MoU Paves the Way for Joint Initiatives to Boost Education, Training & Innovation
Partnership Focuses on Advancing EV & Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance, Servicing & Training
Sapura Industrial Berhad (SIB), one of Malaysia’s leading automotive component manufacturers with decades of industry experience, and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia’s premier digital technology institution, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in electric and hybrid vehicle technology and smart manufacturing.
In a joint statement, both parties noted that the MoU paves the way for joint initiatives designed to enhance education, training, and innovation, supporting Malaysia’s transition towards a knowledge-driven, technology-enabled economy.
Key Focus: Advancing EV and Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance, Servicing, and Training
A central element of the partnership is advancing electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle maintenance, servicing, and training. SIB, through its subsidiary MILI EV Hybrid—a leading EV/hybrid service and training centre in Malaysia—will collaborate with APU to integrate specialised training and certification programmes into APU’s engineering curriculum.
Planned initiatives include:
- Establishing a hybrid/EV training laboratory on APU’s campus
- Embedding EV/hybrid training certification programmes for students
- Co-developing modules to upskill and reskill external industry professionals
- Leveraging MILI EV Hybrid’s expertise to provide real-world training and exposure
These measures will ensure APU students gain hands-on, practical experience in sustainable automotive systems, while industry players benefit from a future-ready talent pipeline.
Signatories and Witnesses
The MoU was signed by Mariam Parineh, Executive Vice Chairman of SIB, and Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ir. Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir, Founder and Advisor of SIB, and Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU.
Integration of SIB’s Proprietary IRIS System
The partnership also highlights SIB’s proprietary IRIS system, an advanced Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution that captures real-time machine data, calculates overall equipment effectiveness, and enables data-driven decision-making.
APU students will benefit from live demonstrations, site visits to SIB’s facilities, and co-developed training programmes covering:
- IoT integration and smart factory solutions
- Real-time data analytics and dashboarding
- Downtime tracking and performance optimisation
By combining SIB’s industrial expertise with APU’s strong academic foundation, the partnership ensures graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills.
Commitment to Talent Development and Sustainability
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing talent, driving sustainability, and strengthening Malaysia’s leadership in high-technology industries.
Ir. Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir said, “I have always believed that true impactful learning lies at the intersection of academia and practical application. Today, I am proud to witness the collaboration between the automotive manufacturing company I founded 40 years ago and the education institution I helped establish, as APIIT has evolved into one of Malaysia’s top universities. Together, SIB and APU are shaping a new generation of Malaysia’s innovative leaders.”
Parmjit Singh added, “At APU, we constantly seek to enrich the learning experience of our students by aligning academic knowledge with practical, industry-driven applications. Partnering with Sapura Industrial Berhad exemplifies how education and industry can come together to create a meaningful impact. Our students will not only learn about the latest technologies but also engage with real-world challenges, preparing them to be highly employable, competent and future-proof professionals.”
Duration and Future Outlook
The MoU will remain in effect for an initial period of five years, with automatic renewal for successive terms. Both SIB and APU are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives under this collaboration, anchored in mutual benefit, trust, and innovation.