THESE days, many European and North American countries are relying on robotics for most of their industries and it’s about time Malaysia embraces automation.

The International Trade and Industry Ministry, as part of the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) roadmap, is set to look at automation as the way forward for the Malaysian industry.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said the ministry is out to encourage youngsters to study courses based on technology to help develop the country’s industries through automation.

“We are looking at automation and for this, lots of technical vocational training is needed. In the past, it was not as rigourous, but now this is the direction.

“Lots of European factories use automation and robotics. In the past, we encouraged young people to study business, law and medicine, but now we want them to go into robotics and engineering.

“We want them to be a robotics engineer or material science engineer,” he said after distributing ang pow to the needy at the Tow Boo Keong Hall last week.

According to the International Society of Automation, automation is the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services with minimal or reduced human intervention.

Ong said the country needs to produce young professionals to meet our industrial needs and not rely on foreign expertise to boost the industrial sector.

He said a survey conducted by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers recently revealed that only 30% of local manufacturers are prepared for automation.

“Most of them don’t have the talent, expertise and experience. Even our schools and universities don’t train students for these fields.

“Recently, we’ve formed a secretariat with Human Resources Ministry and Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to train people in fields related to technology.

“Why do we have so many foreign workers? It’s because we don’t have technology to use automation. If we train our youths early, then we can head towards automation. It’s time to have a new paradigm,” he said.

On a separate matter, Ong said issues related to economics and international trade shouldn’t be politicised because Malaysia has trade deals with many countries.

“In trading, if someone wants to do business with you, you have to trade. If an American businessman want to invest, we will accept it. We accept any investor who brings capital into the country.

“It’s best not to politicise economic issues. It’s not necessary. There are 90 other countries trading with Malaysia. We will be the loser if we politicise trade too much.

“Of course we have to protect our national interests by making sure the investments will benefit the country.”

Ong was commenting on former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad’s criticism of the RM143bil worth of trade and deals between Malaysia and China.

Ong was at Tow Boo Keong Hall to give away Ang Paos and goodie bags to the needy for Chinese New Year.

He said he has been attending the event held annually at the temple for many years and hopes to be there again next year.

“I met a 90-year-old lady and she told me to come next year. I told her to take care of her health and I will surely be there next year,” he said.