Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) has officially launched its first off-campus Teaching Factory focused on the crane manufacturing industry, operating within the factory premises of its industry partner, FASSI Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd., at the Arab Malaysian Industrial Area in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
The UniKL–FASSI Teaching Factory marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia–Italy cooperation while reinforcing UniKL’s role as a key institution under the TVET@KKDW and TVET MARA frameworks, through the provision of an authentic, industry-based learning environment.
The Teaching Factory involves Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Welding and Quality Inspection) with Honours students from UniKL Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI), with the first cohort commencing learning in October 2025.
“This is where the Teaching Factory concept is introduced not merely as an educational initiative, but as a strategic policy tool to bridge the skills gap between academia and industry.
“What sets the UniKL–FASSI Teaching Factory apart is its operation within a real industrial setting, rather than a simulation in a classroom or laboratory.
“Here, students engage directly on the production floor, utilising actual machinery, adhering to real Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and producing tangible products. This hands-on exposure provides invaluable insight into real industrial operations,” said Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), YBhg. Datuk Hajah Rubiah Haji Wang, in her officiating remarks at the launch ceremony on 20 January 2026.
Also present at the ceremony were His Excellency Raffaele Langella, Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia; Encik Mohd Nazri Mohd Deni, Division Secretary of Corporate and Skills Development, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development; Mr. Zahari bin Aziz, Deputy Director General of MARA; Mr. Michele Dossi, Chief Executive Officer of FASSI Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.; Encik Yahaya bin Sani, Group Chief Executive Officer of MARA Corporation Sdn. Bhd.; and Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universiti Kuala Lumpur.
Established in 2013 in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, FASSI Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Italy-based FASSI Group, a global leader in the production of truck-mounted hydraulic cranes.
Serving as a regional hub for manufacturing, assembly, and research and development (R&D), the company plays a vital role in advancing crane technology across Southeast Asia.
FASSI Asia Pacific is also the first company in Malaysia to obtain a Truck-Mounted Crane Competency Licence from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), underscoring its strong commitment to safety and regulatory excellence.
For the record, Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid an official visit to Italy in July 2025, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and high-technology industries.
This vision aligns with the establishment of the UniKL–FASSI Teaching Factory, which supports national aspirations in technology transfer and industrial competitiveness, while positioning UniKL as a key contributor in producing highly skilled graduates under the national TVET MADANI initiative.
