Providing Highest Quality and Sustainable Innovation: A Company with Progressive Mission 

1. I would like to greet you and thank you on behalf of OIC Today Magazine for making time for this interview. I want to hear some of your personal perspectives before we discuss the company and your role in it. What drives your interest in the field of industrial research and technology organisation? What more do you aspire to achieve by being in this sector?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: Thanks for having me and featuring me and the company (SIRIM Berhad) in the magazine. Before talking about my personal reflection on why I have chosen this industry of technology and the field of innovation, I would like to briefly shed some light on my inclusion in SIRIM as President and Group Chief Executive Officer. In April 2021, I came on board with SIRIM Berhad. With a background as a technopreneur with vast experience in aerospace engineering in particular, I firmly believe that I can further enhance SIRIM success as the leading quality controller and innovator in the Malaysian market. I also believe that my expertise and decades long experience will assist the company to continuously protect public safety and trust, maintain a good reputation  and gain more recognition both in Malaysia and abroad. By the year 2025, I strongly believe that SIRIM will dominate the field of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, quantum computing, biotechnology, the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), nanotechnology, wireless technologies, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing.

By training , I am a marine engineer, then I turned my interest into mechanical engineering and ultimately into the sector of space engineering. Over the years, I gathered vast experience in the frontier of technology. I served in one of the GLCs (Government Linked Companies) for about 22 years as the founder CEO. I believe in dreams, and I truly think that dreams do come true if the intention and dedication are pure. Therefore, I have a big vision for SIRIM. As we all know, SIRIM is not a new company, it is one of the oldest and most successful companies in Malaysia, which started its journey as The Standards Institution of Malaysia (SIM) back in 1966. I want to see SIRIM become the number one industry leader and quality controller by adding more value to the company and its staff so that it can serve the nation better.

2. Can you tell us about SIRIM Berhad's history, and how the company has evolved over time to become a leading research and technology organisation in Malaysia?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: SIRIM Berhad has a rich history that dates back to 1966 when the Standards Institution of Malaysia (SIM) was established. In the same year, the Standards Act was passed, making SIM the national standards body. The institution was merged with the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) in 1974 to form the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM).

In 1996, SIRIM was corporatized and became known as SIRIM Berhad under the Companies Act. Today, SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia. With almost 50 years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality.
Over the years, SIRIM has played a significant role in the development of the country's private sector. By tapping into expertise and innovation, SIRIM focuses on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology, and services sectors. It also nurtures the growth of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making SIRIM an ideal technology partner for SMEs. Through the company’s continuous efforts, SIRIM has evolved into a leading research and technology organisation in Malaysia.

In summary, SIRIM Berhad has a long and distinguished history of providing research and technology solutions in Malaysia. From its humble beginnings as the Standards Institution of Malaysia, to its current status as a premier industrial research and technology organisation, SIRIM has consistently played a crucial role in the development of the country's private sector. With the expertise and knowledge, I believe, SIRIM will continue to drive technological advancements and improve the quality of life for Malaysians.

3. SIRIM Berhad is known for providing innovative solutions in various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Can you elaborate on some of the latest technologies or solutions developed by SIRIM Berhad that are helping to address challenges faced by these industries?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: Yes, SIRIM Berhad is known for providing innovative solutions in various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Let us take a closer look at some of the latest technologies or solutions developed by SIRIM that are helping to address challenges faced by these industries:

In agriculture, SIRIM Berhad and Datanam Sdn Bhd partnered in developing a Mobile and Modular Precision Vertical Farming System which can produce up to 250 kg of vegetables with only 320 square feet of space. The smart farming system uses multi-camera as well as image processing techniques to monitor plant growth, and it includes the Internet of Things (IoT) for data collection to provide better effectiveness in plant growth and smart monitoring and control system for water condition. This helps crops to grow in a more controlled and productive manner, addressing food security issues.

In manufacturing, SIRIM Digital Factory (SDF) is a new initiative that aims to become a hub for frontier technology innovations that benefit industries in the region. It employs a Garage Innovation methodology, driven by three pillars: SME-centric, people-centric, and Frontier Technology. The Digital Factory focuses on innovations related to SME needs, mainly in the areas of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies. SIRIM Digital Factory offers digital transformation, consultation, training, virtual CIO consultation, hack services, low-code and no-code platforms for non-IT personnel, AI solutions, and other services.

