SELANGOR, 16 June 2026 – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, businesses are increasingly moving beyond experimentation and focusing on solutions that deliver measurable operational value. Reflecting this shift, RICOH Malaysia recently introduced a range of AI, automation and integrated technology solutions at its "RICOH Empowering AI – Smarter Work, Real Impact" showcase, demonstrating how intelligent technologies are being applied in real-world business environments.

Held at M World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, the event highlighted how organisations across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, inspection and workplace management are embracing AI to improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making and streamline workflows. Rather than presenting AI as a future concept, RICOH showcased practical technologies that businesses can integrate into their existing operations to support long-term digital transformation.

The showcase aligns with Malaysia's broader industrial ambitions under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), which aims to develop 3,000 smart factories through greater adoption of automation, AI and advanced digital technologies. As industries continue modernising their operations, intelligent technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in boosting productivity and strengthening the country's manufacturing ecosystem.

The event was officiated by RICOH Chief Digital Officer for the Asia Pacific region, Satoshi Tsugane, together with Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) President Jacob Lee Chor Kok and RICOH Malaysia Managing Director Alice Lee. Their presence reflected growing collaboration between technology providers, industry leaders and policymakers in supporting Malaysia's digital economy and industrial transformation agenda.

According to Satoshi Tsugane, organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly looking for AI solutions that go beyond experimentation and generate tangible business outcomes. He noted that companies are seeking technologies capable of connecting information, workflows and people more effectively while supporting sustainable business growth and long-term operational transformation.

One of the key highlights of the showcase was the demonstration of AI-powered operational solutions designed for different business environments. These included intelligent inspection systems capable of improving product quality through smartphone defect detection, fibre optic inspection and print quality monitoring, enabling greater precision and consistency across manufacturing processes.

RICOH also presented workflow intelligence solutions that integrate workplace management, document handling and business processes to improve collaboration, accessibility of information and day-to-day operational efficiency. These technologies are designed to help organisations respond more quickly to changing business demands while reducing manual administrative tasks.

Another focus area was AI-driven connected operations, where automation technologies enable organisations to create more responsive, adaptable and interconnected workflows across departments and operational sites. Such solutions support better visibility into business operations while enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

FMM President Jacob Lee Chor Kok said Malaysian manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to improve productivity and remain competitive amid evolving global market conditions. He explained that while technology adoption is important, businesses must also ensure that digital solutions integrate seamlessly into existing operations and deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and operational performance.

Meanwhile, RICOH Malaysia Managing Director Alice Lee said conversations surrounding AI have shifted significantly over the past few years. Rather than asking what AI could achieve, organisations are now focusing on how intelligent technologies can be implemented effectively across logistics, manufacturing, inspection and workplace management.

She added that RICOH aims to help businesses deploy scalable AI solutions that strengthen operational agility while remaining flexible enough to meet different industry requirements. By combining automation with intelligent workflows, organisations can build more resilient operations capable of adapting to future business challenges.

As digital transformation accelerates across Malaysia, AI is expected to become a core component of everyday business operations rather than a standalone innovation. Events such as "RICOH Empowering AI – Smarter Work, Real Impact" demonstrate how intelligent technologies are increasingly delivering practical benefits that improve productivity, operational visibility and business competitiveness across multiple industries.