Malaysia can take on high-value engineering work done in India, says French group

Malaysia possesses a robust automotive, aerospace, electronics, and semiconductor industries, claims Arun Rajendran, CEO and managing director of French engineering firm Segula Technologies. Rajendran, speaking with FMT following a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the BRICS leadership summit, asserts that Malaysia already boasts strong road networks, ports, and air connectivity.

He emphasizes that while much of the specialized design and engineering work persists in countries such as India, Malaysia can assume a larger share by developing its engineering workforce. Segula Technologies intends to establish a global engineering hub in Malaysia by the end of 2026, leveraging AI expertise to bolster industries including automobiles, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

Malaysian clients in the car and aerospace sectors are increasingly soliciting the relocation of work from India to Malaysia, according to Rajendran. He suggests bringing seasoned engineers from India to Malaysia for a brief training period, approximately three to four months, before Malaysian teams assume the majority of tasks.

The expense and difficulty in retaining skilled engineers in India have rendered Malaysia a more appealing proposition. Malaysia's additional advantages include dependable electricity and water supplies, as well as the presence of numerous prominent international manufacturers.