Latest news with #i-CATS
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
i-CATS, Naico ink MoU to propel Sarawak's aerospace aspirations
Shamsul Kamar (front, left) and Mohamad Kadim (front, right) exchange the MoU documents, witnessed by Liew (behind, left) and Selangor's Exco for Investment, Trade & Mobility Ng Sze Han. KUCHING (May 22): The i-CATS University College has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (Naico Malaysia) during the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima 2025) in Langkawi. The MoU was signed and exchanged by i-CATS vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Ts Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and Naico Malaysia chief executive officer Prof Ts Shamsul Kamar Abu Sama. It was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong. According to a press release from i-CATS yesterday, the signing marked a significant milestone in the university college's effort to build collaborative frameworks with industry stakeholders. 'These partnerships are essential for transferring real-world knowledge into the classroom and ensuring students are exposed to the latest advancements in aircraft systems and satellite engineering,' read the statement. While still in the development phase, i-CATS's aerospace programmes are designed to align with Sarawak's aspirations of creating a vibrant aerospace system – one that attracts investment, generates high-income jobs, and promotes innovation-driven growth. The university college aims to become a central pillar in this ecosystem, serving as both a training ground and think tank for Sarawak's aerospace ambitions. 'As the global aerospace industry becomes increasingly competitive and technology-driven, Sarawak's proactive steps in building local capacity today will ensure it plays a leading role in the aerospace economy of tomorrow. 'i-CATS is proud to be part of this journey – transforming vision into action, and action into altitude,' it added. Currently, i-CATS is actively building capacity across several key areas of aerospace development, including systems engineering, aircraft design, avionics, satellite technology, and aerospace systems integration. The institution's initiatives aim to produce Sarawakian engineers, technicians, and innovators equipped with the knowledge and practical expertise to contribute directly to the local and national aerospace supply chain. With the support of the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), i-CATS is aligning its academic programmes and research efforts with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 (MAIB 2030). These efforts support Sarawak's mission not only to produce skilled talent, but also to foster home-grown research and development in aerospace technologies – paving the way for long-term industry sustainability within the state. aerospace i-Cats lead MoU NAICO
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
I-CATS strengthens ties with 19 industries, 22 TVET institutions in Sarawak
KUCHING: Sarawak's i-CATS University College has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with 19 industry partners and 22 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to strengthen strategic workforce development networks in the state. The exchange ceremony was witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa'ee yesterday. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Annuar emphasised that both academics and industries play a crucial role in realising the state government's policies. "Without alignment between academic vision and government policies, as well as active support from the industry sector, all the well-intended policies will not be achieved within the expected timeframe. "Therefore, today's (yesterday) ceremony marks an important milestone in our efforts to ensure that Sarawak moves towards becoming a carbon-free, developed state and a region that fosters the development of green technology," he said. Meanwhile, i-CATS vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said the exchange of LoIs with 22 TVET institutions reflects the university college's commitment to developing a robust linkage system that supports academic mobility and lifelong learning. "Through this initiative, graduates from polytechnics, vocational colleges, community colleges, and technical colleges will have a direct pathway to further their studies in diploma and bachelor's degree programmes at i-CATS. "We will actively promote technology-based academic programmes, providing a clear academic pathway for students to continue their studies up to the master's and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels. Mohamad Kadim said this collaboration bridges the gap between technical training and higher education, offering a more accessible, affordable, and achievable future for students across Sarawak. He said i-CATS is also actively implementing various strategic initiatives with the goal of achieving full university status by 2026. "Among the key steps being taken are the development of new faculties, such as the Faculty of Energy Transition, the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, and the establishment of the i-CATS Digital Business School," he said. – Bernama
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
i-CATS expands academic pathways with TVET, industry partnerships across Sarawak
Mohamad Karim (front row, third left) exchanges the signed LoI with a representative, witnessed by Dr Annuar (centre). – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 7): i-CATS University College has further cemented its commitment to fostering academic mobility, industry collaboration and lifelong learning by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with 22 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Sarawak, along with 15 industry partners. i-CATS vice-chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi described the initiative as a significant milestone, adding that it reflects their dedication to building a networked education ecosystem that supports accessible and future-ready academic pathways. 'Through this initiative, graduates from polytechnics, vocational colleges, community colleges, and technical colleges will have a direct pathway to pursue diploma and bachelor's degree programmes at i-CATS,' he said during the signing held at i-CATS here today. He added that the university would also actively promote technology-based academic programmes and provide clear pathways for students to advance their studies to the master's and PhD levels. 'This collaboration bridges the gap between technical training and higher education, offering a future that is more accessible, affordable, and attainable for students across Sarawak. 'The MoUs with industry partners aim to strengthen ties in areas such as internship placements, job opportunities, industry-relevant research, and the development of specialised training programmes. 'These partnerships will further align academic offerings with the needs of the workforce,' he said. Adding on, Mohamad Kadim revealed that i-CATS is currently developing a strategy to achieve full university status. 'This year, we plan to submit over 15 new technology-based bachelor's degree programmes for approval by the Malaysia Board of Technologists and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency to be offered in 2026,' he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa'ee witnessed the signing of MoUs and LoIs. He emphasised that the agreements are vital in ensuring more Sarawakians, particularly those from polytechnics, vocational colleges, and rural backgrounds, can progress to degree programmes and beyond. 'This initiative is essential for these students to benefit from the state government's free tertiary education scheme starting next year,' he said. He further stressed that the collaboration between institutions like i-CATS is aligned with Sarawak's development goals in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, and green energy. 'Without the academicians who share the same vision as the government policies, I doubt all of these good state government policies could be achieved,' he added. i-CATS University College MoUs TVET
