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Recognition puts Penang on the global map for advanced manufacturing excellence recognized by the World Economic Forum

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 14 August 2025 – Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today celebrated a landmark moment for successfully transforming its smart factory through Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in Penang. The recognition, co-founded by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company, identified factories that achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, and talent development worldwide.

Using AI to transform complex manufacturing, Agilent Penang has improved overall productivity by 40%, delivery lead time by 48% and significantly reduced environmental impact. These digital advancements enabled faster response to changing demand while upskilling workforce into AI-ready talent. Today, Agilent stands as one of only two factories in Malaysia to be names by the Forum, putting Penang on the world map for advanced manufacturing excellence.

YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, said, “I am especially proud that both Malaysian Lighthouse sites are located in Penang, a reflection of the state’s readiness to embrace Industry 4.0 and its rising prominence as a national benchmark for smart manufacturing excellence.” He added, “Agilent balances technological advancement with environmental and social responsibility, making its Penang’s site a true model for Smart Factory development in Malaysia.”

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), expressed, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Agilent for this prestigious recognition as a World Economic Forum Global Lighthouse – a milestone that reinforces Malaysia’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and smart industry. We applaud Agilent’s significant role as one of the enablers and accelerators for the entire semiconductor value chain in the country. The National Semiconductor Strategy strengthens the overall industrial ecosystem by advancing skills, research, and infrastructure, which in turn supports high-value companies like Agilent and helps the semiconductor sector grow more resilient. Together with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, these national efforts are being translated into real, measurable impact. MIDA is proud to have supported Agilent’s journey as we collectively position Malaysia at the forefront of global industrial leadership.”

“Embracing human-machine collaboration for industries to augment human capabilities introduces great new possibilities in navigating evolving market landscapes. At Agilent, we are proud to contribute to Penang’s continuous economic growth by driving innovation, world-class manufacturing, and investing in high-value skills.” Said Chow Woai Sheng, President for Order Fulfillment and Supply Chain (Interim) and Vice President for Global Instrument Manufacturing at Agilent.

At the core of Agilent’s 4IR transformation is a digital training program that upskilled 88% of its local workforce to shape the next chapter of sustainable manufacturing. As the company advances the potential of AI in the manufacture of life sciences instruments, Agilent continues to collaborate with Malaysia’s science community, enabling scientists to accelerate discoveries and improve the quality of life.

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About Global Lighthouse Network
Launched in 2018, the Global Lighthouse Network brings together and celebrates the success of the world’s leading industrial sites which achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, customer centricity, sustainability and talent. This global community of influential innovators, deploying over 1,000 solutions in multiple industries, includes 189 sites, 25 of which are Sustainability Lighthouses. The network now spans over 30 countries and 35 sectors. The initiative was co-founded by the World Economic Forum and Mckinsey & Company. Learn more at WEForum.org.

About MIDA     
MIDA is the Government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

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 Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Mr. Mazlan Mokhtar,
Director, Electrical and Electronics Division, MIDA
T: +603-2267 6655
E: mazlan@mida.gov.my

InvestPenang
Elaine Cheah / Arief Ferdaus
Communications & Business Intelligence
T: +604-646 8833
E: elaine@investpenang.gov.my / arief@investpenang.gov.my

Agilent Technologies
Grace Thong
Media Relations, South Asia and Korea
T: +65 9688 2152
E: grace.thong@agilent.com