Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government through its Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is promoting Malaysia’s National Industrial Master Plan 2030 which is designed to accelerate the conversion of 3,000 manufacturing companies into smart factories by 2030.
The Smart Tech-Up programme under Mission 2 of the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) aims to facilitate the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies for local companies to become ‘Smart Factories’.
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Mission 2 aims to accelerate digital adoption, foster innovation, increase productivity, and use advanced technologies to build a digital Malaysia.
The NIMP 2030 is Malaysia’s national strategy to drive Industry 4.0 adoption among manufacturing and manufacturing-related services companies by helping businesses transition into smart manufacturing through automation, digitalisation, and advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and robotics.
“The government offers assistance of half or 50 per cent reimbursement of costs, up to a maximum of RM500,000 for project and training with guidance from project initiation to project completion.”
Malaysia’s NIMP 2030 highlights key sectors to drive economic growth.
By investing in these industries, the nation aims to boost industrial clusters, create high-value jobs, and foster innovation.
This was revealed by invited speaker Beh Chin Boon of Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad at the Malaysia Market Outlook 2026, where the ringgit is expected to strengthen against the U.S. dollar this year.
Beh is Alliance Bank’s Head, Strategic Alliances & Partnership Group Business & Transaction Banking based in Kuala Lumpur HQ.
The event was organised by the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI). Datuk Michael Lui calls for win-win synergy between the government and private sector to propel the economy of the state and country to greater heights in 2026, striving to overcome all obstacles with determination.
Malaysia’s manufacturing sector has grown significantly, guided by Industrial Master Plans (IMPs) since 1986. IMP3 (2006-2020) focused on innovation, R&D, and upskilling to drive higher value-added industries and support a knowledge-based economy.
The NIMP 2030, a roadmap to transform Malaysia’s manufacturing sector over the next decade, set goals of a 6.5 per cent yearly increase in GDP contribution aimed to strengthen industrial clusters, boost socioeconomic growth, and tackle future challenges.
It incorporates systemic and institutional reforms to modernise the sector for lasting competitiveness.
By 2030, Malaysia aims to boost manufacturing’s GDP contribution by 61 per cent to RM587.5 billion. Employment is expected to rise by 2.3 per cent, creating 3.3 million jobs driven by automation and technology.
The median salary in manufacturing is set to increase by 128 per cent from 2021, reaching RM4,510 a month.
For the success of NIMP 2030, MITI has adopted a mission-centric approach to industrial policy.
It aligns with the industrial priorities of the National Investment Aspirations (NIA).
