Autodesk Signs MOU with MIMOS Berhad to Promote 3D Design in Malaysia

3D printing and software company Autodesk certainly wears a lot of hats: virtual reality innovator, slicing settings expert, impactful investor, helpful volunteer…the list goes on and on. Today they’re starting a new journey, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MIMOS Berhad, in order to promote 3D design technologies and talent across Malaysia. The aptly named “3D Smart Maker Initiative” will have both Autodesk and MIMOS, Malaysia’s national research and development agency, working together to champion and advance the adoption of 3D design and additive manufacturing technologies, as well as establishing 3D printing facilities across the nation.

The project is funded by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI); MIMOS is one of their strategic agencies. The funding comes from MOSTI’s social innovation (MSI) fund, which falls under the ministry’s Pre-Commercialization Fund. It is used to help communities translate knowledge and ideas into viable products or services that assist in enhancing the people’s quality of life. This includes rolling out “3D Smart Maker Labs” across the five economic growth corridors of Malaysia.

MIMOS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah said, “MIMOS is committed to training young people in creativity and innovation. The 3D 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.”

Dato’ Dr. Mohd Azhar Yahaya, MOSTI Secretary General looking at 3D model of a drone produced at PERDA Advanced Technical Institute, shown by Senior Director of MIMOS, Mohamed Fauzi Yahaya. Looking on is Wan Azli Wan Ismail, General Manager of MIMOS Semiconductor (M) Sdn Bhd. [Image: Business Circle]

The cloud-powered Autodesk Fusion 360 software will be used and taught at all of the 3D Smart Maker Labs. It brings together computer-aided design, engineering, and manufacturing (CAD, CAE, and CAM) in a unique way, and is available for Mac, PC, and mobile devices. Fusion 360 is an integrated and accessible connective tool that was built for all the new and myriad ways products are being designed and made these days. The first lab, managed by PERDA Advanced Technical Institute (PERDA-TECH), had its official opening today in the city of Penang.

“Additive manufacturing is having a profound impact on how manufacturers of all sizes look at product design, production, distribution and economics of sale,” 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.”

The MoU between Autodesk and MIMOS highlights a combined effort by the two to promote research and development in the ever-growing and changing fields of engineering design and rapid prototyping technologies. Both MIMOS and Autodesk will be establishing incubation labs that will support startups and small to medium enterprises. The labs will teach these enterprises how to explore digital manufacturing processes, all the way from 3D modelling to fabrication. Discuss in the Autodesk forum at 3DPB.com.