Powering progress through industrial innovation

The Star

23-05-2025

'We will be actively promoting the AS9100 certification, which is targeted at improving the management systems of all aerospace and maritime players — especially those in the defence industry. By proposing this certification, we want our industries to become internationally competitive,' said Ahmad Sabirin. —Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
SIRIM Bhd is charting a new course at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), with a presence set to reflect strategic focus and meaningful national impact.
LIMA 2025, held biennially in Langkawi, is taking place at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre and Resorts World Langkawi and is open to the public today and tomorrow (May 23-24).
Aligned with the exhibition's theme, 'Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow,' SIRIM steps forward not merely as an exhibitor, but as a vital enabler of Malaysia's industrial transformation and a committed partner in advancing the nation's aerospace and maritime sectors.
Operational excellence
SIRIM's participation this year signals a strategic shift. While the organisation's core strengths in certification, research and development (R&D), training and calibration remain central, its approach is now more focused and outcome-driven.
'This year, we have come up with different propositions. We will be actively promoting the AS9100 certification, which is targeted at improving the management systems of all aerospace and maritime players — especially those in the defence industry. By proposing this certification, we want our industries to become internationally competitive,' said SIRIM Bhd president and group chief executive officer Datuk Indera Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad in an interview.
He added, 'With this certification, companies can export their products and services globally, as they will be complying with international standards. Once certified, their workflows become highly standardised.'
Through this initiative, SIRIM aims to help more Malaysian companies align with global benchmarks, boost productivity, increase profit margins and ultimately enhance their competitiveness on the international stage.
Strategic engagement
LIMA 2025 marks SIRIM's third participation in the exhibition. Over the years, SIRIM has evolved from a basic exhibitor to a vital strategic partner for national industrial development. This year, SIRIM returns with a more curated, focused and impactful showcase.
'From past experiences we've gathered, LIMA is a broad-based activity and SIRIM's offerings are extensive as well. If we are not focused, customers will be clueless and very confused about our offerings. That's why this year, we're targeting very specific industry needs — statutory requirements, certification demands and practical R&D incentives that deliver real value.
'We want to ensure that our offerings are customised to the needs of the industries,' he said.
SIRIM's innovation works on display at its gallery in the headquarters in Shah Alam.
Collaborative efforts
SIRIM's contribution to Malaysia's aerospace industry extends far beyond exhibitions. It plays an instrumental role in equipping the country's more than 240 aerospace players with certification, calibration, training and R&D support.
'All of them, directly or indirectly, have worked with SIRIM,' said Ahmad Sabirin.
'If not through certification, we have also calibrated most of the equipment used in the defence industry. In the aerospace industry, this is highly important — we ensure the equipment is properly calibrated to guarantee the safety and airworthiness of the products.
'We have emphasised that calibration cannot be compromised, whether for aircraft or ships.'
The feedback from these collaborations has been overwhelmingly positive. Many industry players have reported improvements in productivity and revenue, backed by international-grade systems introduced with SIRIM's support.
Innovation with purpose
Innovation at SIRIM is not about reinventing the wheel — it's about enhancing existing technologies to suit Malaysian conditions and needs.
'If a product is made by other countries, we don't want to simply replicate it in Malaysia. Instead, we want to improve it and adapt it to suit the Malaysian environment,' he said.
He shared his insights on SIRIM's innovative work with its partners in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
'SAF will also contribute to net-zero carbon targets because we are using biofuel as the new jet engine fuel.'
He noted that SIRIM is actively involved in SAF-related research due to the availability of raw materials in the country and that it is part of their continuous engagement to positively impact local industries.
The second area is SIRIM's development of autonomous guidance systems for drones.
'If we are buying drones, I think most of the companies are getting them from China. But we're stepping in to ensure that they are autonomously guided — and this guidance system is developed by SIRIM to benefit the industries."
He added that the guidance system has versatile future applications.
'It can be used in guided missiles, drone systems, aircraft, or even search and rescue facilities.'
He explained that SIRIM is now exploring how to assist industries in deploying more effective search and rescue systems for both aviation and maritime sectors.
