^{Senior Director of MITI, En. Faizal Mohd Yusof together with CEO of MARii and Technology Principal of DEP Professional Certificate Programme Altair, Dassault System & Autodesk.}



KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics, and IoT Institute (MARii) recognised the accomplishments of the 2024 cohort of the Digital Engineering & Prototyping (DEP) Professional Certification Program at the inaugural MARii Engineering & Technology Achievement (META) Awards. The 50-day programme trained and certified 482 engineers from over 120 transportation and mobility companies.
 
The DEP programme, which focuses on Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), and Computer-Aided Styling (CAS), plays a key role in shaping the next generation of industry leader. Building on these advanced competencies, the DEP Professional Certification Programme aligns with Malaysia’s ambitions under the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP2020) and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030), ensuring that these newly skilled engineers are equipped to drive the development of Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) using Autonomous, Connected, Electrified, and Shared mobility (ACES) technologies.
 
Encik Faizal, Senior Director of the Industry Development Division at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, emphasized the transformative role of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the automotive industry. He highlighted how AI is revolutionizing design, forecasting, manufacturing, and production, while also personalizing the driving experience. To support this growth, MITI has introduced the NIMP2030 which aims to bolster Malaysia's manufacturing and industrial sectors.
 
Encik Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii, stressed the importance of developing local talent to elevate Malaysia as the automotive hub of ASEAN: He stated, "This initiative aims to produce globally recognized design engineers, simulation engineers, and vehicle designers capable of delivering quality projects and securing new projects in the competitive automotive market." He further emphasized the program's success, noting that MARii has trained and certified over 1,253 engineers through the DEP program since its inception in 2020.

The DEP Professional Certification Program, a collaboration between MARii and leading technology partners such as Dassault Systemes, Altair, and Autodesk, has equipped local engineers with the critical tools and expertise needed to thrive in the global automotive landscape. This program's success underscores MARii’s dedication to empowering local talent and positioning Malaysia as a competitive, innovative force in the international automotive industry.
 
The META Awards 2024 represent a key milestone in Malaysia’s journey to becoming the next automotive hub in ASEAN. As the country accelerates toward a more digitalized and connected automotive ecosystem, the engineers and companies recognized today will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Malaysia’s high-tech industries and driving its automotive sector to new heights.
 
The Top 10 companies recognized for their exceptional achievements under DEP Professional Certification Program are:

1. Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
2. Proton Holdings Berhad
3. PHN Industry Sdn Bhd
4. APM Engineering & Research Sdn Bhd
5. Azman Hamzah Plastik Sdn Bhd
6. P D Kawamura Kako Manufacturing (PDKM) Sdn Bhd
7. Cendana Auto Sdn Bhd
8. DreamEDGE Sdn Bhd
9. Menang Nusantara Sdn Bhd
10. Truckquip Sdn Bhd

“We are proud to contribute to Malaysia’s digital transformation in the automotive sector through our 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The DEP Professional Certification Programme, led by MARii, is a pivotal initiative to equip the next generation of engineers with advanced skills in generative design, virtual twins, and AI-driven simulations. By cultivating these capabilities, the programme will empower Malaysia’s automotive industry to not only meet future demands but also set new global benchmarks for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable mobility. Marii’s role in this journey is crucial, and we are confident that this will continue to inspire and uplift the industry” - PATRICK ONG, Leader, CPE, AP South, Dassault Systemes
 
“The DEP programme not only train & upskill the engineers but creating & developing a simulation-driven culture across the automotive industry ecosystem in Malaysia. Altair wants to take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to MARii in providing this opportunity in participate this meaningful programme” – LIM SENG TAT, Director ASEAN, Altair
 
"Autodesk is excited to collaborate with MARii to drive growth and innovation within Malaysia’s automotive sector. We are supporting MARii in establishing a Centre of Excellence, in an effort to strengthen design verification and help advance Malaysia’s journey toward digital transformation and upskilling in the mobility sector. This collaboration aligns with the National Automotive Policy’s vision to position Malaysia as a high-tech hub for industries that include electronics, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing. By working together with MARii, Autodesk aims to empower automotive designers, engineers, and manufacturers to shape the vehicles of tomorrow." - SHARON TIU, APAC Design & Manufacturing Director, Autodesk

About the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii)

Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii), is an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). Serving as the focal point, coordination centre and think tank for the nation’s automotive industry, it functions to enhance technology, human capital, supply chain, market outreach and aftersales capabilities of all automotive stakeholders and ecosystems.
 
MARii serves to spur the development of smart systems through the implementation of digital technologies with a special focus on big data analytics and artificial intelligence, including automotive and connected mobility ecosystem.
 
To find out more about MARii, please visit us at www.marii.my.
 
SOURCE: Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Nurul Ainaa Mazlan
MARii Corporate Communications
Tel: +6010 239 6969

--BERNAMA