CYBERSECURITY POWERS MALAYSIA’S DIGITAL FACTORIES TO A SECURE FUTURE

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- As Malaysian manufacturers undergo digital transformation, safeguarding operations, data, and supply chains from rising threats becomes crucial, requiring swift action to bolster cybersecurity defences.

Epicor senior country manager for Malaysia Ben Lim said cloud solutions provide a scalable and secure foundation for digital manufacturing as they enable real-time monitoring, automated threat detection, and data encryption, reducing cyber risks. Additionally, he said that enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with AI-driven security features help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they cause damage.

“Integrating cybersecurity into daily operations through security audits, employee training, and zero-trust frameworks strengthens protection and helps manufacturers defend against evolving threats. By prioritising cybersecurity within digital strategies, Malaysian manufacturers can boost operational resilience and safeguard critical data. A strong security posture also reinforces trust across supply chains, ensuring a smoother transition into the digital era,” he told Bernama.

Cloud-based solutions help businesses enhance scalability

Lim said cloud-based ERP systems are a real game-changer when it comes to boosting scalability, flexibility, and resilience. ERP system allows businesses to scale their operations in real time, accommodating growth and changing demands without needing big investments in infrastructure. With the ability to scale resources as needed, companies can ensure optimal efficiency while staying agile in a fast-changing market.

“These systems also redefine the way teams work. Employees can access critical business applications from anywhere with an internet connection, facilitating flexible remote work and enhancing collaboration across different locations,” he added.

As supply chains become more digital, he pointed out that robust cybersecurity measures are more important than ever. The cloud offers great recovery and backup solutions, ensuring business continuity and data protection.

Furthermore, shifting to a cloud-based model helps companies keep their costs down, moving from large upfront capital expenses to a more predictable operational expense structure. It makes financial planning much smoother. And the momentum is undeniable. Lim stated that Epicor continues to report strong growth in its cloud solutions.

In the financial year of 2024, Epicor saw a 42 per cent year-over-year increase in software-as-a-service (SaaS) cloud revenue. 

“Notably, about 80 per cent of new customers chose subscription-based solutions, indicating a strong trend towards adopting industry-focused cloud ERP solutions. This shift is even more pronounced in Asia, where the move to the cloud is accelerating rapidly.  Epicor’s cloud business in the region nearly doubled last year,” he continued.

Primary drivers of Malaysia's manufacturing growth

Lim expects Malaysia's manufacturing sector to be all set for impressive growth in 2025, driven by significant investment activities from initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

“This is expected to pull in high value investments in areas like manufacturing, logistics, and even the energy transition. The SEZ alone is predicted to create around 20,000 skilled jobs and make cross-border trade much more efficient,” he said.

The US-China trade war has also prompted a lot of Chinese companies to scout around for new manufacturing hubs and Malaysia is in a great position to benefit from this because of its cost advantages and strong connections to regional markets. Being part of ASEAN and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade bloc further boosts Malaysia’s appeal as a manufacturing destination for these companies.

Malaysia is also making the most of the global semiconductor boom. 

“Our electronics and semiconductor industries are already well established and are geared up for sustained growth. So, all in all, these factors paint a highly promising picture for Malaysia's manufacturing sector this year,” he added.

-- BERNAMA