From left to right: Prof. Madya Dr. Noraiham binti Mohamad (UTEM), Ir. Ts. Dr. Lailatul Harina binti Paijan (UTEM), Ts. Dr. Syahrul Azwan bin Sundi @ Suandi (UTEM), Professor Dr Mohd Rizal bin Salleh (UTEM), Mr. Teoh Jia Yuan (IME), Datuk Julia Wee (IME), Ms. Low Kai Shin (IME), Mr. Lau Chee Wei (IME)
MELAKA, Malaysia — 28 January 2026 — IME Technology today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) to implement the SOLIDWORKS SkillForce programme. This strategic collaboration is designed to accelerate the development of industry-ready engineering talent, positioning UTeM students at the forefront of Malaysia’s digital and manufacturing transformation.
The SOLIDWORKS SkillForce initiative is a global programme by Dassault Systèmes, facilitated locally by IME Technology, aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through this MoU, UTeM students will gain access to professional-grade 3D design tools and a structured pathway towards achieving Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) status — a global benchmark for engineering proficiency.
SOLIDWORKS SkillForce is part of Dassault Systèmes’ global education initiative to equip students with industry-recognised design competencies and career pathways aligned with evolving engineering demands.
Under the agreement, IME Technology will provide specialised induction programmes and workplace-readiness training, ensuring students can translate their technical knowledge into high-value professional contributions. UTeM will play a pivotal role in integrating these industry-standard certifications into its academic framework, reinforcing its position as a leading technical university.
“At IME, we believe that the strength of Malaysia’s innovation economy lies in the proficiency of its workforce,” said Mr Teoh Jia Yuan, Executive Vice President, IME Technology. “By expanding the SOLIDWORKS SkillForce programme to UTeM, we are empowering the next generation of engineers with the tools and certifications required to solve real-world challenges. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a robust talent pipeline for the nation.”
Professor Dr Mohd Rizal bin Salleh, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), UTeM, said, “This collaboration with IME Technology aligns closely with UTeM’s mission to produce highly competent professionals for the global market. This strategic partnership also reflects UTeM’s role as a leading higher education Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in the nation. The SOLIDWORKS SkillForce programme provides our students with a strong competitive edge by integrating rigorous academic standards with industry-relevant, hands-on expertise. It further demonstrates UTeM’s commitment to delivering meaningful TVET impact, not only at the national level but across global boundaries.”
The MoU was signed by Mr. Teoh Jia Yuan and Professor Dr. Mohd Rizal bin Salleh and witnessed by Professor Ir. Dr Mohd Asyadi ‘Azam bin Mohd Abid, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial and Manufacturing Technology and Engineering (FTKIP), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), and Ms Low Khai Shin, Education Team Leader, IME Technology.
Under this collaboration, Ms Low Khai Shin leads the IME team, while Ts. Dr Syahrul Azwan bin Sundi @ Suandi, Manager of the Smart Manufacturing Technology Center (SMTC), UTeM, spearheads the SOLIDWORKS SkillForce Programme, strengthening industry–academia collaboration and enhancing students’ readiness with industry-relevant digital manufacturing skills.
This partnership marks the continued expansion of the SOLIDWORKS SkillForce programme in Malaysia, following its successful introduction to the region. By connecting the virtual and real worlds of engineering, IME Technology and UTeM are helping to ensure that Melaka remains a vital hub for technical innovation and skilled human capital.
IME Technology is Malaysia’s leading Authorised SOLIDWORKS partner and a key provider of end-to-end digital engineering and manufacturing solutions. With strong foundations in CAD/CAM/CAE technologies, IME has evolved into a comprehensive digital transformation partner supporting industries across the nation.
Beyond design and simulation, IME integrates ERP and MES systems, Additive Manufacturing, Robotics, Industrial IoT, Data Analytics and system integration — enabling manufacturers to connect their entire value chain, from initial concept to the smart shop floor.
Committed to advancing Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem, IME also works closely with academic institutions and industry partners to develop future-ready engineering talent, bridging the gap between education and real-world industry requirements.
About Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
Established as Malaysia’s first technical public university, UTeM is a leader in practice-oriented engineering education. With a focus on fields such as industrial technology, engineering and ICT, UTeM consistently produces graduates equipped to lead in the era of Industry 4.0.
Media Contact: Amanda Teoh 019-315 3635 amanda@cadcam.com.my