RETURNING for its second edition, AUTOMEX Penang 2026 has brought together industry players to showcase the latest advances in automation and smart manufacturing.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the exhibition features more than 300 brands and companies showcasing over 1,000 products and innovations at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre from today until Thursday (Nov 3-5). The organisers are expecting more than 6,000 trade visitors for the three-day event.
Penang is a major contributor to Malaysia’s manufacturing industry, particularly in the semiconductor and electrical and electronics (E&E) sectors. The state recorded RM22.4 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2025.
To build on this momentum, Penang is focusing on developing local expertise, supporting homegrown technologies and encouraging more companies to adopt automation and smart manufacturing solutions.
These efforts align with the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), which aims to transform 3,000 factories into smart factories by 2030 and strengthen Malaysia’s manufacturing capabilities.
State executive councillor for Trade and National Unity Goh Choon Aik, who attended the opening ceremony, emphasised the importance of strengthening Penang’s economy by encouraging businesses to adopt new technologies, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fostering stronger partnerships with multinational corporations (MNCs) and ensuring that economic growth benefits the wider community.
“We must help businesses embrace technology, empower SMEs to participate more meaningfully in supply chains, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared across our communities,” he said.
Goh added that the state aims to help more local businesses meet international standards and strengthen their positions in global supply chains.
“Our objective is clear: to enable more Penang SMEs to participate in MNC supply chains, meet international standards and grow into globally competitive suppliers.
“As industries embrace automation and artificial intelligence, we must ensure that smaller businesses and workers are not left behind. This requires accessible technology, continuous training and skills development to prepare our workforce for higher-value opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo stressed Penang’s ambition to move beyond conventional manufacturing by developing homegrown technologies, expanding semiconductor design and advanced packaging capabilities, and strengthening its position in higher-value segments of the global semiconductor industry.
“Our ambition must go beyond making products for the world. We must develop our own technologies, expertise and solutions. In other words, we must move from ‘Made in Malaysia’ to ‘Made by Malaysia’.
“This ambition is particularly important for Penang, which has earned its reputation as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’ through decades of manufacturing excellence, technical expertise, and strong connections to global supply chains,” he said.
Informa Markets Malaysia country general manager Derrick Yeow said AUTOMEX Penang provides a platform for manufacturers to explore new technologies, strengthen industry collaboration and develop local capabilities to remain competitive.
“At Informa Markets, we bring industries together so businesses can discover technologies, exchange knowledge and build meaningful commercial relationships. And that’s exactly what we want to achieve here at AUTOMEX Penang.
“We hope this platform helps manufacturers find solutions to real challenges, technology providers connect with potential customers, and industry players learn from one another,” he said.
Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai highlighted the importance of bringing industry players together to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies and establish partnerships to advance Malaysia’s semiconductor industry.
He said the collaboration between MSIA and Informa Markets has brought together three complementary platforms, the Silicon Malaysia Conference, AUTOMEX Penang exhibition and Yole Group Executive Masterclass to encourage knowledge sharing, networking and industry collaboration.
“Organising an initiative of this scale requires tremendous effort, teamwork and dedication from various parties. It demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders come together with a shared purpose, which is to facilitate knowledge exchange, meaningful networking, intellectual discussions and opportunities for future collaboration,” he said.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Jagdeep, Goh, Wong, Yeow and InvestPenang chief executive officer Dato’ Seri Loo Lee Lian, who later toured the exhibition showcasing the latest technologies, products and innovations.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi