Advanced manufacturing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the integration of innovative technologies such as AI, automation, robotics, and 3D printing to enhance production efficiency, quality, and flexibility. It transforms traditional manufacturing into intelligent systems, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly customized production.

Join us on February 26 to hear from a panel of technology leaders who will discuss the benefits, opportunities, and challenges for Hawaii businesses in this growing field. Topics include:

      •     What projects are currently underway in Hawaii?

      •     What future opportunities are on the horizon?

      •     How can Hawaii be competitive and benefit from this new industry?

Trung Lam is the executive director and CEO of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), the State of Hawaii’s lead agency for technology and innovation-driven economic development. He leads statewide efforts to grow and modernize Hawaii’s technology sector, with a particular focus on advanced manufacturing, ocean and space technologies, and strengthening pathways from research to commercialization. In his role, Trung works closely with manufacturers, startups, researchers, and policymakers to align infrastructure, capital, workforce, and policy in support of high-value, locally rooted manufacturing. His work emphasizes building resilient supply chains, scaling local production capabilities, and ensuring that advanced manufacturing creates long-term economic opportunity for Hawaii’s communities.

Kevin Miyashiro is the chief executive officer of Pacific Impact Zone (PIZ), a small business headquartered in Honolulu that develops and operates advanced manufacturing and Technology Innovation capabilities in support of national security and commercial production needs nationwide and across the Indo-Pacific. PIZ designs and delivers practical solutions that reduce barriers for companies navigating defense, manufacturing, and scale-up pathways. PIZ is building an Indo-Pacific Advanced Manufacturing (IPAM) initiative in partnership with the HTDC, providing commercial-first, defense-ready manufacturing infrastructure that strengthens dual-use production capacity and supply chain resilience. 

Anthony Escasa is the senior vice president of Strategic Programs at Pacific Impact Zone, where he leads strategic relationships and program development. His work centers on aligning state, federal, and industry partners to enable scalable, commercial-first capabilities that support Department of Defense (DOD) and regional resilience priorities. Previously, Anthony served as president of Kaihonua, LLC, a Native Hawaiian–owned small business focused on information technology, cybersecurity, and military health systems. His background includes defense and government relations, partnership development, and connecting military, industry, and community stakeholders to advance DOD and Indo-Pacific missions through sustainable, execution-driven programs.

Kyla Lee is a dynamic and driven technology leader with a Master of Science in Information Systems and a strong foundation in computer science, focused on advancing advanced manufacturing and workforce development initiatives. She brings experience in project management, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision-making, with a proven track record of leadership across academic, professional, and technical programs. Kyla has demonstrated expertise in coordinating large-scale events, managing complex budgets, conducting risk assessments, and bridging academia, industry, and government stakeholders. Passionate about strengthening the defense innovation pipeline, she supports hands-on STEM engagement, secure manufacturing practices, and workforce readiness.