Urban Vision: 10th July 2025 Theme: ESG & Industry 4.0

Dato Dania Abd Wahab

Urban Vision @ HBS | 10 July 2025 – Extended Event Summary Theme: ESG & Industry 4.0

Urban Vision at Haniffa Business School on 10th July 2025 offered a compelling platform for cross-sector dialogue on sustainability and innovation. The session featured a keynote presentation by Dato’ Dania Abd Wahab, who shared insights from her PhD research on the Critical Success Factors of Smart Factory Adoption Among Malaysian E&E SMEs. Her talk explored the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and data analytics within Malaysia’s manufacturing ecosystem—particularly in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form over 96% of business establishments in the country.

Drawing attention to the national roadmap and policy efforts—including the RM9.4 billion budget for digital transformation—Dato’ Dania stressed that while awareness of IR4.0 is growing, actual implementation among SMEs remains a challenge. She identified key barriers such as a lack of strategic clarity, limited digital talent, and cybersecurity concerns.

Complementing the IR4.0 narrative, Dato’ Dania delved into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She emphasized how Malaysian SMEs can align their operations with SDGs such as SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), through training, inclusive leadership, and sustainable production.

The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Mr. Morecome Mumba, the High Commissioner of Zambia to Malaysia, and key leaders from TNB, MRANTI, FESTECH, KULIM Hi-Tech, Access IT, and Ovalapp. Their attendance underscored the importance of international collaboration and cross-industry engagement in driving sustainable transformation.

MAHSA University’s continued commitment to SDG-aligned education, digital innovation, and impactful community engagement was evident throughout the session. Urban Vision @ HBS proved to be more than just a networking event—it was a strategic platform to bridge academia, industry, and government toward a more sustainable and digitally empowered future.