Malaysia’s leading manufacturer of shelves and racks for retail and warehouse operations. Edwin oversees the company’s manufacturing arm and champions continuous innovation to serve retail and logistics clients.
Founder, Mr. Robot
Mr. Robot focuses on AI‑driven robotics for real‑world automation. It develops humanoid and service robots that improve operational performance in retail, logistics and commercial environments. The company emphasises practical deployment rather than prototypes and integrates advanced AI with system engineering to make robotics accessible to businesses.
Director of Jemco Warehouse Solutions (JWS) and Jemco Technology Solutions (JTS)
JWS and JTS are divisions of the Jemco Group that develops smart warehouse fixtures, automation and AI‐driven robotics solutions. The division designs Warehouse Management and Control Systems, integrates robotics and automation equipment, and supports clients from design through implementation and technical support.
Head of Strategic Planning, The Hub’s Retail Solutions Group
In addition to his executive and entrepreneurial roles, Edwin serves as head of strategic planning for The Hub’s Retail Solutions Group – the holding arm of the Jemco Group with a regional presence in six countries. In this capacity he aligns Jemco’s manufacturing, technology and design divisions with the needs of retail clients across Southeast Asia and directs long‑term strategy for modular fixtures, smart retail solutions and human‑machine collaboration.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM)
Edwin serves on the national-level Artificial Intelligence Committee under ACCCIM, contributing to initiatives that accelerate AI adoption among Malaysian businesses. His role focuses on bridging industry, policymakers, and academia to promote practical AI use cases that enhance productivity, innovation, and competitiveness for SMEs and enterprises, while strengthening Malaysia’s overall AI ecosystem.
Youth in Business Committee Member
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM)
As a member of NCCIM’s Youth in Business Committee, Edwin contributes to national-level dialogues on entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic development. Representing the voice of next-generation business leaders, he brings perspectives from manufacturing, technology, and innovation to support NCCIM’s mission as Malaysia’s apex private-sector trade organisation.
Committee Member (Former Chairman), Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Youth Entrepreneurship
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
Edwin previously served as Chairman of FMM Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Youth Entrepreneurship from 2021 to 2024 and continues to contribute as a committee member. During his tenure, he led initiatives focused on developing young manufacturing leaders, promoting entrepreneurship, and preparing the next generation for Industry 4.0 and digital transformation within Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.
Professional Summary
Edwin Yap is a Malaysian entrepreneur and manufacturing leader at the forefront of Industry 4.0. Under his leadership, Jemco Manufacturing has grown into Malaysia’s largest producer of shelving and racking systems for retail and warehouses. Recognising that the next wave of growth will come from automation and intelligent design, he established Jemco Warehouse Solutions and Jemco Technology Solutions to deliver smart warehouse systems, combining Jemco’s manufacturing capabilities with advanced software and robotics.
As Founder of Mr. Robot, Edwin drives the development of humanoid and service robots that are designed to complement human workers. Mr. Robot’s focus is on deploying AI‑driven robots in real‑world settings such as retail stores, warehouses, education and healthcare. He forged a partnership with AgiBot, a leading humanoid robotics company, and jointly showcased embodied‑AI robots at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2025. At the exhibition, the AgiBot X2 robot – partnered with Mr. Robot – demonstrated expressive gestures and multilingual interaction, drawing the attention of government leaders and signalling Malaysia’s embrace of embodied AI.
Beyond IDECS, Edwin has continued to champion humanoid robotics on the regional stage. At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) he signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Mr. Robot, AgiBot and the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) to launch robotics training programmes, conduct pilot projects and foster cross‑border collaboration. The signing — witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, and other dignitaries — underscored national support for robotics adoption. During the launch of Penang’s Virtual Island of Penang (VIP) smart‑city initiative, the AgiBot X2 robot greeted Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and demonstrated how humanoids can engage the public in digital transformations. His team also showcased advanced robots at the Malaysia Digital Xceleration (MDX) Summit, giving the Minister of Digital and other leaders a firsthand experience of the humanoid robot G1’s interactive AI capabilities.
Edwin’s mission is to build Southeast Asia’s robotics ecosystem by combining modular manufacturing, intelligent automation and human‑centric design. He collaborates with organisations such as the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) to advance workforce capabilities in AI and robotics and works with global partners to bring cutting‑edge robots into the region.
