KUCHING: i-CATS University College has formalised strategic partnerships with the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) and global technology company Dassault Systèmes to strengthen research, innovation and digital engineering capabilities in support of Sarawak’s growing aerospace and technology ambitions.
The two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed on Wednesday (Jul 29) in conjunction with the official launch of the Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX).
One of the key collaborations will see Dassault Systèmes work with i-CATS to develop digital engineering capabilities needed to support Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a regional aerospace and space technology hub.
The partnership will include the establishment of Southeast Asia’s Digital Aerospace Showcase, powered by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, providing a collaborative space for industry, academia, government agencies and the public to explore aerospace design, digital engineering, simulation and virtual twin technologies.
It will also strengthen i-CATS’ Faculty of Aerospace Engineering by supporting the continued development of its existing degree programme, introducing new programmes in aircraft maintenance and expanding research in satellite technology and unmanned aircraft systems.
Students, educators, researchers and industry professionals will also gain access to industry-recognised training in digital engineering, simulation and virtual twin technologies, helping to build a skilled local workforce to meet the state’s future aerospace needs.
i-CATS vice-chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said the collaboration marks another milestone in strengthening the university’s aerospace capabilities.
“Through access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and virtual twin technology, our students and researchers will be able to strengthen their competencies in aircraft design, avionics, aircraft maintenance, systems engineering, simulation, product development and advanced manufacturing.
“This partnership will support industry-relevant learning, multidisciplinary research and innovation while contributing to the development of highly skilled talent in Sarawak,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Dassault Systèmes senior director for Customer Process Experience Asia-Pacific South Patrick Ong described the MoU as the beginning of efforts to translate Sarawak’s aerospace ambitions into practical capabilities.
“Through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, i-CATS will be able to allow students to design and simulate ideas long before they take physical form.
“It’s a foundation we intend to build on, starting with training and capability development, and growing from there,” he said.
Separately, the partnership with SRDC will strengthen collaboration in research and innovation aligned with Sarawak’s strategic priorities through joint initiatives, knowledge exchange and talent development.
Mohamad Kadim said both collaborations reflect i-CATS’ commitment to strengthening research, industry-relevant education and talent development.
“These collaborations will provide meaningful opportunities for our students, academics and researchers while contributing to Sarawak’s growing knowledge and technology ecosystem,” he said.
The initiatives support the state’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, as well as the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, National Space Policy 2030 and the APACE 2026 legacy programme through certification pathways, joint programmes and technology demonstration initiatives.
