Agilent Celebrates Global Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Penang
Source: InvestPenang
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 14 August 2025 – Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today celebrated a landmark moment for successfully transforming its smart factory through Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in Penang. The recognition, co-founded by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company, identified factories that achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, and talent development worldwide.
Using AI to transform complex manufacturing, Agilent Penang has improved overall productivity by 40%, delivery lead time by 48% and significantly reduced environmental impact. These digital advancements enabled faster response to changing demand while upskilling workforce into AI-ready talent. Today, Agilent stands as one of only two factories in Malaysia to be names by the Forum, putting Penang on the world map for advanced manufacturing excellence.
YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, said, “I am especially proud that both Malaysian Lighthouse sites are located in Penang, a reflection of the state’s readiness to embrace Industry 4.0 and its rising prominence as a national benchmark for smart manufacturing excellence.” He added, “Agilent balances technological advancement with environmental and social responsibility, making its Penang’s site a true model for Smart Factory development in Malaysia.”
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), expressed, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Agilent for this prestigious recognition as a World Economic Forum Global Lighthouse – a milestone that reinforces Malaysia’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and smart industry. We applaud Agilent’s significant role as one of the enablers and accelerators for the entire semiconductor value chain in the country. The National Semiconductor Strategy strengthens the overall industrial ecosystem by advancing skills, research, and infrastructure, which in turn supports high-value companies like Agilent and helps the semiconductor sector grow more resilient. Together with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, these national efforts are being translated into real, measurable impact. MIDA is proud to have supported Agilent’s journey as we collectively position Malaysia at the forefront of global industrial leadership.”
“Embracing human-machine collaboration for industries to augment human capabilities introduces great new possibilities in navigating evolving market landscapes. At Agilent, we are proud to contribute to Penang’s continuous economic growth by driving innovation, world-class manufacturing, and investing in high-value skills.” Said Chow Woai Sheng, President for Order Fulfillment and Supply Chain (Interim) and Vice President for Global Instrument Manufacturing at Agilent.
At the core of Agilent’s 4IR transformation is a digital training program that upskilled 88% of its local workforce to shape the next chapter of sustainable manufacturing. As the company advances the potential of AI in the manufacture of life sciences instruments, Agilent continues to collaborate with Malaysia’s science community, enabling scientists to accelerate discoveries and improve the quality of life.
