i-CATS and Dassault Systèmes partner to turn Sarawak into a regional aerospace hub

i-CATS University College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French software firm Dassault Systèmes to boost Sarawak’s aerospace and digital engineering capabilities.

The partnership aims to bring the 3DEXPERIENCE platform directly into local classrooms and laboratories, laying the groundwork for a skilled high-tech workforce.

Southeast Asia’s first Digital Aerospace Showcase

Under the MoU, the collaboration will establish Southeast Asia’s first Digital Aerospace Showcase at i-CATS University College. Powered by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the facility will serve as a practical hub for industry, government, and academia to test advanced aerospace design, simulation, and virtual twin technologies.

The showcase will directly support i-CATS’ Faculty of Aerospace Engineering degree programme and aid the development of upcoming degree programmes in Aircraft Maintenance. It will also host joint research projects focused on satellites and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Building a homegrown engineering workforce

The partnership is designed to equip students, educators, and industry professionals with recognised competencies in digital engineering and advanced prototyping, supporting Sarawak’s transition from policy planning to execution.

According to i-CATS Vice-Chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohamad Kadim bin Suaidi, access to virtual twin technology enables students and researchers to strengthen their skills across aircraft design, avionics, aircraft maintenance, systems engineering, product development, and advanced manufacturing.

Alignment with state and national initiatives

Dassault Systèmes Senior Director Patrick Ong noted that the agreement allows students to design and simulate ideas long before physical production, turning state aerospace goals into practical, on-the-ground capability.

The initiative aligns with broader policy frameworks, including Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, the National Space Policy 2030, and the APACE 2026 legacy programme through certification pathways and joint technology demonstrations.