SIB-APU Collaboration Eyes EV, Hybrid Training and Smart Manufacturing

Sapura Industrial Berhad (SIB) has teamed up with Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) to push forward Malaysia’s ambitions in electric and hybrid vehicle technology as well as smart manufacturing.

The MoU was formalised on Sept 22 at APU’s Bukit Jalil campus and will set the stage for new joint initiatives that blend education, training and industry innovation.

SIB will leverage its subsidiary MILI EV Hybrid, a leading EV and hybrid service and training centre, to help APU embed specialised training and certification programmes into its engineering curriculum.

Plans include the creation of a dedicated EV and hybrid training lab at APU, the integration of industry-recognised certification pathways, and the development of modules to upskill professionals. The aim is to ensure students graduate with hands-on experience while industry benefits from a ready pool of talent aligned with emerging automotive technologies.

The MoU signing was witnessed by key figures from both sides, including SIB founder and advisor Tan Sri Datuk Seri Ir. Shamsuddin Abdul Kadir and APU CEO Datuk Parmjit Singh.

Beyond the automotive space, the partnership extends into smart manufacturing. SIB will introduce APU students to its IRIS system, an Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solution designed to capture live machine data, track downtime and optimise performance.

Students will gain exposure via live demonstrations, site visits and collaborative training programmes, deepening their understanding of data-driven manufacturing through real-world training.

Both SIB and APU view the collaboration as part of a long-term strategy to align Malaysia’s workforce with future industrial needs. The MoU will initially run for five years with automatic renewal, underscoring the partners’ commitment to driving innovation, sustainability and talent development.