A RELIABLE road map is handy, even necessary, to help one reach one’s destination. Likewise, a nation’s aspirations are only realistic insofar as the nation has a good “road map” leading towards their fulfilment.

Malaysia’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2020 is supported by a fundamentally strong economy, and guided by the “road maps” of the Ninth Malaysian Plan (9MP 2006-2010) and the Third Industrial Master Plan (IMP3 2006-2020).

Malaysia is now being positioned as a manufacturing hub and a services provider in global supply chains. Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is set to grow at an annual rate of 6.3% from now until 2020.

RM2,894.4 billion will be invested into the economy during that period, of which RM412.2 billion (or RM27.5 billion a year) is targeted at the manufacturing sector. The services sector will get RM687.7 billion (or RM45.8 billion a year) until 2020.

Given this, higher demand for more sophisticated technology is inevitable. The 9MP has declared investments from technology and innovation-driven industries to be the main driver for the manufacturing sector's overall growth. Its focus is on robust and sustainable growth while boosting competitiveness and productivity.

The manufacturing sector is forecast to grow at 5.6% per annum during the IMP3 period, and would be contributing more than a quarter of the GDP (28.5%) by 2020.

As the manufacturing and services sectors move up the value chain, there would be higher demand for high-quality, efficient, precision-based technology. Nothing short of international standards would be acceptable in all manufacturing processes and output.

Malaysia commits to promoting knowledge-based activities in the 9MP. The Government is supporting leading-edge technologies by facilitating industries in the development and diffusion of advanced technologies and practices, encouraging companies to automate, and developing and improving technological capabilities in targeted areas of expertise such as microelectronics, nanotechnology, automotive engineering and biotechnology.

The government launched the National Nanotechnology Initiative in September 2006.

Malaysia is back on the global investment map. A record RM46 billion was invested in 1077 approved manufacturing projects in 2006 by local and foreign investors, a 48% jump from the RM31 billion invested in 2005. The 2006 figures reported in February 2007, exceeded by RM18.5 billion the annual target of RM27.5 billion set under the Malaysia’s Third Industrial Master Plan. Despite the increasing global competition, Malaysia continues to attract foreign outflows, reflecting the country’s cost-competitiveness as a manufacturing and export base. Foreign investments in manufacturing totalled RM20.2 billion, compared to RM17.9 billion in 2005 while domestic investments amounting to RM25.8 billion compared to RM13.1 billion in 2005. Existing companies also continued to expand and diversify their operations in Malaysia, reflected in the approval of 424 expansion or diversification projects with investments of RM16.6 billion. This trend will continue as the government will ensure that business remained attractive.

The Third Industrial Masterplan (IMP3) has identified 12 industries in the manufacturing sectors for greater development and promotion. These sectors are encouraged to take advantage of growing regional and global markets. The development of these industries means a bigger market for superior instrumentation, control and automation technology.

Non-resource based:

1. electrical and electronics
2. medical devices
3. textiles and apparels
4. machinery and equipment
5. metals industry
6. transport equipment

Resource-based

1. petro-chemicals
2. pharmaceuticals
3. wood-based products
4. rubber and rubber-based products
5. oil palm-based industries
6. food processing

The market for accurate and reliable instrumentation, control and automation technology is there. Technology providers however need to showcase what they have to take advantage of unfolding developments.

New specialised high-tech parks will be set up for industries targeted in the IMP3. These parks will be equipped with physical infrastructure and supported by skilled workforce and support industries. Existing industrial estates will also be upgraded to attract further investments.

For example, the existing petrochemical industrial complexes in Kerteh, Gebeng and Pasir Gudang-Tanjung Langsat will be further integrated. A plastics park will be set up near the petrochemical complexes to cater to downstream activities.

The IMP3 has urged companies to acquire new technologies and to take advantage of new and emerging technologies to enhance the attractiveness of their products and services. These technologies include advanced electronic displays, photonics, high density data storage and conductive polymers.

Business opportunities for high-technology producers multiply as manufacturers and service providers strive to remain competitive. These are exciting times for technology developers and vendors.

ICA is recognised by the World-Fairs on Instruments, Measurement & Automation (World-FIMA) as the most important fair focusing on measurement and automation technology in Malaysia.

The ICA2008 show will be the ninth show in 16 years. Its endurance is due to its ability to attract the right exhibitors and the right visitors. With over 5,000 sq metres of exhibition space, and more than 10,000 trade visitors, the event is one of the most anticipated events for both technology developers and users in the Asean region.

• It’s a highly focused event on Instrumentation, Control and Automation technology
• It brings key decision makers from the manufacturing industry together under one roof
• A perfect promotional platform to market your solutions to manufacturers
• A prime opportunity to reinforce your leading position or to make an inroad into this huge and growing market
• It’s perfectly timed to ride on the wave of economic growth and the implementation of the IMP3
• It only happens once in two years to cater to new clients and those looking at upgrading their technology

This event will be supported by major mass media organisations and a comprehensive publicity campaign. ICA2008 is expected to attract top class trade and professional visitors. This campaign includes:

• News releases and press events
• High level contacts between organisers and government agencies
• Conferences and workshops organised in conjunction with the exhibition
• Advertisements in major print and electronic media, trade and scientific journals
• Direct mail campaign
• Posters
• Newsletters
• Emails