Expertise & Speaking Topics
Edwin speaks on the intersection of manufacturing, technology and leadership. His core topics include:
Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
How AI, robotics and data analytics are transforming factories and supply chains.
Human–Machine Collaboration
Lessons from deploying humanoid and service robots to complement workers in retail, logistics, education and healthcare.
AI‑Driven Robotics and the 7S Experience
Insights on designing robots for practical use and on creating 7S robotics experience centres that combine sales, service, solutions, subscriptions, surveys, spare parts and schools to make robotics accessible.
Humanoid Design and Ethical AI
Exploring the design of humanoid robots, from expressive gestures and multilingual communication to safety, ethics and social acceptance. Edwin shares lessons learned from deploying humanoids in public settings and discusses how to ensure AI respects human values and augments rather than replaces human roles.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Building a future‑ready enterprise, from leading Malaysia’s largest shelving manufacturer to launching high‑growth technology start‑ups.
Retail and Logistics Innovation
Modernising retail design and warehouse operations through modular systems, smart racking and autonomous robots.
Achievements & Impact
Transformed Jemco into a diversified group
Through divisions spanning manufacturing, modular fixtures (MOFI), smart warehouse automation (JTS) and AI robotics (Mr. Robot). Each division supports a step in the retail and logistics value chain.
Led Jemco to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest shelving and racking manufacturers
Expanding operations across the region while maintaining leadership in Malaysia.
Pioneered real‑world deployment of AI robots
Through Mr. Robot, the company’s humanoid robots complement human labour rather than replace it, with a design that emphasises integration with existing systems.
Champion of AI & robotics collaboration
In partnership with AgiBot, Edwin introduced expressive humanoid robots at the numerous conferences and exhibitions, where they interacted with the government ministers and other dignitaries. This partnership underscores his commitment to bringing global robotics innovations into Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Formalised regional collaboration through a tripartite MOU
At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2025), Edwin signed a three‑party MOU with AgiBot and the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre to launch robotics training programmes, joint pilot projects and cross‑border collaboration. The agreement was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Digital and signifies governmental support for building a regional robotics talent pipeline.
Showcased robots to national leaders at the Virtual Island of Penang and MDX
During the Virtual Island of Penang smart‑city launch, the AgiBot X2 robot partnered with Mr. Robot greeted Penang’s Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. At the Malaysia Digital Xceleration (MDX) Summit, Edwin demonstrated the humanoid robot G1 to Malaysia’s Minister of Digital YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, offering leaders a hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge AI robotics.
Thought leader at major conferences
Edwin has delivered keynotes and participated in panels at events such as the Selangor TechSphere Summit 2025, where he spoke on “The Future of Smart Manufacturing: AI, Robotics, and Human–Machine Collaboration”. He actively engages with regional forums on AI, smart manufacturing, intelligent logistics, retail tech and robotics. He also spoke at AIMX 2025 Singapore on “Intelligent Automation: The New Frontier of AI-Driven Robotics”, exploring how AI is powering the next wave of intelligent, adaptive, and autonomous robotic systems.
Proposed Speaking Topics
1.
Human–Machine Collaboration: The Role of AI Humanoids in Redefining Work and Society
Abstract – The next frontier of productivity lies in harmonising human creativity with intelligent machines. Drawing from his experience deploying humanoid robots in retail, logistics and public‑sector settings, Edwin will explore how AI‑driven robotics can enhance — not replace — human labour. He will discuss:
01.
Humanoids as Workforce Partners
Case studies demonstrating how robots perform repetitive tasks while humans focus on creative and interpersonal roles, improving efficiency and job satisfaction.
02.
Designing Human–Machine Harmony
Lessons from integrating robots with existing systems, managing change, and ensuring user acceptance through training and thoughtful design.
03.
Building the 7S Robotics Ecosystem
How new experience stores and service models make robotics accessible, covering sales, service, solutions, subscriptions, surveys, schools and spare parts.
04.
Future of Hybrid Workforces
Implications for businesses, governments and society as humanoid robots become mainstream, and strategies for policy‑makers to ensure inclusive growth.
05.
Ecosystem Partnerships
The importance of cross‑border collaboration with global robotics leaders (e.g., AgiBot) and regional hubs (e.g., SHRDC) to develop talent and scale adoption.
2.
