Mustapa: MITI to present National Industry 4.0 blueprint by 1Q2018

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) will present the blueprint for the National Industry 4.0 policy framework by the first quarter of next year.

The blueprint will outline the nation's objectives and aspirations in achieving the desired status of the fourth industrial revolution by empowering key stakeholders in this initiative, particularly those in the SME sector.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the ministry will coordinate with various parties to develop and craft the national-level blueprint.

"MITI was leading the effort in enhancing the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the country, by developing the policy framework and is working closely and in collaboration with other agencies and ministries.

"They include MIGHT, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Human Resources Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, Finance Ministry and Communications and Multimedia Ministry," he told the press on Monday.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or 4IR, is loosely described as the next step of how technology is being used to fuse the various aspects of a nation's economy.

It is being associated with digitisation and artificial intelligence and how these elements help boost a nation's economy.

Malaysia does not have a blueprint on achieving Industry 4.0 yet.