Facing the challenges of AFTA: the role of universities and research institutions in the development of plastics industry in Malaysia

Abstract

The role of the Malaysian plastics industry is very important to our economy. Productivity and quality will be Malaysia's hallmark in gaining a strong foothold and taking advantage of the enlarged market of 520 million population as a result of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) Free Trade Area (AFTA). To meet the growing needs of the industry, the universities and research institutions have two main roles. Firstly, is the manpower training to produce enough numbers of skilled professionals for the industry. The other role is in the field of research and consultancy. In this view, the role of the universities and research institutions are very important. The paper will discuss the role and contribution of the institutions in Malaysia to fulfill the above objective and facing the challenges of AFTA. The focus will be on the role of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and SIRIM in the manpower development and R&D activities in plastics industries.