Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI) continues to strengthen its position as a national hub for robotics and industrial automation through the UniKL Robotics and Industrial Automation Center (URIAC), a strategic TVET Collaboration Hub initiative under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
On 25 June 2026, UniKL MFI welcomed a delegation from the Corporate and Skills Development Division, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), for a project monitoring meeting and site visit at URIAC in Bangi.
The KKDW delegation was led by Puan Afifah Shahib, Division Secretary, while the UniKL delegation was headed by En. Mohd Arif Majmi Zaaba, Covering Chief Corporate Planning Officer and Director of Project Management Office (PMO).
URIAC was established to support Malaysia’s robotics and automation ecosystem.
The centre also contributes to the National Robotics Roadmap and the country’s Industry 4.0 aspirations through talent development, industry collaboration, applied research and technology transfer.
As a university-based robotics and industrial automation centre, URIAC reflects UniKL’s continued commitment to strengthening High-Technology Technical and Vocational Education and Training (H-TVET).
Dean of UniKL MFI, Dr. Badli Shah, said URIAC is envisioned to become a national centre of excellence and reference hub for robotics technology development.
He highlighted that the centre would provide specialised expertise, training, consultancy and technology transfer services to support TVET institutions and industry players nationwide.
According to him, robotics and artificial intelligence are among UniKL MFI’s key focus areas as the institute continues to prepare future-ready graduates with the skills and competencies required for emerging technologies.
Project Leader, Dr. Raja Fazliza, also emphasised that the initiative supports Malaysia’s long-term agenda to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving technological advancement and industrial competitiveness.
To realise this vision, UniKL MFI has invested in advanced robotics facilities, curriculum enhancement and capacity building for educators.
The institute is also strengthening collaboration with industry and government stakeholders to ensure that the centre remains responsive to current and future workforce needs.
The development of URIAC is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through advanced TVET training and future skills development; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by supporting a skilled workforce for high-value industries; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through robotics, automation and applied innovation; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between UniKL, KKDW, industry and TVET stakeholders.
As Malaysia accelerates its transition towards a technology-driven economy, URIAC is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing future robotics talents, advancing innovation and strengthening the nation’s position in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and industrial automation.
Through this initiative, UniKL MFI continues to demonstrate how university-led TVET, robotics education and industry-driven innovation can work together to shape a more competitive, skilled and future-ready Malaysia.
