Integrating Cultural Perspectives into Industry 4.0 Readiness for Sustainability Practice in Malaysia

This research examines the impact of cultural values on Industry 4.0 (IR 4.0) readiness concerning sustainability in the Malaysian context. Six cultural dimensions—namely collectivism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, long-term orientation, and indulgence—were analyzed through quantitative methods utilizing data gathered from 173 industry professionals. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and structural modelling were performed to ensure data integrity and to validate the proposed relationships. The findings indicate that uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and power distance have a significant impact on IR 4.0 readiness, whereas collectivism, masculinity, and indulgence do not. A guideline integrating cultural values into Industry 4.0 strategies was also developed and validated by academic and industry experts. The study emphasizes the significance of aligning technological strategies with cultural contexts to ensure successful and sustainable industrial transformation in Malaysia.