(From fourth left) Prof Rabiah and Teoh with senior management from IME and UTHM after the MOU signing in Shah Alam. — KK SHAM/ The Star
A CENTRE of excellence for digital transformation will be established to develop local expertise in smart manufacturing, digital simulation and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven design.
This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and IME Group of Companies.
IME executive vice-president Teoh Jia Yuan said the proposed centre would bridge the gap between university learning and industrial practice.
“The collaboration is about bridging academia and industry.
“Together we are creating a centre of excellence that empowers students to get hands-on experience with technology used in the real world.”
The centre, based at UTHM in Johor, will focus on advanced engineering and Industry 4.0 by training students and researchers in virtual twin technology, AI-driven simulation and smart factory systems.
“It will also promote digital construction through the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) under the national Construction 4.0 agenda led by CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) and supported by the Public Works Department.”
Teoh was speaking at the signing ceremony during IME Solidworks Innovation Day in Shah Alam, Selangor, in conjunction with IME’s 45th anniversary.
It saw participation from academics, industry practitioners and representatives from Malaysia’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.
On smart manufacturing, Teoh said a live lab for robotics, automation and connected manufacturing at the centre would support research and training.
“It will help Malaysia move from being a technology adopter to an innovator.
“There are industry needs in advanced simulations, but Malaysia doesn’t yet have enough local talent in this area.
“We want to bridge that gap through the universities,” he added.
The centre will be implemented in phases, beginning with software adoption and student certification.
Later stages would include joint research and development with industry partners, while Teoh said details on modules, scope and funding would be finalised in upcoming workshops between IME and UTHM.
UTHM deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Prof Dr Rabiah Ahmad said the collaboration supported the Higher Education Ministry’s call for closer ties between academia and the private sector.
“Industry-university collaboration is a must for Malaysia if we want to develop future industry talents for IR4.0, IR5.0 and the Internet of Everything,” she said.
She added that although the centre may be hosted by the Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, it would also draw talent from disciplines such as electrical engineering, engineering technology and business.
Solidworks is a globally used computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering platform developed by Dassault Systemes that allows engineers, designers and manufacturers to create 3D models, run simulations and manage the entire design-to-production process.
Dassault Systemes director of channel sales (Asia Pacific South) William Lee said, “Our collaboration with IME and universities aligns with Malaysia’s objectives to build talent through TVET.
“Through certification, students enter the workforce with a skill set instead of starting from zero.”
The new centre of excellence also complements IME’s ongoing education partnerships under Solidworks SkillForce Programme that offered access to professional software licences, certification and internships for undergraduates.
Teoh said the partnerships were aimed at producing graduates who met industry expectations from day one.
Founded in 1980 as a machine-repair company, IME has grown into a national provider of design and manufacturing solutions.
