Altair, Universiti Malaysia Perlis Announce Strategic Partnership to Boost Malaysia’s Industrial Competitiveness and Bridge Knowledge Gap

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Altair, a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) to drive knowledge, innovation, and sustainable technological progress in Malaysia. The agreement is focused on bridging the gap between technology and education by providing students with knowledge and skills in AI-driven manufacturing applications, industry engagement opportunities, and encourage collaborative design and industrial project work. This MOU aligns with Malaysia’s vision of Industry Revolution 4.0, as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET) specifically focused on data analytics, AI, and cloud solutions.

"Today marks a significant milestone for both Altair and UniMAP. As Malaysia continues taking steps towards becoming a technologically advanced, digitally enabled nation, technological education is a top demand,” said Srirangam Srirangarajan, managing director of ASEAN and ANZ, Altair. “Education and technology go hand in hand, and by bridging the knowledge gap between the two, we enable students to remain competitive in this digitalized world. Together, we aim to shape the future of technological education in Malaysia.”

The focus of this collaboration is to establish an automated 3D printing SMART manufacturing teaching factory at UniMAP TVET Centre, a first-of-its-kind facility in Malaysia. The facility will boast an array of cutting-edge technologies, including more than 20 3D printers, robotic arms for pick-and-place operations, and the utilization of Altair's software to optimize and simulate manufacturing processes. Data and AI will be employed for predictive maintenance, process monitoring, and enhancing productivity and efficiency throughout the factory.

A unique aspect of the partnership is the establishment of a full-scale 3D printing farm within a factory setting, underpinned by state-of-the-art software and AI. This innovation promises to set new benchmarks in the field of technological education.

“UniMAP's unwavering commitment and primary objective have consistently revolved around the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI and data analytics into our curriculum and programs. This dedication is rooted in our mission and vision, which prioritize staying abreast of industry requirements and demands,” said Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Shukry bin Abdul Majid, deputy vice chancellor academic and international, UniMAP. “This collaboration holds the promise of equipping students with essential knowledge and competencies in AI-driven manufacturing applications, a field closely aligned with the principles of Technical and Vocational Education Training and the Industry 4.0 paradigm,” he added.

Ranked as one of Malaysia’s top 15 universities in 2024 by the Times Higher Education, UniMAP is committed to producing exceptional individuals to the nation’s development and industrial competitiveness agenda in line with its vision in becoming an internationally competitive technical university.

This partnership will benefit students, researchers, and the broader community by nurturing a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing to Malaysia's technological growth. The collaboration holds the potential for long-term impacts, driving innovation in the nation's technological landscape.

The partnership with UniMAP adds to Altair's ever-growing list of collaborations with higher education institutions across Malaysia and the ASEAN region, including Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, University of the Visayas (The Philippines), and Van Lang University (Vietnam), with various activities and programs aimed at enhancing technological education.