Malaysia is preparing to launch the NEW TDM Project in October 2026 to improve the capabilities of its tool, die and mould manufacturers. SIRIM Bhd president and group chief executive officer Nik Sazali Nik Hussin said the programme would support higher-value engineering and help local businesses compete internationally. It will operate under the 13th Malaysia Plan and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.

The programme will focus on three-dimensional design and digital engineering, including artificial intelligence. Nik Sazali said companies would receive support across the production process, covering planning, design and the manufacture of more sophisticated products. An integrated platform based on the 3DEXPERIENCE environment is also planned to help businesses complete work more efficiently.

Skills development will accompany the technology improvements. Training will cover computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering, as well as advanced production methods. Nik Sazali said the objective was to help Malaysian manufacturers become preferred suppliers to original equipment manufacturers and eventually compete as international industry players. He said Malaysia needed stronger capabilities throughout the manufacturing process, beyond its existing role in assembly.

The new programme follows TDM 2.0, which recorded production capacity increases of up to 88 per cent and gross value added of RM292 million in 2024. Nik Sazali presented awards to 36 companies that had completed the earlier programme at a ceremony at Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites in Shah Alam. He said these results provided a foundation for the next phase. The October launch is expected to encourage more local companies to join programmes that improve their use of digital tools and strengthen their production capabilities.