Dassault Systèmes and MARA Partner to Transform Students’ Learning Experience, Sustaining Malaysian Transition from Rural to Global

Partners Develop a Continuum of World Class Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education from Early School to University

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France – January 25, 2013 – Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the 3D Experience Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), an organization created by the Government of Malaysia’s Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, to encourage and facilitate social and economic development particularly in the rural areas of Malaysia.

A key socio-economic goal of Malaysian government is to promote the well-being of its rural population by developing it into a vibrant middle-class, highly employable in the context of the global economy. To that end, a world-class educational program for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is being deployed, relying upon Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

From the age of 13 to Master’s degrees, from academic to technical & vocational education and training, the partnership builds upon 3D-based educational practices and combines new types of learning environments into a game-changing learning experience. All types of Dassault Systèmes’ software applications and its educational expertise gained across the world will be mobilized in programmes centred on project-based STEM education in Junior and Professional Colleges and on advanced collaborative engineering curricula at the university level. A key social impact of the programme is in the continuum of encouragement, interest and knowledge it among all different age groups, building a pipeline of talent.

“It is imperative to create an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in children from the age of 13 and onward. The continuum from school to university is crucial to Malaysia to advance its social agenda and develop globally competent engineers for various industries,” said Philippe Forestier, Executive Vice President, Global Affairs and Communities, Dassault Systèmes. “Dassault Systèmes will also facilitate a link between its global academic community and MARA to establish international learning opportunities for students.”

MARA has over 45 years of experience in nurturing young minds in Malaysia and relies upon its countrywide network of 323 institutions to sustain its educational initiative. “We are proud to partner with Dassault Systèmes.  This partnership aligns with our strategic transformation framework to produce a highly competent workforce for the global market,” said Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad, Director General, MARA. “With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we are able to innovate in the development of human capital in Malaysia and instill leadership values and entrepreneurial skills in the next generation of scientists and engineers.”