KUKA Robotics Expands Malaysian Footprint with New Penang Office, Strengthening Nation’s Automation Hub Status
Strategic expansion and PSDC partnership set to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption and talent development in Northern Malaysia
Penang, 18 June 2025 – KUKA Robotics Malaysia, a subsidiary of Germany-headquartered KUKA — a global leader in intelligent automation solutions and majority-owned by China’s Midea Group – today marked a significant milestone with the official launch of its new Penang branch in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. This strategic move reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing industrial automation and robotics innovation in Malaysia and across the Asia-Pacific Economic region.
The ceremony was graced by YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, alongside senior representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), InvestPenang, and key industry leaders.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, congratulated KUKA on its office expansion to Penang, stating, “KUKA’s expansion into Penang underscores Malaysia’s robust industrial ecosystem and the growing demand for advanced automation solutions. This new office will assume a key role in supporting our high-technology industries through closer customer engagement, enhanced technical services, and the development of local talent. The initiative is well aligned with the goals of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, particularly in building Malaysia’s strengths in smart automation.”
This expansion follows KUKA’s successful establishment of its first Malaysian office in Puchong, Selangor and represents a strategic move to support Northern Malaysia’s growing prominence in high-tech manufacturing and smart automation.
During the ceremony, KUKA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) to collaborate on robotics training and workforce development — a key initiative aligned with Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 vision.
“Penang’s strength in advanced manufacturing makes it the ideal location for KUKA’s next chapter. We are proud to partner with state agencies and PSDC to shape the next generation of industrial talent,” said Mr. Tean Shen Zen, CEO of KUKA Southeast Asia.
“KUKA’s investment in Penang reflects our confidence in Malaysia as a strategic partner for innovation in automation and robotics,” added Mr. Alan Fam, Chief Regional Officer, KUKA APeC.
The new facility features:
- State-of-the-art Application Center showcasing KUKA’s latest robotic solutions
- Advanced demonstration areas for electronics, automotive, logistics, and medical applications
- Swisslog AutoStore demo facility highlighting intralogistics capabilities
- Training facilities for workforce development programmes
With this latest expansion, KUKA strengthens its footprint in Malaysia and reinforces its commitment to supporting the nation’s Industry 4.0 transformation. The Penang branch is set to serve as a regional hub for innovation, technical support, and talent engagement — empowering businesses across sectors to embrace smarter, more efficient automation solutions.
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About MIDA
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). MIDA oversees and drives investments into Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA operates through 12 regional and 21 overseas offices, serving as a strategic partner to businesses in leveraging opportunities from the ongoing technological revolution. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
About InvestPenang
InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), and Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy) and Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC design and technology enterprises). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn; WhatsApp Channel and TikTok.
About M.A.i GmbH & Co. KG
M.A.i GmbH & Co. KG is a global provider of automation solutions in special machine construction, headquartered in Kronach, Germany. The company develops individual solutions for industries such as automotive, medical technology, electronics, and new energy. In addition to its German headquarters, which serves as the central innovation, production, and competence center, M.A.i maintains production sites in China and Mexico. With the expansion in Malaysia, the company strengthens its global presence and manufacturing capabilities in strategically important markets.
For more information, please contact:
MIDA
Ms. Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery and Metal Technology Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 6769
InvestPenang
Elaine Cheah / Arief Ferdaus
Communications & Business Intelligence
Email: [email protected] / [email protected] | DL: +604-646 8833
M.A.i GmbH & Co. KG Headquarters
Hummendorfer Straße 74
96317 Kronach-Neuses
Germany
+49 9261 / 910 000
[email protected]
www.m-a-i.de
M.A.i Automation Technology Malaysia Sdn.Bhd.
PMT3089, Jalan Jelawat, Taman Perindustrian Seberang Jaya,
13700 Perai, Penang
Malaysia
+604 383 92 12
[email protected]
www.m-a-i.my
