New TDM Project To Drive Transformation Of Malaysia’s Tooling Industry

SHAH ALAM, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s tool, die and mould (TDM) industry is set to enter a new phase of digital transformation and global competitiveness with the launch of the NEW TDM Project next month.

SIRIM Bhd president and group chief executive officer Nik Sazali Nik Hussin said the strategic initiative would be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 to strengthen the country’s TDM ecosystem comprehensively.

“The NEW TDM Project is not merely a continuation of previous programmes, but a new-generation intervention that will take the TDM ecosystem to a higher level of digitalisation.

“Its main focus is to empower high-value engineering activities, particularly three-dimensional design, supported by modern digital engineering technologies, including artificial intelligence,” he said at the TDM 2.0 Project Appreciation and Awards Ceremony at the Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites.

Nik Sazali said the proactive initiative was designed to strengthen local companies’ capabilities across the entire process, from planning and design to producing a wide range of sophisticated products that can compete internationally.

The transformation would also involve developing an integrated digital platform based on the 3DEXPERIENCE environment, enabling industry players to operate more efficiently and swiftly, he said.

“Particular emphasis is also being placed on talent development to produce a skilled workforce in computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided engineering and advanced manufacturing.

“Our long-term goal is clear: to enable local TDM companies to emerge as suppliers of choice to original equipment manufacturers and eventually become global industry players,” he said.

Nik Sazali said the transition was crucial to ensure Malaysia did not remain merely an assembly hub but gained control over the entire world-class manufacturing value chain.

He said the strong foundation established through previous programmes would provide a springboard for the NEW TDM Project to further elevate the capabilities of the existing industry.

“It is time to move beyond conventional approaches and put Malaysia on the global map as a respected TDM provider.

“The success of the previous phase, TDM 2.0, was evident in an increase in production capacity of up to 88 per cent and gross value added of RM292 million in 2024 alone,” he said.

Nik Sazali said the launch of the NEW TDM Project in October was expected to attract more local companies to participate in digital transformation and capacity-building programmes.

Earlier, Nik Sazali presented awards to 36 recipients, comprising companies that graduated from TDM 2.0, in recognition of their achievements in strengthening the local tooling industry.

-- BERNAMA