AI-Driven R&D: Catalyzing Malaysia's Leadership in the Global Electrical & Electronics Industry

The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a catalyst for transformative change in the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) sector, driving unprecedented innovation and accelerating national growth. This talk will delve into the pivotal role of AI-driven R&D in propelling Malaysia's E&E industry to new heights, reinforcing its status as the backbone of the nation’s technological and economic advancement. By exploring the revolutionary impact of AI on semiconductor design, manufacturing processes, and product development, we will illuminate how AI is not just reshaping but redefining the landscape of the E&E sector. The presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of strategic R&D approaches that are crucial for harnessing AI’s full potential. Emphasizing the critical importance of industry-academia collaboration, robust government support, and the cultivation of AI expertise within the sector, we will outline a roadmap for integrating AI into traditional R&D workflows. Addressing challenges such as data management, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance, we will offer practical solutions designed to overcome these barriers, ensuring that AI integration is both effective and sustainable. Highlighting case studies and success stories, particularly those pioneered by MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia's national research center for E&E, we will demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI in E&E R&D. These examples will showcase AI’s significant contributions to product innovation, market readiness, and quality enhancement, underscoring Malaysia's potential to lead in the global E&E industry. As we explore emerging trends and future opportunities, the talk will position Malaysia at the forefront of AI-driven advancements, charting a course for continued leadership in the global E&E sector. By the end of the session, participants will gain a deepened understanding of how AI-driven R&D can be strategically harnessed to fuel national growth. They will also discover actionable insights on fostering a dynamic, AI-powered E&E sector through collaborative efforts among stakeholders, ensuring Malaysia’s competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global market.

Biography

Nordin Ramli is a distinguished leader with a 24-year career in engineering, technology, and innovation. As Head of Technology Advisory at MIMOS Berhad, the public R&D Institute, he has driven significant revenue growth and enhanced operational efficiency through successful R&D strategies and large-scale projects in renewable energy, smart mobility, blockchain, IoT, and AI. Nordin's expertise extends to emerging technologies, evidenced by his publications and patents in wireless communications. He holds an MBA from Putra Business School and has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organizations. Nordin oversees seven RMKe-12 programs and 13 Strategic Research Funding projects, totaling RM254 million in funding, and is committed to driving global innovation and research excellence. Currently, Nordin is the Chair of IEEE Malaysia Section (2023-2024) and has been recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences, Top Research Scientist Malaysia, and Young Scientist Network member. He has played a key role in organizing global IEEE conferences, including ICC2016, VTC2019-Spring, and GLOBECOM2023, and has served in various leadership positions within IEEE. Nordin is also an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and a registered professional engineer and technologist in Malaysia.