With a user-friendly approach, they offer simple video training that enables organisations to leverage the power of AIoT and edge computing, enhancing operational capabilities and driving innovation without the need for hardware dependencies or cloud integration.
This ready-to-go solution covers the entire AI cycle, providing an efficient and affordable alternative, offering prices five times lower than competitors, making advanced AI technology accessible to a wider range of businesses.
CADVision Systems, a trusted partner in Malaysia and Singapore, captivated attendees by showcasing their 3D technology solutions and technical expertise to help businesses overcome design obstacles, improve product innovation and achieve greater efficiency. Their commitment to driving efficiency and product excellence positions them as a key partner for businesses looking to stay ahead in today’s competitive market.
Together, these exhibitors painted a vibrant picture of the future, leaving attendees inspired and eager to engage with these trailblazing technologies.
Day 1 ended with a closing remark from our AIM Asia chairperson, Renee Tan, after which was followed by an on-site lucky draw for VIP pass holders and a networking night at Regal Courtyard, Penang for registered participants.
MDEC Close door Roundtable Discussion
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) also convened a private roundtable discussion led by Raymond Siva, Senior Vice President of the Digital Investment Office with representatives from 12 Asia Pacific tech companies, including Kagro, Anlyvis, Citybright, Accelerated Materials, Untro D Capital, Smart Cities Network, Protectoria, Ubestream, and AIII, among others.
The strategic dialogue aimed to bolster Malaysia’s appeal as a prime destination for foreign investment in the digital sector. The discussion provided a critical platform for these global stakeholders to gain insights into upcoming initiatives that are poised to enhance regional collaboration and innovation in the digital economy.
(MDEC meeting with the 12 Asia Pacific Tech companies)
Day 2 (4 Sept) – Future Innovation & Sustainable Manufacturing Day
Renee Tan kicked start the day with an opening remark with the focus on both innovation and sustainability.
Investing for a Greener Future: Green & Sustainable Investment Opportunities in Malaysia
Starting with a session on ‘Investing for a Greener Future: Green & Sustainable Investment Opportunities in Malaysia,’ presented by Masni Muhammad, Executive Director, Investment Policy Advocacy of MIDA.
The session provided insights into Malaysia’s green investment strategy and the historical trends dominating green investments, such as energy efficiency,
Historically, green investments in Malaysia have been primarily focused on renewable energy and electric vehicles. MIDA as the main authority promotes a range of incentives, including tax exemptions and allowances, to stimulate green investments in sectors such as energy efficiency, waste management, and green technologies.
Notably, the Domestic Investment Accelerator Fund (DIAF) and the Foreign Investment Accelerator Fund (FIAF) have been introduced to encourage the adoption of ESG practices. These funds provide substantial tax incentives and matching grants to support Malaysian SMEs and Mid-Tier Companies. This strategic approach highlights Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to transition towards a sustainable economy through innovative investments and supportive policies.
Navigating the ESG Landscape: Strategic Directions and Regulatory Impacts on Malaysian Businesses
This was then followed by a presentation by Elina Jani, CEO of Greentech Ideaslab (GTI), MGTC with her insights on ‘Navigating the ESG Landscape: Strategic Directions and Regulatory Impacts on Malaysian Businesses’. She explored the strategic roadmap for ESG integration across Malaysian industries, the regulatory landscape affecting business operations, and aligning business strategies with ESG goals for a competitive advantage.
Elina highlighted Malaysia’s ambitious sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emission intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Technological advancements, such as a cloud-based carbon management platform, were showcased, emphasizing their role in helping organizations enhance energy efficiency, manage risks, and build competitive advantages.
Green Frontiers: Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Advanced Manufacturing to Meet and Exceed ESG Goals
The first panel for the day was on ‘Green Frontiers: Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Advanced Manufacturing to Meet and Exceed ESG Goals’, and it was moderated by Datin Lorela Chia, President of MASSCI.