In healthcare, SIRIM Berhad's Industrial Centre of Innovation (IC-Innovation) in Biomedical delivers innovative applications and solutions within the medical sector. This includes metallic implants for fracture, bioceramics for bone defects, wound management, craniofacial and biomodelling services, and many more. With reconstructive surgery, medical professionals can now meet the challenge of treating patients without causing substantial harm to human tissue, offering aesthetically pleasing results.

4. SIRIM Berhad nurtures the growth of Small Medium Enterprises (SME) with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs. Can you discuss some of the key initiatives undertaken by SIRIM Berhad in the SME, and how is the company helping this sector?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: In addition to the SIRIM Digital Factory, SIRIM Berhad has several other initiatives focused on nurturing SMEs. SIRIM-Fraunhoufer  Programme, which aims to encourage the adoption of technology and quality management systems by SMEs. Under this programme, SIRIM provides a range of services such as training, consultancy, and certification to SMEs, helping them to improve their productivity, quality, and competitiveness. The programme also helps SMEs to mechanise and automate their process. By doing this, they can get better products, make production lines faster, and utilize the maximum benefit of technology integration.

SIRIM provides tech-related support to SMEs for the adoption of advanced technologies, including Industry 4.0 technologies. This attempt helps small businesses in enabling and improving their productivity and competitiveness. Overall, SIRIM Berhad is playing a key role in nurturing SMEs in Malaysia by providing them with access to technology, R&D expertise, and certification services. These initiatives are helping SMEs to upgrade their technology capabilities and competitiveness, thereby contributing to the growth of the Malaysian economy.

5. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses around the world. How is SIRIM Berhad incorporating sustainability into its operations, and what steps is the company taking to reduce its environmental impact?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: Sustainability is a crucial consideration for businesses across the world, and SIRIM Berhad is no exception. The company has established a Group Sustainability Department, which is responsible for all ESG-related activities within the organisation. This department aims to enhance coordination and execution of the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies and initiatives more efficiently. It is tasked with keeping up to date with the latest ESG policies, industry standards and technologies at national and international level, identifying ESG risks, reducing the organisation's environmental footprint and developing annual ESG reports that will be disseminated to all stakeholders.

SIRIM has made a concerted effort to incorporate sustainability into its daily activities. In terms of environmental sustainability, the company has adopted Environmental Management Systems according to ISO 14001 and is committed to complying with the Environmental Quality Act. It also provides certifications to industries and organisations that comply with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems. Additionally, the company has established initiatives such as carbon footprint reduction, waste management, tree planting, usage of renewable energy, and green procurement practices under the Greener SIRIM for Greener Malaysia strategy.

SIRIM is also committed to social sustainability, and has established a code of business ethics and other policies and procedures on social impacts resulting from operations. The company has adopted occupational health and safety management systems according to ISO 45001, prioritising workplace health and safety. It also complies with the Employment Act and other regulations related to social impacts.

In terms of governance, SIRIM has adopted anti-bribery management systems that comply with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act. It has implemented Enterprise Risk Management to protect stakeholder interests while meeting the organisation's purpose and objectives. The company also ensures that the structure, composition, and execution duties of its Board of Directors align with the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance. Overall, SIRIM Berhad is committed to sustainability and takes concrete steps to reduce its environmental impact and promote social sustainability and good governance practices.

6. As a research and technology organisation, how does SIRIM Berhad balance the need for innovation and experimentation with the need for practical solutions that can be implemented in the real world?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: We understand the importance of balancing innovation and practical solutions. The organisation recognizes that innovation is essential for driving progress and staying ahead of the curve. At the same time, SIRIM Berhad understands that practical solutions are necessary to make an impact in the real world.
To achieve this balance, SIRIM has a robust research and development process that emphasises both innovation and practicality. The organisation conducts extensive research and experimentation to develop new technologies and solutions. However, the focus is always on finding practical solutions that can be implemented in the real world.

