Collaborative Meeting Between USM and FMM: Advancing IR 4.0 Professional Training

On 17th July 2024, the School of Aerospace Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through its Aerospace Business Unit (ABU) conducted a strategic engagement visit to the Federation of Malaysian
Manufacturers (FMM), aimed at fostering a strong collaborative framework in the development of Industry 4.0 professional training programs.

The USM delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Elmi Abu Bakar, Dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering. He was accompanied by Dr. Mohammad Nishat Akhtar, Lecturer and Project Execution
Coordinator, and Mr. S.K. Lim, the Liaison Officer representing industry engagement efforts.

The meeting was hosted by a distinguished team from FMM, comprising:

• Ms. Owe Yean Roei, Senior Executive (Lead Coordinator)
• Mr. Hasrulnizar, Executive overseeing In-House Programs
• Ms. Rajeswary Gunnusen, Senior Executive for Public Programs and SME Development
• Ms. Farah Ardilla Putri Binti Mohammad Yani, Branch Executive for IR 4.0 Programs
• Ms. Jayshrisharrlini Krishnan, Executive managing Certification Programs

The discussion centered on the joint development and delivery of professional certification programs tailored to the needs of the manufacturing industry, with a particular focus on enabling SMEs and industrial stakeholders to navigate the transition toward IR 4.0. USM emphasized its commitment to support FMM by providing access to its pool of subject matter experts and industry-experienced academic professionals to serve as trainers and resource persons.

This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, aligning with Malaysia’s national agenda to develop a future-ready workforce equipped with digital and technical competencies. It also reflects USM’s continuous effort in expanding its impact beyond the academic realm by contributing directly to the country’s industrial advancement.