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YB DATO' MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY
AT THE SIGNING OF MOU BETWEEN MALAYSIA AUTOMOTIVE INSTITUTE (MAI) AND DREAMEDGE SDN. BHD.
12 JANUARY 2011 (WEDNESDAY)
DEWAN ZAMRUD, MITI
Assalamualaikum W.B.T dan Salam 1Malaysia.
Y. Bhg. Datuk Rebecca Fatima Santa Maria;
Secretary General of MITI,
Mr. Khairil Adri Adnan;
Chief Executive Officer of DreamEDGE Sdn Bhd,
Mr. Mohamad Madani Sahari;
Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI),
Senior Officers from MITI;
Representatives from automotive industry,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and DreamEDGE for inviting me here today to witness the signing of MoU between MAI and DreamEDGE on the cooperation in developing the digital engineering and prototyping (DEP) programme for the automotive industry.
2. This collaborative effort towards enhancing the design and engineering capabilities especially for the automotive industry is highly commendable. Such collaboration is very timely since the Government under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) has identified engineering services as one of the potential areas to boost Malaysia’s gross national income (GNI) towards becoming a high income nation. This first step will be followed by other industries to also tap on digital engineering for their product development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. Technologists worldwide know that digital engineering offers an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionise product development. It promises faster time-to-money, lower warranty costs and above all, products that outperform, work better, safer and cause less failure. True enough, at a few forward-thinking manufacturing organizations, digital engineering application is a priority and is finding its way into the mainstream of product creation.
4. Nonetheless, digital approach has taken a long time to permeate the manufacturing hall, including here in Malaysia, which historically has had a poor relation to the designing activity, almost an after event, but that has changed now. Design is under increasing pressure to streamline with its manufacturing processes, thus it has turned to digital simulation in order to increase efficiency.
5. As a standard model in styling and design, simulation is currently being used only as a validation tool, however, it should now move one step higher to influence the design process from the beginning. Simulation has become an integral part of design process and has enabled manufacturers to have a faster and more flexible approach in resolving complex issues within the designing environment.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. In being creative and innovative, digital approach helps to reduce time taken from concept to prototype and also the building of actual prototype which means that new models get to testing quicker and this has also reduced time for product delivery. In addition, there will be reduction in number of changes due to assembly issues and also the number of prototypes’ confirmation required for manufacturing.
7. In short, the adoption of digital engineering in the manufacturing, research and development processes has become more critical and today it is a must-have for better management and higher profitability.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. I was told that in Malaysia there has been little progress in this area. This could be due to the fact that digital engineering is a new development and not widely promoted. The application cuts across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, maritime and other manufacturing related industries. I hope the industry representatives present here today will take cognizance of the importance of digital engineering for them to survive the increasing borderless, closely networked and competitive global supply chain. I certainly hope today’s event would spur interest in this area among local industry players and other key stakeholders.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. Today’s initiative is in line with MITI’s current agenda and emphasis to move our industry up the value chain through improved productivity and competitiveness. It is our priority to promote a more conducive environment for industry to thrive in nurturing innovation, commercialisation, new product development and business. Continuous vigilance of market and technology needs, acquisition and diffusion of strategic and state-of-the-art technology, as well as creating value through strategic alliances and collaboration is imperative for our local industry to remain competitive and be part of the global supply chain.
10. I am glad to note that, MAI, as a strategic think tank of the automotive industry is committed to pioneering this innovative high technology towards growing global competitiveness within the Malaysian automotive industry in line with the national aspiration to create a high-income economy. Malaysian industry, however, must take the lead and be proactive to drive this new initiative especially in niche areas to assist the country to achieve a sustainable economic model that provides for growth, higher income level and a better quality of life for the nation and the people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
11. It is therefore my sincere hope that MAI and DreamEDGE will provide necessary assistance and support for the Malaysian industry players, academia, researchers and designers and others towards a comprehensive application of digital engineering, including transfer of technology and solutions, research and development programmes in the digital technologies.
12. Before I conclude, let me once again congratulate MAI, and DreamEDGE Sdn. Bhd. for embarking on this collaborative initiative and wish you all the best and good luck for a successful partnership in assisting our automotive industry to advance their competitiveness.
Thank you. |
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