PETALING JAYA (Oct 6): Japan-based V3D Asia Ltd and Sunway University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on 3D construction printing (3DCP), including the placement of a V3D construction printer on the university’s campus for students and researchers to gain hands-on experience with the technology.

The collaboration is aimed at developing the skills and knowledge needed to support the adoption of 3D construction printing in Malaysia, with engineering students expected to work directly with the printer, materials and printing process. V3D Asia said the initiative forms part of its broader effort to develop a local workforce alongside the technology, rather than simply introducing 3D construction printers into the market. 

V3D Asia group chairman and chief executive officer Kazuhiro Ono said the collaboration was an important starting point for developing the next generation of engineers familiar with 3D construction printing.

“Our ambition is not to sell equipment into Malaysia. It is to build the industry here — the printers, the homes and, above all, the people. If we do that properly, Malaysia will not be a customer for this technology in 10 years’ time, it will be the region’s supplier of it,” said Ono in his welcoming remarks at the MOU signing ceremony at Sunway University on Tuesday.

Sunway University president and vice-chancellor Prof Sibrandes Poppema said the partnership reflected the university’s approach of bringing industry into the learning environment, allowing students to work with the latest technologies while giving companies access to talent.

“This is a good example for a collaboration with the industry. For the students, they can learn with the latest equipment and make them more employable.” 

Embassy of Japan in Malaysia minister and deputy chief of mission Daisuke Nihei said the initiative could help address some of the challenges facing the construction industry, including labour shortages, while developing the skills needed to use the technology effectively.

“The printer alone does not build. People do. And people need time to grow. So we must build knowledge and skills alongside that function, not after that. That is why education cannot wait,” he said. 

Nihei added that the initiative could help Malaysian engineers explore how the technology could be adapted to local needs. 

The MOU comes as V3D Asia develops its presence in Malaysia under its “Designed in Japan, Built in Malaysia” approach. Its Malaysian commercial arm, Nuvah Sdn Bhd, is also working with the Construction Industry Development Board towards recognition of 3D construction printing as a seventh system under Malaysia’s Industrialised Building System framework, while a separate collaboration with Sirim is focused on developing industry standards for 3DCP.