SIRIM Berhad also works closely with industry partners and stakeholders to understand their needs and challenges. This approach helps ensure that the organisation's research and development efforts are focused on developing solutions that are relevant and practical.

Overall, SIRIM Berhad balances innovation and practicality by prioritising research and development efforts that are relevant, practical, and can make a real-world impact.
 
7. Collaboration is important for innovation, and SIRIM Berhad has partnerships with various companies and organisations both locally and internationally. Can you discuss some of the key partnerships that SIRIM Berhad has established, and how have they contributed to the company's success?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: SIRIM Berhad recognises the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and has established partnerships with various companies and organisations both locally and internationally. One of the key partnerships that SIRIM Berhad has established is with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and BUFORI Motor Car Company (M) Sdn Bhd to develop an Electric Vehicle (EV) Retrofit for the Logistics Industry. This project, led by the Machinery Technology Centre (MTC) at SIRIM, aims to promote electric mobility on land and reduce carbon emissions. Another partnership with Invest Selangor and Q Aerotech & Redland Capital Sdn Bhd is focused on developing electric aviation, which aims to promote electric mobility on air. SIRIM's IC-I Advanced Energy Storage is also collaborating with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and DK Composites Sdn Bhd to develop an eBoat Project that promotes electric mobility on sea. SIRIM's Lithium-Ion Recycling Project, in partnership with MITI and Ni Hsin EV Tech Sdn Bhd, aims to promote sustainability by recycling lithium-ion batteries. These partnerships have contributed to SIRIM's success by allowing the company to stay at the forefront of technological innovation and promote sustainable practices. 

8. SIRIM Berhad has a strong focus on research and development, with a dedicated R&D division. Can you discuss some of the current research areas that SIRIM Berhad is exploring, and how they could potentially benefit Malaysia's economy and society?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: In my opinion, SIRIM is an organisation that has a dedicated R&D division, and the company is continually exploring new research areas that could benefit Malaysia's industries, economy and society. Under the Industrial Centre of Innovation (ICI), SIRIM is working on Smart Manufacturing through its research and development activities, which helps to build affordable solutions for implementation. In preparing the right people for the anticipated Smart Factories of the future, SIRIM developed training modules for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, which are equipped with the necessary courseware.

SIRIM Berhad is also looking into new processes that allow for better productivity in Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to transform processes to fit the narrative of Industry 4.0 and ensure the nation's Industry 4.0 agenda is moving in the right direction. As a leading research institute, SIRIM Berhad carries on with the knowledge acquisition process and transfers the technology to industries in core technology areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics. 

Over the years, the premium technology solutions adopted include AI-based predictive maintenance for SMEs, Enterprise Resource Planning platform for the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector, Manufacturing Execution System for plastic injection industries, and analytics for safety and hazard risk prediction for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Besides, SIRIM Berhad has several innovation centres under ICI that specialises in renewable energy, advanced energy storage, biomedical and smart manufacturing. These innovation centres are continuously developing products and services through technology in various fields such as safety and security, health monitoring, agriculture, manufacturing, and services, among others.

One of the significant research areas that SIRIM Berhad is exploring is gene editing using CRISPR technology. Genome editing is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism's DNA. This system has generated a lot of excitement in the scientific community because it is faster, cheaper, more accurate, and more efficient than other genome editing methods. It is being explored in research and clinical trials for a wide variety of diseases, including single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease. It also holds promise for the treatment and prevention of more complex diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, mental illness, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

9. SIRIM Berhad has been recognized and awarded for its great contributions to Malaysia's economy and society. It won prestigious awards like the ASEAN Energy Award 2019 and Malaysian Innovative Product Award 2019. Can you discuss some of the initiatives undertaken by SIRIM Berhad that have had a positive impact on Malaysia's society and the reasons why the company is celebrated?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: SIRIM has also contributed to the development of Malaysia's industries through various initiatives. For instance, SIRIM has developed a seawater desalination system to clean water based on renewable energy sources or known as Hybrid Solar PV and Desalination system with a capacity of 5 m3/day. The technology involved two main systems-  desalination system for seawater treatment and hybrid power system. The community project is located at Sebangkat Island, Semporna, Sabah. The project gave joy to the The Sebangkat Island community. They now could enjoy clean water. They now can drink, cook, bathe and even gardening with clean water. The community in this island are fishermen and seaweed workers that have faced a long problem in getting clean water. This issue has forced the residents to go back and forth from Sebangkat Island to Semporna using their boats  to buy clean water at a relatively high rate. Following the high cost of clean water, seawater was  used by the island's residents to complete their daily routine such as bathing, cleaning, cooking and doing laundry.  The project won Gold Award under the Social Innovation Asia Awards during the Malaysian Technology Expo (MTE) 2020.

