AUTOMEX PENANG RETURNS AS NORTHERN MALAYSIA ACCELERATES SMART MANUFACTURING

Showcasing automation and robotics solutions alongside semiconductor insights from the Silicon Malaysia Conference and Yole Group Executive Masterclass. 

GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AUTOMEX Penang 2026 opened today, bringing the latest in automation and smart manufacturing to the heart of Northern Malaysia's industrial hub. Held at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, the exhibition connects technology providers with manufacturing professionals to explore solutions that drive productivity, advance AI adoption and strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the three-day exhibition runs from 3 to 5 November and is expected to attract more than 6,000 trade visitors, feature over 300 brands and companies, and showcase more than 1,000 products and innovations across 6,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, and attended by YB Goh Choon Aik, Penang State Executive Councillor for Trade and National Unity, Dato' Seri Loo Lee Lian, Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang, Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), and Mr Derrick Yeow, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo highlighted the growing importance of automation, robotics and AI in strengthening manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness. "These technologies are helping businesses improve productivity, quality and efficiency. But our ambition must go beyond making products for the world. We must also develop our own technologies, expertise and solutions to move from 'Made in Malaysia' to 'Made by Malaysia'," he said. 

He emphasised that this transformation must also create opportunities for local businesses, particularly SMEs, to strengthen their capabilities and participate in global supply chains. "When our SMEs become stronger, our entire supply chain becomes more competitive and resilient," he added. 

AUTOMEX has an established presence in Malaysia's manufacturing industry, having been co-located with METALTECH, a leading exhibition for machine tools, metalworking and manufacturing technologies, in Kuala Lumpur for more than 15 years. This longstanding platform connects manufacturers with technology providers and solutions supporting industrial development.

The expansion into Penang in 2025 brought AUTOMEX closer to one of Malaysia's key industrial hubs. With an ecosystem spanning semiconductors, electrical and electronics (E&E), and precision engineering, Penang offers a strong base for manufacturers seeking to modernise operations and for technology providers looking to connect with businesses across the northern manufacturing corridor.

The inaugural Penang edition attracted 5,019 trade visitors from 24 countries and regions, alongside 177 participating brands and companies from eight countries and regions. Building on this response, the 2026 edition expands the platform's reach and brings a broader range of solutions to manufacturers exploring ways to strengthen operational performance and remain competitive.

The exhibition covers a wide range of manufacturing applications, including robotics, AI-enabled machine vision, the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), intelligent manufacturing systems, industrial software, precision engineering equipment and smart logistics. These technologies can support applications such as automated inspection, real-time production monitoring, predictive maintenance and process optimisation, helping businesses improve quality, reduce downtime and use labour and resources more efficiently.

For SMEs and smaller manufacturers, the pathway to automation does not need to begin with large-scale investment.

"Technology adoption must be accessible, practical and scalable. It does not have to begin with major investments. Even small steps, such as automating individual processes, improving quality inspection or digitalising inventory management, can deliver meaningful improvements in productivity and operational efficiency," said YB Goh Choon Aik, Penang State Executive Councillor for Trade and National Unity.

By connecting technology providers with engineers, plant managers, procurement specialists and business decision-makers, AUTOMEX Penang creates opportunities for manufacturers to assess solutions against their operational needs, engage directly with suppliers and identify potential partners for automation and digitalisation projects.

"At Informa Markets, we bring industries together to help businesses discover technologies, exchange knowledge and build commercial relationships. A conversation here could lead to a new partnership, a better solution, or an opportunity you hadn't considered," said Mr Derrick Yeow, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia. 

He added that AUTOMEX Penang aims to help manufacturers find practical solutions and build partnerships that deliver tangible results. 

Beyond the exhibition floor, AUTOMEX Penang 2026 brings together manufacturing technologies and semiconductor industry insights through programmes addressing developments across the wider industrial value chain.

A key highlight is the Silicon Malaysia Conference 2026 (SMC2026), organised by the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA). The conference brings together industry stakeholders to examine semiconductor innovation, advanced manufacturing, supply-chain resilience and Malaysia's growth ambitions under the National Semiconductor Strategy. Topics include advanced packaging, silicon photonics, AI infrastructure and opportunities across the semiconductor value chain.

The programme also features the Yole Group Executive Masterclass, providing further insights into semiconductor technology and market developments, including heterogeneous integration, advanced packaging, silicon photonics and photonics packaging. Together, these programmes provide perspectives on emerging technologies and market opportunities while complementing the exhibition's focus on the manufacturing capabilities needed to support increasingly complex production environments.

"Malaysia's semiconductor industry has an established manufacturing foundation, and continued growth will depend on developing higher-value capabilities, strengthening local expertise and adopting technologies that support increasingly complex production requirements. Collaboration between industry stakeholders will be important in building these capabilities," said Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of MSIA.

Supporting this ambition is the Malaysia Automation, Test and Equipment (ATE) Campus initiative, which aims to accelerate the co-development, qualification and scaling of Malaysian-made automation, test and equipment solutions. By connecting local companies with global manufacturers and real production environments, the initiative is intended to help Malaysian suppliers validate their technologies, strengthen their market readiness and pursue opportunities in higher-value segments of the semiconductor and manufacturing industries.

These developments align with Malaysia's industrial transformation agenda under the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which underscore the importance of technology adoption, industrial upgrading and stronger domestic capabilities. For manufacturers, translating these ambitions into results will require not only investment in equipment, but also the skills, technical expertise and industry partnerships to integrate new technologies effectively.

Through its combination of technology showcases, business engagement and industry programmes, AUTOMEX Penang 2026 provides a platform for manufacturers to evaluate practical solutions, exchange knowledge and build relationships that support the next stage of industrial development.

Industry professionals, business leaders, engineers, technicians and procurement specialists are invited to attend AUTOMEX Penang 2026, taking place from 3 to 5 November 2026 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang. For further information and visitor registration, visit www.automex.com.my.

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About AUTOMEX Penang

AUTOMEX Penang is Malaysia's premier exhibition for automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing. Building on a 15-year co-location with METALTECH in Kuala Lumpur, the event expands into Penang – Malaysia's "Silicon Valley of the East" and a global hub for semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. The exhibition showcases the latest innovations in robotics, machine vision, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainable manufacturing solutions - connecting global technology providers with multinational corporations and SMEs. By attending, industry professionals gain access to cutting-edge solutions, strategic partnerships, and insights from thought leaders. AUTOMEX Penang empowers manufacturers, engineers, and decision-makers to accelerate digital transformation, enhance competitiveness, and capture growth opportunities across the global Industry 4.0 value chain.

SOURCE AUTOMEX PENANG