Environmental Scan 2017 | Page 31

Environmental Scan 2017: Human Capital Issues within the Medical Devices Sector The environmental scan has identified several human capital issues and challenges within the MedDev industry as listed below. Seven key recommendations have been developed to address these issues and challenges. Key Issues The lack of awareness of the MedDev industry is resulting in difficulty to attract talents to join the industry  The awareness and understanding of the MedDev industry is poor in Malaysia. Most people either have not heard of the industry or think that biology background is required to work in the industry The industry needs to move up the value chain in order to stay competitive. However, the availability of local talents in R&D is one of the barriers of undertaking more R&D activities in Malaysia      1. Raise the profile of the MedDev industry among Malaysians to further attract talents 2. Drive R&D and innovation within the MedDev industry in order to move up the value chain Increasing cost pressure from neighbouring countries (e.g. Thailand, Vietnam, China) within the lower end product range is driving companies to move up the value chain in order to stay competitive Many industry players do not place emphasis on R&D. Even if they do conduct R&D, the focus is mainly on supporting R&D activities in overseas or for minor process / product improvem