Initiative like the one I mentioned above has contributed to SIRIM Berhad's recognition and celebration in Malaysia's society. SIRIM’S popularity is mainly connected to its commitment and delivery of assurance of safety, better products for consumers and a reliable sense of trust. The company looks forward to having more  certification by government and international institutes, especially for the deserving SIRIM engineers.

10. As a government-owned company, how does SIRIM Berhad work with government agencies to achieve national development goals, and what role does the company play in advancing Malaysia's strategic industries?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: In terms of working with government agencies, SIRIM Berhad collaborates closely with various ministries and agencies to support national development goals. For instance, the company works closely with MITI to promote the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing sector. SIRIM is also involved in various initiatives under the National Policy on Industry 4.0 to drive the growth of the strategic industries in Malaysia.
In a nutshell, SIRIM Berhad plays a critical role in advancing Malaysia's strategic industries by providing technical services, promoting the adoption of new technologies, and collaborating with government agencies to achieve national development goals.

11. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is changing the way businesses operate. How is SIRIM Berhad preparing for this shift, and what steps is the company taking to ensure that Malaysia is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: As a leading research and technology organisation in Malaysia, SIRIM is well aware of the opportunities and challenges that Industry 4.0 presents. In response, SIRIM is taking a proactive approach in preparing the country for this shift.

Malaysia as a country has not yet shifted into automated machines for most of its production and industrial manufacturing. It is still very much dependent on manual labour. What we are doing here is that we are performing readiness assessment to all industries. Our readiness assessment process helps industries decide whether they are ready for operation and to assess whether they are ready for technological change. This process assists industries to adapt to fast changing technology. By change, here I mean the shift of the process of production and upgrade it from manual labour to semi-automatic and fully automated systems. We are ready for Industry 4.0 and SIRIM shows its readiness by doing the necessary Readiness Assessment for Malaysian industries so that they cope with the change and benefit from it.

SIRIM is also investing in advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, automation, and additive manufacturing, which are critical to Industry 4.0. By adopting these technologies, SIRIM can help Malaysian businesses to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance their overall competitiveness in the global market.
All in all, SIRIM's initiatives and collaborations with various stakeholders demonstrate its commitment to preparing Malaysia for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and ensuring that the country is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0.

12. SIRIM Berhad has a strong track record of developing talent and nurturing a skilled workforce in Malaysia. Can you discuss some of the initiatives that SIRIM Berhad has implemented to develop its employees, and how these initiatives have contributed to the company's success? And where do you want to see the company in the future?

Dato’ Indera Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad: The company has also implemented various training and development programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of its employees. For instance, the company has organised technical training programs, leadership development programs, and innovation and creativity programs. These initiatives have helped employees to develop new skills and competencies, improve their performance, and contribute to the company's growth and success.

In addition, SIRIM Berhad has also created a culture of continuous learning and development, where employees are encouraged to pursue their personal and professional growth. The company provides various learning opportunities such as on-the-job training, coaching, mentoring, and e-learning platforms.

SIRIM Berhad's focus on developing its employees has contributed to the company's success by building a highly skilled and competent workforce that is able to innovate, adapt to change, and deliver high-quality products and services to its clients. Moreover, the company's investment in talent development has also helped to attract and retain top talent, which is essential for the company's long-term growth and sustainability.

Looking to the future, I believe that SIRIM Berhad will continue to prioritise talent development and invest in its employees to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-changing business environment. The company's focus on innovation and technology, coupled with a highly skilled workforce, will enable SIRIM Berhad to continue to drive Malaysia's economic and social development and contribute to the country's growth and prosperity.