Kota Kinabalu: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are reshaping the manufacturing industry, with the printing and packaging sectors at the forefront of this revolution.
This was evident during the recent 31st China International Exhibition on Packaging Machinery and Materials (Sino-Pack 2025) and China International Exhibition on Packaging Products 2025 (PACKINNO 2025) held in Guangzhou, China.
A 35-member delegation from the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) witnessed first-hand how these ancient industries are moving toward a comprehensive AI and digital era during their visit from March 4 – 6.
The exhibition, covering 150,000 square meters with 15 exhibition halls and more than 2,100 exhibitors, showcased innovations in printing, packaging, labelling and packaging products with a focus on automation, smart technology and environmentally friendly solutions.
KKCCCI Vice President cum Overseas Business Delegation Chairman Andy Lim said the rise of AI and Digitalisation is transforming business models in the industry.
“While traditional printing benefited from economies of scale in large markets, digital technology is enabling a shift toward Print-on-Demand (POD) systems that are replacing conventional bulk printing operations,” he said.
“Digital printing has the ability to print in small quantities, even a single piece can be printed quickly and flexibly.
“This approach reduces inventory risk, improves cost-effectiveness, minimises waste and is more environmentally friendly,” he added.
The exhibition highlighted how these technological advances particularly benefit small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the majority of businesses in Sabah.
With AI integration, even individual business owners can transform into what one speaker called super individuals.
“Many SMEs are owned and run by a single individual who handles all aspects of their business,” said Guan Guoping, who presented on “The Rise of Small-Batch Packaging: Pathways for SMEs to Transform into Super Individuals” at the exhibition.
“With the integration of AI in the printing and packaging industry, Artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) plus humanoid robots will reshape the entire manufacturing industry,” he said.
This technology enables a single business owner to effectively function as a product manager, designer, media worker and foreign sales officer simultaneously, wearing multiple hats with the support of AI tools.
KKCCCI President Datuk Michael Lui Yen Sang said embarking on digital transformation is absolutely necessary in today’s business environment.
He acknowledge AI printing, AI packaging, AI labelling as important future trends that businesses must adapt to.
The contrast in scale between the Chinese printing industry, valued at approximately RM870 billion in 2022 and Sabah’s entire manufacturing sector, which contributed RM6.03 billion to the State’s GDP in 2023 underscores the importance of technological advancement for smaller markets to remain competitive.
As global consumer demands shift toward personalised products and agile manufacturing capabilities, the minimum order quantity is no longer the threshold businesses set for their customers.
Instead, the focus is moving toward providing tailored products that effectively meet each customer’s unique needs through AI-powered systems.