Smart Manufacturing & Advanced Automation in Southeast Asia
Abstract – This talk explores how Industry 4.0 technologies — AI, robotics, IoT and data analytics — are transforming factories and supply chains. Edwin will share lessons from Jemco’s journey integrating automation and smart racking systems and highlight opportunities for Southeast Asian manufacturers to leapfrog legacy infrastructure. Topics include:
Integrating AI & Robotics
Techniques for automating production lines, warehouse operations and quality control while preserving flexibility.
Digital Twins & Data‑Driven Decision Making
Using simulations and analytics to optimise inventory, energy and maintenance.
Workforce Upskilling
Building a talent pipeline through partnerships with organisations like SHRDC to prepare workers for advanced manufacturing.
Regional Collaboration
How cross‑border supply chains and shared standards can accelerate Southeast Asia’s industrial upgrade.
3.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership in the AI Era
Abstract – Combining decades of experience in manufacturing and technology start‑ups, Edwin discusses how leaders can build resilient enterprises amid rapid technological change. He will cover:
Leading with Vision
Crafting a forward‑looking strategy that aligns manufacturing heritage with AI and robotics innovation.
Building High‑Growth Start‑Ups
Lessons from founding Mr. Robot and scaling new ventures within an established industrial group.
Human‑Centric Leadership
Nurturing teams, fostering innovation and cultivating a culture of continuous learning.
Ethical & Inclusive Growth
Balancing profit with societal impact and ensuring technology benefits diverse communities.
4.
Robotics & AI Start‑Up Ecosystems
Abstract – This session unpacks the building blocks of a thriving robotics start‑up ecosystem. Drawing on experience collaborating with global partners and government agencies, Edwin will discuss:
7S Robotics Experience Centres
How integrated stores combining sales, service, solutions, subscriptions, surveys, school and spare parts lower the barriers to adoption.
Funding & Partnerships
Strategies for securing investment, forging partnerships with universities and corporations, and navigating regulatory frameworks.
Scaling from Pilot to Deployment
Moving prototypes into real‑world applications and managing customer expectations.
Regional Hubs & Talent Development
The role of hubs like Singapore and Malaysia in cultivating expertise and attracting start‑ups.
5.
Logistics & Supply Chain Transformation
Abstract – As e‑commerce and urbanisation accelerate, logistics networks must evolve. Edwin offers insights on modernising distribution through:
01.
Autonomous Warehousing & Delivery
Integrating AGVs, AMRs and humanoid robots to streamline picking, packing and last‑mile delivery.
02.
Smart Racking & Modular Design
Designing adaptable storage systems that accommodate varying product lines and volumes.
03.
Data‑Enabled Optimisation
Leveraging real‑time analytics to improve route planning, inventory turnover and sustainability.
04.
Collaborative Ecosystems
Partnering with logistics providers, retailers and tech companies to build efficient, interoperable supply chains.
6.
Retail Tech, Design & Consumer Experience
Abstract – Retail spaces are evolving from static stores to interactive, tech‑driven environments. In this talk Edwin will cover:
AI‑Powered Service Robots
Enhancing customer service, wayfinding and product education through humanoids and service robots.
Modular Fixtures & Smart Shelving
Designing flexible store layouts that adapt to trends and integrate digital signage and sensor technology.
Immersive Customer Journeys
Using virtual and augmented reality to create engaging shopping experiences.
Sustainability & Circular Design
Incorporating eco‑friendly materials and reverse logistics into retail design.
7.
Building a Regional Robotics & Tech Hub
Abstract – Southeast Asia is poised to become a centre for robotics and AI innovation. Edwin will discuss:
Public–Private Partnerships
How governments, educational institutions and private companies can collaborate to build infrastructure and talent pipelines.
Policy & Regulation
Creating supportive policies that encourage experimentation while safeguarding workers and consumers.
Cross‑Border Collaboration
Leveraging regional diversity to co‑develop technologies, share best practices and access broader markets.
Vision for Southeast Asia’s Robotics Ecosystem
Steps needed to position the region as a global leader in human‑centric AI and robotics.
“Our mission is to build Southeast Asia’s robotics ecosystem by combining modular manufacturing, intelligent automation and human‑centric design.”
— Edwin Yap
Speaking Engagements
Edwin has shared his insights on AI, robotics, manufacturing, and leadership at major conferences including World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2025, Intelligent Manufacturing KL, the ASEAN Youth Manufacturing Conference, the ASEAN–China Summit, ITAP Singapore, Retail Tech+, the Malaysia Smart Government MDX Expo, AIMX Singapore, and more.
