Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (GAM), the manufacturing arm of Go Auto Group of Companies and SIRIM Berhad, an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to form a long-term strategic collaboration and partnership between both parties.
Signing on behalf of GAM was YBhg Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal, Executive Director of Go Auto Group and on behalf of SIRIM was YBhg. Prof Ir. Dr. Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani, President and Group Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad. The signing was witnessed by En Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, Executive Director of Go Auto Group and Ir. Dr. Mohamad Jamil Bin Sulaiman, Vice President of SIRIM Industrial Research from SIRIM Berhad.
The essence of the strategic collaboration encompasses four main areas which are development and improvement of products, technology, people and market or industry. Through this collaboration, it would allow GAM access to the usage of research facilities of SIRIM. Whereas, both parties will be co-operating in technical expertise, technology transfer and technical training with the aim to be able to execute projects or products under this partnership.
“Go Auto is thrilled with the collaboration with SIRIM, as they have over forty years of experience and expertise in research and technology development in the nation. Their advantages in the field of research and development, in addition to ensuring industry standards and quality makes them our idyllic partner for the Company. We look forward to the collaboration as this gives us the opportunity to tap into each other’s strengths which can result in the maximizing development execution of projects for both parties,” said Dato’ Azli.
“Our manufacturing will be able to meet regulatory and market requirements whilst indirectly enabling us to reduce our production and R&D costs. This collaboration is also in line with the National Automotive Policy (“NAP”) which to produce products with features that meet international standards and requirements. SIRIM has a track record which allows Malaysian products and services to achieve worldwide recognition in terms of quality and innovation,” Dato’ Azli added.
President and Group Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad, Prof Ir. Dr Ahmad Fadzil said, SIRIM is well positioned to spearhead initiatives towards transforming Malaysian industry into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). “SIRIM is excited and looks forward to the partnership with Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd to further assist connecting vehicles technology and to transform driving experience in Malaysia. Among the areas of collaboration include development and improvement in capability and capacity of lithium-ion based rechargeable battery to replace lead-acid batteries in the automotive market; development of green vehicle technology which include batteries for bicycles and motorcycles and development of sodium-ion battery as alternative to lithium-ion battery. Other areas include Rapid Prototyping and 3-D printing for MARA TVET students and Vehicle Type Approval (“VTA”) testing facilities in e-mobility as mandated by the Road Transport Department (“JPJ”) and Ministry of International Trade and Industry (“MITI”),” Prof Ir. Dr Ahmad Fadzil further added.
“The collaboration is timely in supporting the government’s aspirations and efforts in transforming the Malaysian businesses to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0. We aspire to leverage SIRIM SME Development Programme and championing pillars of Industry 4.0 in the area of Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Smart Manufacturing and Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices,” ended Prof Ir. Dr Ahmad Fadzil. The rationalisation of the collaboration is expected to be completed within two years after the signing.