JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 7 – A new satellite laboratory focusing on industrial and system engineering was established through the partnership of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) and Western Digital to support Malaysia’s growing demand for skilled engineering talent and accelerate industry-relevant innovation development.
Located at Level 1, Block C25, FKM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the new facility is housed within an existing engineering laboratory and will serve as a dedicated space for training, research, and hands-on industry collaboration. It is designed to strengthen the bridge between academic learning and industrial application, offering a platform where engineering students and researchers can work directly with real-world systems and challenges.
The Industrial and Systems Engineering Satellite Laboratory is envisioned as a key centre for applied learning, where students can move beyond textbook knowledge into areas such as data analysis, systems simulation, industrial process optimization, and productivity improvement. It also supports postgraduate research and serves as a collaborative platform for joint projects with industry leaders and professionals
Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Zaini Ahmad, Dean of FKM, said the initiative represents a long-term vision to integrate engineering education with current industry practices, ensuring that graduates are better equipped to contribute immediately upon entering the workforce.
“This lab is more than just a physical space, it is a gateway for future engineers to explore, experiment, and evolve in tandem with real industry needs. It embodies our long-term vision to integrate engineering education with current industry practices, ensuring our graduates are ready to contribute from day one.” the Dean noted.
Beyond student and research engagement, the lab will also serve as an “idea space” for Western Digital staff based on campus, providing a dynamic environment to brainstorm and co-develop ideas alongside UTM experts—particularly from the Industrial Engineering panel of FKM. This open innovation approach is expected to foster mutual knowledge exchange and fresh perspectives on industry challenges.
The laboratory will continue to evolve, with new equipment being added progressively, including a real industrial conveyor system for teaching, meeting room facilities, digital conferencing tools, specialized software, and more. These upgrades aim to support an environment conducive to collaborative innovation, training, and digital transformation projects.
“We are proud to partner with UTM to advance Malaysia’s engineering ecosystem. This Satellite Lab reflects our mutual dedication to education, innovation, and workforce readiness,” said Dr. Chandramogan Anamirtham, Senior Vice President of Western Digital Global.
This forward-looking collaboration marks a significant step toward fostering stronger industry-academia ties in Malaysia. By combining technical training, high-impact research, and professional development, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Satellite Laboratory is set to inspire the next generation of engineers and position Malaysia as a competitive player in the global science, technology, and engineering arena.
