AGILENT Technologies has been recognised as the latest entrant to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Lighthouse Network.
The WEF Global Lighthouse Network is a community of world-leading manufacturers that have successfully adopted Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) technologies at scale to drive financial and operational impacts by transforming factories, value chains, and business models.
Agilent vice-president (global instrument manufacturing) Chow Woai Sheng said this important milestone showcases Agilent’s leadership in building factories of the future by integrating advanced digital technologies across its end-to-end operations and continuously developing its future workforce.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was also present, congratulated Agilent Penang on the significant milestone.
“It is a pleasure to be here today to celebrate Agilent Technologies’ remarkable achievement of being recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Global Lighthouse earlier this year.
“Agilent’s journey in Malaysia spans over 25 years, with Penang becoming home to its global manufacturing, research and development (R&D) hub since 1999.
“Today, this 200,000 sq ft facility employs over 650 talented scientists, engineers, and professionals, producing world-class instruments for life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology sectors used worldwide,” Chow said in his speech.
According to Chow, Agilent Penang is more than a manufacturing site; it is an innovation powerhouse.
“In fact, over 120 explosive-detection instruments made here were deployed at London Heathrow Airport in 2023, a testament to the global trust in Penang-made solutions.
“Being named a Global Lighthouse is nothing short of an honour. Agilent is one of only two sites in Malaysia with this honour, and both are in Penang.
“Even more impressively, it is the only analytical and clinical laboratory technology company in the world to hold this recognition,” he said.
Chow added that what amazes him most is how Agilent integrates artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced analytics into its operations by boosting productivity by 40%, cutting manufacturing costs by 32%, and improving delivery lead times by 48%.
“This is not just smart manufacturing; it is smart thinking.
“And frankly, this is something the government, our departments, and agencies should emulate.
“Perhaps our civil service should also conduct more benchmarking and learning from the best in industry, so we can work better for the rakyat, especially in delivering policies that create real and positive impact,” said Chow.
Also present were InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Malaysian Investment Department Authority (Mida) chief executive officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Penang Mida director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed, Agilent vice-president (sales) Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent associate vice-president (instrument design centre) Chai Meng Fee and Agilent associate vice-president (Penang factory) Lim Oon Pin.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud