Dr. Mohd Azhar Yahaya, MOSTI Secretary General
Dr. Mohd Azhar Yahaya, MOSTI Secretary General looking at 3D model of a drone produced at PERDA Advanced Technical Institute.
Malaysia’s national Research and Development agency, MIMOS Berhad have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Autodesk to promote 3D design technologies across the country.
The ‘3D Smart Maker Initiative’ will see both parties collaboratively fostering the adoption of 3D design and additive manufacturing technologies, and establishing 3D printing facilities nationwide. Included in this is the roll out of ‘3D Smart Maker Labs’ in the five economic growth corridors of Malaysia. The first of these laboratories, managed by PERDA Advanced Technical Institute (PERDA-TECH), opened today in Penang.
Funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (MOSTI)’s social innovation (MSI) fund, the project will seek to accelerate the use of additive manufacturing concepts within the southeast Asian country. The MSI fund is also under the ministry’s Pre-Commercialisation Fund that serves to assist communities in translating knowledge and ideas into products or services towards enhancing the people’s quality of life.
“MIMOS is committed to training young people in creativity and innovation,” said MIMOS CEO Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah. “The Smart Maker will make for an exciting new programme at PERDA-TECH’s Centre of Advanced Skills (COAS), which I understand offers short courses targeted at secondary school leavers and even those who already have Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), diploma or Bachelor’s degree, as well as those already in the industry and wanting to upskill to increase their income.”
MIMOS has at its disposable a team of award-winning professionals who will impart their knowledge and experience, particularly on design and engineering using 3D-modelling concepts. The MIMOS CEO hopes this team will spearhead the development of skilled human capital which is ‘much needed’ in the economic corridors.
Abdul Wahab also wished to thank MOSTI for its commitment in taking this new approach of using emerging technologies and innovation in effectively meeting the real needs of the community.
Autodesk Fusion 360 is the key software that will be used and taught at all 3D Smart Maker Labs, specifically chosen for its unique combination of computer-aided design, engineering and manufacturing (CAD, CAE and CAM). Available for Mac, PC and mobile devices, the Fusion 360 is an integrated, connected and accessible tool built for the new ways products are being designed and made.
“Additive manufacturing is having a profound impact on how manufacturers of all sizes look at product design, production, distribution and economies of scale,” said Rama Tiwari, regional director of sales, Autodesk ASEAN. “Our collaboration with MIMOS will broaden access to such cutting-edge manufacturing tools and techniques, and support the government’s efforts to groom digital manufacturing talent.”
Additionally, the MoU also signifies a joint effort to promote research and development in the field of engineering design and rapid prototyping technologies. MIMOS and Autodesk will work to establish incubation labs that will support and advise start-ups and small medium enterprises on how to explore digital manufacturing processes, from 3D modelling to fabrication.
