Panel Discussion: Resilient supply chains: Leveraging Technology to overcome Disruptions and Drive Productivity

In today's fast-evolving industrial landscape, manufacturers are increasingly relying on cutting-edge technologies to build resilient and agile supply chains that can withstand disruptions and drive sustained productivity and sustainability. 

This panel will explore how emerging technologies — specifically AI, IoT, Blockchain, and Edge Computing — are transforming manufacturing systems, enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of supply chains, and enabling manufacturers to navigate both operational and external challenges with greater ease. 

Hosted by SAP & Partners 

Theme: Digital Transformation, Sustainability, Supply Chain Resilience, Industrial AI

Keynote: Next-Gen Power Semiconductors: Driving Decarbonisation & Resilience from the Heart of Asia

The shift to wide-bandgap semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) represents a major technological leap forward — enabling more efficient power conversion in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, AI data centers, and industrial applications. 

• The technology leap: Why SiC and GaN are essential for the energy transition, e-mobility, and AI 
• Green factory of the future: Embedding circularity, energy efficiency, and carbon neutrailty into every layer of chip production 
• Scaling regional capacity & resilience: The strategic role of Asia-Pacific and multi-site synergy (e.g., Kulim-Villach "virtual fab" model) in building secure, decarbonised supply chains

This keynote offers a real-world case study of how advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and regional competitiveness converge — with Asia at the helm of next-gen Semiconductor innovation. 

Themes: Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Industrial AI

Session 5 - Fireside Chat: AI-Powered Lights-Out Manufacturing: From Intelligent Design to Energy-Efficent, Autonomous Operations 

As global manufacturers race toward greater competitiveness, the convergence of AI, automation, and sustainability is redefining what’s possible on the factory floor. This session explores how AI is enabling fully autonomous, “lights-out” operations — where machines run with minimal human intervention—while also driving smarter product design, predictive optimisation, and sustainable practices.

Learn how leading manufacturers are integrating AI across the value chain to reduce time-to-market, optimise energy usage, and cut carbon emissions, transforming traditional factories into intelligent, agile, and eco-efficient production ecosystems. 

• AI in Generative Design: How manufacturers are using AI to speed up and optimise product development from the outset. 
• Predictive Optimisation: Leveraging AI to dynamically balance speed, cost, and quality  across production. 
• Lights-Out Operations: Real-World examples of fully automated, autonomous manufacturing environments. 
• Sustainable Smart Factories: How AI enables energy-efficient, low-emssion, and zero-waste operations. 
• Ecosystem Collaboration: The role of R&D, public-private and cross-industry learning in accelerating AI adoption. 

Speaker: Dr Ng Huey Yuen, Coordinating Director, R&D, Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre

Themes: Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Industrial AI

Session 6 - Fireside Chat: Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler: Securing Innvoation FMCG

As digital transformation becomes core to FMCG operations — from supply chains to consumer engagement — cybersecurity is now a strategic imperative. In this candid conservation, senior leaders from the industry explore how they are embedding security into business operations, managing evolving risks, and enabling innovation without compromising trust. 

Gain Insights on: 

• How CISOs are evolving into digital business enablers — understand how security leaders are co-driving transformation with product, operations, and data teams in high-speed consumer markets. 
• Emerging cyber risks in always-on supply chains — learn from real cases of ransomware, conencted device exposure, and third-party breaches — and how to mitigate them before they hit. 
• Creating a cyber-aware culture from HQ to factory floor — discover what works when engaging non-technical teams, partners, and executives in adopting secure behaviours at scale. 
• Measuring the ROI of cybersecurity — hot top FMCG players are aligning cyber investments with innovation goals, operational uptime, and brand trust. 

Speakers: 

- Stephanie Liew, Chief Information Security Officer, British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad

- Athikom Kanchanavibhu, Executive VP - Digital & Technology Transformation, CISO, DPO Mitr Phol Group

Themes: Digital Transformation, Sustainabiltiy, Supply Chain Resilience, Workforce Transformation

Panel Discussion: Building the Right Ecosystem: How to Evaluate and Partner with Vendors for Smart Manufacturing Transformation 

Smart manufacturing success hinges on building the right ecosystem of vendors and partners. This session explores how to evaluate technology providers, system integrators, and innovators for long-term transformation. Panelists will discuss key criteria such as scalability, interoperability, and alignment with global standards, as well as partnership models beyond transactional deals. The session also addresses risk management, vendor diversity, and the role of public-private collaboration in fostering resilient, future-ready ecosystems. 

Speakers: 

- Prem Prakash Jayaraman, Director, Factory of the Future and Digital Innovation Lab, Swinburne Research

- Ham Myo Tha, General manager, Cragar Industries

Themes: Digital Transformation, Industrial AI, Workforce Transformation, Innovation Ecosystem 

Session 7: Edge Computing and IT/OT integration for Seamless 5G Connectivity

A deep dive into how edge computing and IT/OT convergence can enable more efficient, collaborative ecosystems, driving innovation in enabling real-time data processing, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, and reducing latency in smart factories. 

Themes: Digital Transformation, Industrial AI, Workforce Transformation, Innovation Ecosystem

Innovation Design Sprint: Crafting Smart Manufacturing Solutions with AI, Robotics, and Digital Twins

Description:

In this hands-on innovation Design Sprint, participants will collaborate in sector-specific groups — Electrical & Electronics, Semiconductor, Automotive, Logistics & Supply Chains, and Food & Beverage Manufacturing to develop sutting-edge manufacturing solutions using AI, robotics, and digital twin technologies. 

Each group will tackle real-world industry challenges relevant to their sector, exploring how these technologies can be integrated to improve production workflows, strengthen supply chain responsiveness, ensure quality, and drive sustainable growth. 

By the end of the session, teams will present actionable strategies and conceptual solutions tailored to their respective industries. 

Discussion Overview:

Participants will work in sector-based breakout teams, guided by facilitators and indsutry experts. Each group will be presented with a challenge scenario grounded in real manufacturing issues — from chip fabrication to warehouse automation to paerishable goods traceability. 

Participants will co-create a conceptual smart manufacturing ecosystem using AI, robotics, and digital twins, aligns with sector specific pain points and transformation goals. 

Objectives: 

• Develop a deep, sector-specific understanding of how advanced technologie can transform manufacturing operations. 
• Encourage collaborative problem-solving between industry peers, techonology partners, and innovation coaches. 
• Generate practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented across key manufacturing sectors in Asia Pacific.