'We understand that when an automated, autonomous GPS system is enabled, it can help pinpoint the crash location of victims more accurately. Search and rescue operations take time — and the longer it takes, the lower the chances of survival. So, if we can reduce the time needed to locate victims, their chances of survival will be much higher.'
SIRIM's additive manufacturing system produces engineering-grade thermoplastic prototypes and functional parts with optimal mechanical properties. Among the items shown is a 3D-printed hand brace, used to support recovery from a broken arm.
Human-centred technologies
SIRIM's presence at LIMA 2025 will also highlight a human-centred approach. Beyond machines and hardware, the organisation is showcasing its capabilities in medical devices and prosthetics — from 3D-printed limbs for amputees to Malaysian-made titanium skulls for cranial reconstruction surgeries.
'This is about helping Malaysians return to work and live a normal life. It also extends to military personnel who may be injured during peacekeeping missions,' he said.
To date, over 120 prosthetic and cranial reconstruction cases have been supported by SIRIM through close collaboration with hospitals and industry partners.
Additionally, SIRIM is also showcasing its in-house capabilities in areas such as the testing and certification of military uniforms, including boots and hats — all of which comply with international standards.
Trusted standards
SIRIM QAS International, the certification body of SIRIM, remains a pillar of trust and credibility in the region.
With over 15,000 certifications issued, its impact spans aerospace, manufacturing, and other critical sectors.
'These certifications are not just for compliance — they build traceability, accountability and system integrity,' he said.
SIRIM is also expanding its certification footprint beyond Europe to North America to ensure Malaysian industries can meet global trade demands seamlessly.
Agile talent
As part of its future-ready strategy, SIRIM Academy is accelerating talent development by offering both high-level quality training and practical Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
These include aerospace certification training, welding, soft skills and even entrepreneurship programmes tailored for retiring military personnel.
'SIRIM Academy is also integrating AI into its training ecosystem,' said Ahmad Sabirin 'We want to ensure trainees are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and are ready to participate in a smart, future-driven workforce. Our goal is not to compete with industries, but to facilitate and support them.'
The Academy also champions diversity, equality and inclusivity — promoting representation across Malaysia's multicultural population while supporting gig-based employment models designed for the younger, more flexible workforce.
'We believe in the concept of 1Malaysia, where every Malaysian contributes to everything we do. We're proud to have around 10,000 alumni and a workforce of over 2,000.'
'We concentrate on what keeps the industry awake at night and how we can solve those problems to help make them more profitable,' said Ahmad Sabirin.
Targeted research
With limited national funding for R&D, SIRIM's Industrial Research (IR) remains mission-focused — dedicated to solving real, industry-centric challenges.
'Our focus is not on academic research — we leave that to the universities,' said Ahmad Sabirin. 'We concentrate on what keeps the industry awake at night and how we can solve those problems to help make them more profitable.'
Looking ahead, SIRIM IR is focusing on key areas such as hydrogen fuel ecosystems, electric vehicles (EVs) and the integration of AI and quantum computing into industrial applications.
Bespoke solutions
SIRIM's footprint in the small and medium enterprises (SME) space is equally transformative. The organisation has supported over 1,200 SMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies — from AI and automation to customised smart manufacturing solutions.
'Malaysia is still somewhere between IR 1.5 and 2.0,' he noted. 'Many companies are still reliant on cheap labour. But with our interventions, we're helping them shift toward automation and higher profitability. Machines can work 24/7 without overtime.'
What sets SIRIM apart is its bespoke approach — each smart solution is custom-designed to meet the unique needs of a business, rather than offering one-size-fits-all systems.
'Our approach is to creatively design the specific automation solutions that are unique to each industry. What we do here at SIRIM is not mass manufacturing of smart solutions; instead, we focus on bespoke manufacturing tailored to the unique needs of every industry.'
Innovation enabler
With over 20,000 industries and 20,000 human capital engagements impacted annually, SIRIM is positioning itself as Malaysia's leading innovation enabler.
'I am proud that SIRIM is now becoming the enabler of technologies across industries,' said Ahmad Sabirin.
'Industries are looking to us for support. Our engagement is now much more intense and we are now closer to the industry players than we've ever been.'
As a closing message to all LIMA 2025 visitors and industry stakeholders, Ahmad Sabirin offered a compelling invitation:
'Come to LIMA — and remember this: we are ready to be your partner in progress. If you're aiming to go global, let SIRIM walk alongside you. We are committed, collaborative and industry-friendly.'
In reference to SIRIM's trusted recognition, he added with conviction:
'Ada SIRIM, Baru Beli (Only Buy with SIRIM's mark of quality).'
To learn more about SIRIM, its services and initiatives, visit https://www.sirim.my/