Deal inked: (From left) TAR UMT Faculty of Engineering and Technology dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Li Li, Prof Lee, Chew and Open Mind Technologies Asia Pacific managing director Chan Kam Tong at the signing ceremony.
IN recent years, precision engineering has become increasingly prominent in fields such as semiconductor, aerospace and medical manufacturing.
With the aim of training high-quality precision engineering professionals who meet market demands, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) has forged a timely collaboration with EDM Machining Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd (EMS), a supplier of machine tools and solutions for Malaysia’s precision manufacturing industry.
As part of the collaboration agreement, EMS will donate the hyperMILL® CAM professional software worth RM700,000 and provide systematic training courses and cutting-edge technical support to TAR UMT students.
In addition, the company will supply machining equipment and impart technical skills to enhance the students’ learning experience.
TAR UMT president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, which aligns with the university’s focus on strengthening its relationship with industry, particularly to enhance students’ understanding of practical engineering solutions.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony held on July 11 at TAR UMT, EMS managing director Chew Cheong Loong asserted that Malaysia’s economic development cannot do without precision engineering.
“Precision engineering not only brings new growth points to Malaysia’s economy but is also seen as a key factor in driving the country’s economy to a higher level.
“Hence, this collaboration marks an important step forward in industry and educational institutions working together to enhance the market quality of future engineers,” he said in a recent press release.
He added that this corporate social responsibility project follows the company’s successful collaboration with VTAR Institute in cultivating a group of capable machinists for the precision manufacturing industry.
“EMS is committed to leading and training the next generation of engineers and machinists to prepare them for enhancing and pioneering the future of our country’s manufacturing industry,” he said.
Chew also said with the support of Open Mind Technologies Asia Pacific, EMS is prepared to donate two three-axis CNC milling machines, as well as inspection machines and tools, to TAR UMT.
“This initiative will replicate a comprehensive workshop environment in the campus laboratory, providing students with practical experience crucial to their professional development,” he said.
He added that the company and its partners will regularly collaborate with TAR UMT to organise training programmes and internship opportunities, enhancing students’ machining skills and interest, as well as strengthening their practical abilities through actual work experience, laying a solid foundation for their future careers.
“By introducing advanced manufacturing technologies and automation systems, precision engineering will bring about more efficient production and technological innovation. This will not only improve product productivity and quality but also achieve transformation and upgrading from a labour-intensive to a technology-intensive industry, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysian enterprises in the global market.
“In the future, as Malaysia continues to invest and innovate in high-tech fields, we believe that Malaysia will gradually break free from the middle-income trap and move towards a more prosperous and sustainable economic future,” Chew said.
Also present at the signing ceremony were VTAR Institute chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang, project coordinators, and representatives from industry players Amerix Metal Machining Technology, Curge Advance, Inter Tool Grow Tech and Moltec Precision.
