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The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Powering progress through industrial innovation
'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
The Star
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Dashing Danish
Raising eyebrows: Johor's Danish Iftikhar Mohd Roslee (centre) sprinting to his win in the men's 100m final of the Super Series MA International Meet. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/TheStar
The Star
24-04-2025
- The Star
Parents pay the price for lies
A total of 15 individuals, comprising organisers and false informants, were brought to the Magistrates' Court by enforcement officers from the National Registration Department (JPN) to be charged with the falsification of birth certificates."–KAMARUL ARIFFIN /TheStar KUALA LUMPUR: A group of 15 Malaysian parents paid the price for faking their adopted children's identity over 20 years ago. Yesterday, they were fined between RM800 and RM3,500 after confessing to deceiving the government when applying for birth certificates and MyKads. The National Registration Department (JPN) said the next step for the adoptive parents of children aged below 21 is to find the correct birth information such as the names of the real parents and place of birth before going through the adoption process and filing for citizenship. The group, aged between 50 and 70, were charged separately at the Magistrate's Courts here. A total of 18 charges were levelled against them with three of the accused facing two counts of offences. They were charged under Section 36(b) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 (Act 299), for wilfully or knowingly furnishing or permitting the false information. Four of the accused were also charged with applying for MyKad using the birth certificates. This offence falls under Article 25 (1)(b) of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007), pertaining to providing false information when registering for MyKad. Act 299 provides for a maximum fine of RM2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or both while the National Registration Regulations provides a prison term not exceeding three years, a fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both. They were fined between RM800 and RM1,800 for the offence under Act 299 while those who were charged for registering MyKad using false information were fined up to RM3,500. While some of the accused, comprising 12 men and three women, had their own lawyers, others were represented by counsel from the National Legal Aid Foundation. According to the charge sheets, the offences were committed between 2004 and 2022 in several locations in Kuala Lumpur, including the JPN counters in Taman Maluri, Bandar Tun Razak and Kepong. They were arrested on Tuesday. The proceedings took place in seven magistrates' courts. JPN investigation and enforcement director Mohammad Khairu Farhan Md Saad said the adoptive parents were exposed following Ops Foster 1.0. 'We are not penalising them, (rather) we are trying to help. These cases took place in 2004 and after 21 years, we want to fix the problems. 'The birth certificates were issued following fake documentation, so now we want to make it right ... we will assist them,' he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex here. He also said that the next step for the parents of children aged below 21 is to find the correct birth information before going through the adoption process and filing for citizenship. Meanwhile, children above 21 could directly apply for citizenship, he said.
The Star
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Proposal to limit PM's tenure, drafting of political financing bill under review, says Azalina
Photo: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/TheStar PUTRAJAYA: The proposal to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to a two-term maximum or 10 years and the draft of the political financing bill are still under review and undergoing engagement with political parties, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said says. She said that if enacted, both laws would also be applicable at the state level. "The political financing bill and the proposed two-term limit for the Prime Minister need to be discussed with all political parties, because ultimately, they are the primary stakeholders in these reforms. "The same applies to the two-term system (for the prime minister's post). It could be extended to the state level as well, since there are also Chief Ministers and Mentri Besar. "On political financing bill, it shouldn't only be regulated at the federal level - it needs to have an impact at the state level too," she told reporters at a Prime Minister's Department Aidilfitri event on Monday (April 21), which was graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Last month, Anwar agreed to implement a reform agenda, including amending the Federal Constitution to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to a maximum of 10 years. However, he said the process must be carried out carefully and requires the consensus of all political parties, along with a two-thirds majority of parliament. Meanwhile, Azalina said that her office is in talks with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Election Commission (EC) regarding the proposed political financing bill. "Agencies like MACC and EC are indeed supportive of political financing, but the question is, in what form should it take? "We need to examine various aspects, including the amount, the concept of financing, the definition of political financing, its usage, and whether it should be donated to individuals or are areas we need to study thoroughly," she said. Azalina also mentioned that her office has met with political parties regarding the bill, and so far, the feedback has been positive. "We've met with the political parties, but we are giving them time to submit their views and opinions on political financing in writing. "As a Madani government, we are highly democratic. Everything we do must also involve input from non-governmental organisations, civil society, universities, and other stakeholders," she concluded. - Bernama
