i-CATS University College and Dassault Systèmes to Advance Sarawak's Aerospace and Digital Engineering Ambitions

• New MoU with i-CATS University College marks a concrete first step in bringing the 3DEXPERIENCE platform into Sarawak's classrooms, labs and talent pipeline  laying the groundwork for training and capability-building 
• The collaboration will establish Southeast Asia's first Digital Showcase at i-CATS University College, showcasing end-to-end digital workflows for aerospace and space technology
• The MoU supports i-CATS' growing Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and aligns with the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 and National Space Policy 2030

MALAYSIA, Sarawak - July 29, 2026 - Dassault Systèmes today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with i-CATS University College, to develop the digital engineering capabilities needed to support Sarawak’s ambition of becoming a regional aerospace and space technology hub. The partnership is designed as a practical starting point for Dassault Systèmes' broader ambitions in the state: beginning with this MoU, progressing into structured training and capability-building at iCATS, and building toward wider industry and innovation impact across Sarawak's high-technology sectors. 

Under the MoU, Dassault Systèmes’ intends to collaborate with i-CATS University College in Southeast Asia’s Digital Aerospace Showcase powered by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The Showcase will serve as a strategic platform for industry, academia, government and the public to explore advanced aerospace design, digital engineering, simulation and virtual twin technologies. It will also support the continued growth of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering degree programme and the development of new degree programmes in Aircraft Maintenance, while strengthening industry collaboration, applied learning, research and innovation including research project in satellite and unmmaned aircraft system.

The collaboration will also equip students, educators, researchers and professionals with industry-recognised digital engineering, simulation and virtual twin competencies. This gives Sarawak a homegrown talent base for engineering systems and advanced prototyping capability the state will need as it moves from policy ambition to execution in aerospace and space. 

“Our collaboration with Dassault Systèmes is another mileage in advancing iCATS and Faculty of Aerospace Engineering’s capabilities in aerospace design, engineering and technology. Through access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and virtual twin technology, our students and researchers will be able to strengthen their competencies in aircraft design, avionics, aircraft maintenance, systems engineering, simulation, product development and advanced manufacturing. This partnership will support industry-relevant learning, multidisciplinary research and innovation while contributing to the development of highly skilled talent in Sarawak,” said Professor Emeritus Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohamad Kadim bin Suaidi, Vice-Chancellor of i-CATS University College.

“This MoU with i-CATS University College is where we begin turning Sarawak's digital and aerospace ambitions into practical, on-the-ground capability. Through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, i-CATS will be able to allow students to design and simulate ideas long before they take physical form. It's a foundation we intend to build on, starting with training and capability development, and growing from there,” said Patrick Ong, Senior Director, Customer Process Experience Asia-Pacific South, Dassault Systèmes. 

The collaboration supports the goals of the 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, joint programmes and technology demonstration initiatives.