Talent crunch creates drag on Malaysia’s goal of becoming global medtech hub

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Tan Ai Leng

Published Thu, May 25, 2023 · 05:50 AM

The growing potential of Malaysia's medtech industry has led Johor to explore the potential of positioning the state as a regional medical devices manufacturing hub. PHOTO: BT FILE
B Braun Asia Pacific president Lam Chee Hong said: "We should build knowledge-based industries rather than a labour-intensive market to attract more professionals in automation and to join high-tech companies." PHOTO: B BRAUN

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[KUALA LUMPUR] While Malaysia harbours ambitions to become a global offshore manufacturing hub for medical devices, industry players say a severe shortage of talent is hindering the country’s progress as it seeks to move up the value chain.

The country has a long history of producing medical devices for multinationals, with close to 300 medical technology – or medtech – firms setting up their regional headquarters or an office in the country.

Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia indicates that exports in professional, scientific and controlling instruments and apparatus (including medical devices) totalled RM42.9 billion (S$12.6 billion) in 2021. This marked a nearly 54 per cent increase from RM27.9 billion in 2017.

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