The featured speakers in the panel were Elina Jani, CEO of Greentech Ideaslab (GTI) & Malaysian Green Technology & Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), Gordon Chua, Area Sales Manager (Northern Region) of Monitor ERP System SEA, Syed Mubarak, Vice Chairman, Managing Director of HyCee, Vice Chairman & Head of ESG of Smart Cities Network and Hiten Makwana, Regional Sales and Technical Manager of Dorf Ketal.
The panel delved into cutting-edge strategies for fostering sustainability in the manufacturing sector. Key discussions centered around the implementation of circular economy models to diminish carbon footprints significantly and waste, highlighting the potential for transformative change across industries.
The speakers also highlighted advancements in green chemistry within the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, underscoring innovative, environmentally-friendly methodologies that promise to reshape traditional practices.
Additionally, the panel emphasized and concluded the importance of governance and compliance, addressing the complexities of existing regulatory frameworks while advocating for heightened transparency and accountability.
Green Chemistry Revolution: Pioneering Sustainable Chemicals from Innovation to Industrial Implementation
Hiten Makwana from Dorf Ketal shared his insights on the ‘Green Chemistry Revolution: Pioneering Sustainable Chemicals from Innovation to Industrial Implementation,’ focusing on innovative research in sustainable chemicals, the translation of innovation to industrial practice, and the optimization of production processes to align with ESG goals.
His company, Dorf Ketal is a market leader in specialty chemicals, showcased its commitment to green chemistry through its innovative strategies and robust Quality Management System. With a global footprint and presence since 1992, the company emphasized its dedication to sustainability, highlighting its Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) manufacturing facilities and strong HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) programs.
The new product, SULSAFE DA2628, was introduced, demonstrating significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and improved operational reliability. Dorf Ketal’s focus on community engagement, compliance with global labor regulations, and a commitment to Responsible Care® principles further reinforces its leadership in sustainable chemical solutions.
Catalysing Progress: Advanced Chemicals Shaping the Next Generation of Manufacturing
The final presentation for the day by Navin Kumar COO of Barium Selat Group discussed more on ‘Catalysing Progress: Advanced Chemicals Shaping the Next Generation of Manufacturing,’ and the breakthrough in both chemicals and materials that are enhancing process efficiency and product quality.
Navin explained that chemicals, particularly high-performance polymers and advanced composites, help streamline manufacturing processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. Emphasizing on green chemistry, he presented on how sustainable practices can minimize waste and promote resource recycling, aligning with increasing regulatory demands.
The strategic integration of cutting-edge chemical solutions across industries—such as automotive, electronics, and construction—was identified as key to unlocking new market opportunities and maintaining a competitive edge. Ultimately, he concluded there is need for ongoing collaboration and innovation, stressing their necessity for advancing manufacturing technologies and fostering a sustainable future.
Day 2 ended with a closing remark by Renee Tan, Chairperson of Advanced Innovation & Manufacturing Asia. In her closing, she expressed gratitude to the attendees, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of AIM Asia 2024 and for attendees to look forward to next year’s confirmed date scheduled for 3-4 September 2025.
Afterwhich, this was followed by a lucky draw, offering exciting prizes to all VIP participants and a site tour to Aemulus, gaining insights into cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and further networking with industry peers.
(VIP Lucky draw winners)
(VIP Lucky draw winners)
Conclusion
As we wrap up this year’s convention, we reflect on two dynamic days filled with innovation, collaboration, and invaluable insights. From engaging keynote speeches to interactive workshops and networking sessions, the event has been a testament to the incredible potential within our industry. The event successfully highlighted the importance of sustainable innovation and advanced manufacturing in propelling industries toward Industry 5.0.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that next year’s convention will take place in September 2025. We encourage you to mark your calendars and be part of what promises to be another landmark event.
The objective of convening top advanced manufacturing leaders, industry experts, government, and investors at AIM Asia is to help businesses accelerate their business growth. HASHTAQS helps business scale, venture build and internationalise.
If you would like to explore synergies in business scale up or to showcase thought leadership, solution through brand transformation, ecosystem development and omni-channel marketing (online-offline), feel free to contact us at [email protected] or Whatsapp/Call us at +65 8868 1418 to arrange for a non-obligatory consultation.
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We look forward to seeing you next year!
