Principal Lead, Intelligent Automation, Robotics and XR

JOB PURPOSE

The Technology Lead, Robotics & XR is a senior strategic and technical role responsible for steering MDEC's national-level Robotics and Extended Reality initiatives to support Malaysia's ambition of becoming a leading digital economy in the region and beyond. The incumbent will Focus on Robotics, Automation, Digital twins, XR, Industry transformation and Smart Manufacturing and become execution engine of Malaysia AI Nation Ambition.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. National Robotics, XR & Intelligent Systems Strategy

• Lead national Robotics, XR and Intelligent Systems initiatives aligned with Malaysia's digital economy and industrial transformation agenda.
• Identify growth opportunities, ecosystem gaps and strategic interventions.
• Position Malaysia as a regional leader in automation, immersive technologies and intelligent systems.

Key Skills

• Technology strategy
• National policy alignment
• Emerging technology assessment
• Ecosystem planning
• Industry transformation

2. Ecosystem Development & Strategic Partnerships

• Build strategic partnerships across government, industry, academia, investors and technology providers.
• Accelerate innovation, commercialisation and adoption of Robotics and XR technologies.
• Strengthen Malaysia's ecosystem through talent, investment, infrastructure and innovation initiatives

Key Skills

• Partnership development
• Ecosystem building
• Investment attraction
• Industry engagement
• Research collaboration

3. Industry Adoption & Programme Delivery

• Drive adoption of Robotics, XR, Digital Twins and Intelligent Automation across priority sectors.
• Lead execution of strategic programmes and ensure measurable economic impact.
• Deliver outcomes across productivity, investment, talent development and ecosystem maturity.

Key Skills

• Programme leadership
• Transformation management
• Adoption frameworks
• KPI management
• Change management

4. Technology Advisory & Thought Leadership

• Advise MDEC's leadership on Robotics, XR, Intelligent Automation and future technology trends.
• Produce strategic insights and recommendations that support Malaysia's competitiveness.
• Represent MDEC's in national and international ecosystem engagements.

Key Skills

• Executive advisory
• Emerging technologies
• Market intelligence
• Public speaking
• Strategic communications

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

• A bachelor's degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering or Industrial Engineering
• A master's degree in Technology Management or Innovation Management would be an added advantage.
• About 8–12 years of relevant experience in robotics, XR, emerging technologies, automation, intelligent systems, technology strategy, digital transformation, programme management, consulting, ecosystem development, or related fields.
• Strong exposure to robotics, automation, XR platforms, immersive technologies, digital twins, simulation, AI-enabled systems, IoT, cloud platforms, or technology-enabled transformation.
• Experience working with government agencies, technology companies, research institutions, academia, industry players, investors, or international partners would be highly valuable.

COMPETENCIES

• Intelligent Automation Strategy
• Industry 4.0 Transformation
• AI-enabled Robotics
• Ecosystem Development
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Digital Twins
• XR / Spatial Computing
• Investment Attraction
• Technology Commercialisation
• Innovation Programme Delivery