Malaysia has emerged as one of the global trendsetters in textile and apparel wear. From the streets of Paris to the catwalks of New York, Malaysian designers have had the honour of creating clothing that have been worn by celebrities, members of royalty as well as heads of states.
“Going forward, we want to see more entrepreneurs adopting higher value-added processes and technologies. We want to build a stronger and more comprehensive ecosystem, one that focuses on talent, skills and innovation,” said Datuk Isham Ishak, Secretary General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) during the Fashion & Design Conference 2018 held at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) yesterday.
Isham also elaborated that Industry 4.0 technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) have impacted both the front end as well as back end of the textile and apparel industry.
“The digital transformation will open up opportunities for completely new and efficient business models. This can lead to more innovative and enhanced products, higher productivity and growth. Nonetheless, we understand that it is not easy for a company to transition into this digital era. The shifts within an organisation’s internal structure and operating processes will be challenging, but the transformation is necessary,” he added.
In continuing with the momentum from the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) 2018, the full day event aims to create more awareness on the availability of new technologies, facilitate exchanges of information and encourage more value added activities towards bringing Malaysia’s fashion and design industry to the next level of development.
Datuk Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA in his opening remarks said, “The textile and apparel industry has been a consistent contributor to the national economy in terms of investments and export earnings. In 2017, the industry was the 11th largest contributor for exports of manufactured goods, amounting to RM15.3 billion.”
“During the same period, MIDA has approved 12 projects with total investments of RM428.8 million, mainly in the production of primary textiles, ready to wear garments, and textile accessories sub-sectors. These projects have generated a total of 1,850 job opportunities including skilled positions such as engineers, quality controllers and highly skilled technicians.”
“I am also pleased to share that many international fashion brands such as Brook Brothers, Armani, Victoria Secret, Marks & Spencer, GAP, Adidas, Nike, Burberry and Ralph Lauren are being made in Malaysia.”
“We believe that many more Malaysian textile and fashion entrepreneurs are capable of becoming international players as we have many talents. Nevertheless, there are many practical steps that are needed in upscaling their businesses. Companies are encouraged to take advantage of the available facilities that MIDA offers such as the matching grant under the Domestic Investment Strategic Fund, Automation Capital Allowance (ACA) incentive to increase their productivity and moreover, quality,” added the MIDA CEO.
This Fashion & Design Conference 2018, which attracted about 300 participants, was organised by MIDA in collaboration with KLFW, Malaysia Design Council (MRM), UniKL, Mimpikita, Kelab Usahawan Artis Tanah Air (KUAT), Ernst & Young, Lewré Bespoke and Malaysia Textile and Apparel Centre (MATAC).
It featured a talk titled ‘Towards Fashion & Design Technology’ by Mr Jonathan Rees from Ernst & Young; a plenary session on ‘What’s Next’ moderated by Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Zainuddin, Chairman of MRM and a business networking session.
In efforts to promote Malaysian products and talents, there was a performance by rising Malaysian artist Ms Irene Catalina and a mini-showcase featuring products by local and multinational corporations such as KUAT, the Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Associations of Malaysia, YaPEIM Gold, Noor Arfa Batik, B.U.M Equipment, Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA), Malaysian Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association (MKMA), Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA), Kraftangan Malaysia and MATAC.
The showcase was also participated by industry solution providers ranging from full fledge manufacturing solution providers, 3D printing solutions and artificial intelligence. The companies include Siemens, Rockwell, Zul Design, TXMR, T.E.M. Engineering and Robopreneur.
