On 26–27 May 2025, the 2nd Annual Kingdom Manufacturing 4.0 Conference convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together global thought leaders to explore the next frontier of industrial excellence under the banner “Transforming Today’s Factories for Tomorrow’s Success.” The two-day event served as a strategic platform to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions through innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable manufacturing.
Representing the International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), Dr Jesmond Hong, Chief Operating Officer, played a central role in the programme—both as a speaker and as a moderator—advancing conversations around smart manufacturing and industrial resilience.
From Assessment to Implementation: Shaping the Roadmap for Industrial Readiness
In his presentation, “Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) and Operational Excellence Readiness Index (OPERI): From Assessment to Scalable Implementation in Saudi Arabia,” Dr Hong showcased how INCIT’s prioritisation indexes—SIRI and OPERI—enable manufacturers to assess their current readiness levels and develop tailored, scalable strategies that accelerate operational transformation.
The session covered:
- Identifying capability gaps and growth opportunities through structured self-assessment,
- Adapting implementation roadmaps to the unique context of Saudi Arabia’s industrial sectors,
- Harnessing advanced Industry 4.0 technologies to drive productivity and efficiency, and
- Highlighting success stories from across the globe to inspire local application.
By aligning assessment tools with on-the-ground implementation, INCIT aims to support sustainable growth and digital competitiveness across the Kingdom’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Moderating the Shift from Industry 4.0 to 5.0
Dr Hong also moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Charting the Shift from Efficiency-Centric 4.0 to Purpose-Driven 5.0.” The session brought together industry leaders to explore how manufacturers can move beyond automation and efficiency, toward a future defined by human-centric innovation, sustainability, and strategic resilience.
Key discussion points included:
- The integration of ESG goals into core manufacturing strategies,
- Redefining workforce roles in the age of intelligent automation,
- Encouraging purpose-driven transformation that benefits both industry and society.
As INCIT continues to champion global industrial transformation, participation in platforms like Kingdom Manufacturing 4.0 underscores the organisation’s commitment to working collaboratively with partners across the region—supporting knowledge sharing, capability building, and long-term impact.
