Asia-Pacific Emerges As Key AI Manufacturing Hub – Dassault SystÈmes

From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

HOUSTON, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Asia-Pacific, including Malaysia, is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic regions for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven manufacturing and industrial digitalisation, supported by strong entrepreneurial activity, expanding industrial ecosystems, and closer collaboration between industry and universities.

According to Dassault Systèmes executive vice president for customer role experience, Gian Paolo Bassi, the region’s rapid growth in sectors such as semiconductors, medtech and advanced manufacturing is accelerating the adoption of advanced design, simulation and AI technologies, positioning Asia-Pacific as a key pillar of the company’s global strategy.

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“Our commitment here is very strong. We are investing, hiring and expanding our partner ecosystem,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of 3DExperience World 2026, here.

The four-day event began on February 1 and attracted about 4,000 participants from around the world, including designers, engineers, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Bassi noted that competition in the next phase of industrial growth will increasingly be driven by creativity, speed and innovation, rather than scale alone.

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Meanwhile, Dassault Systèmes vice president for Asia-Pacific South, Sharon Toh, said Malaysia, in particular, stands to benefit from this shift as global supply chains and major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) push local manufacturers to adopt more advanced digital tools, while the country continues to strengthen its position in semiconductors and aerospace-related manufacturing.

Industrial AI and the rise of virtual twins  

Building on this momentum, she said Dassault Systèmes, a French software giant, is stepping up its focus on industrial AI designed to help engineers and manufacturers design, simulate and optimise real-world products and systems, rather than just analyse data or generate text.

Sharon said this approach is anchored in its virtual twin technology, which goes beyond a conventional digital twin by incorporating real-world behaviour, physics and scientific validation, allowing companies to simulate performance, maintenance and sustainability outcomes before anything is physically built.

She also pointed out that manufacturers in Malaysia and the wider region are increasingly being driven by global OEMs to accelerate their digital transformation.

“For ASEAN, we are part of a very strong global supply chain. The big OEMs are already driving digital transformation, and our companies in the region will need to adapt,” she said.

She added that Malaysia’s relatively young, digitally native workforce gives the country an edge in adopting AI-enabled industrial technologies, particularly in engineering and manufacturing.

From tools to transformation

Nevertheless, Sharon cautioned that digital transformation is not about adopting technology for its own sake, but about having a clear long-term vision and executing it in measurable stages.

“Dassault Systèmes works with both large corporations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region through a structured transformation methodology to ensure digital investments translate into real operational and business impact.”

In Malaysia, she said, the company already has a strong footprint among engineering and manufacturing firms, including in the semiconductor sector using its SOLIDWORKS software.

She also foresees further growth potential as the country pushes into higher-value manufacturing and AI adoption.

Building the workforce of the future

On the talent front, Sharon said Dassault Systèmes is expanding its collaboration with universities and industry players in the region, including Malaysia, to better align education with industry needs.

Sharon said initiatives such as the company’s engagement with higher learning institutions aim to give students access to industrial-grade software and certification before they enter the workforce, helping to narrow the skills gap.

“We want students to go into internships with commercial, industrial licences, so they can build real industry experience. This is about building the workforce of the future,” she said, adding that Malaysia is already among the countries participating in this effort.

Sustainability and aviation prospects

Looking ahead, Sharon said Dassault Systèmes sees virtual twin technology playing a growing role in sustainability and aviation, particularly in reducing the need for costly physical prototypes and enabling predictive maintenance through advanced simulation.

In aerospace, virtual twins could be used to simulate maintenance scenarios, optimise designs and cut material waste, supporting the industry’s push towards greener and more efficient operations.

“Instead of building and destroying many prototypes, you can simulate and only do final testing on a physical product. That alone brings big sustainability gains,” Sharon added.

Dassault Systèmes is already working with NAICO Malaysia and Feiran Technology through a memorandum of understanding signed last year, involving the development of the Malaysia Aerospace Digital System and the establishment of a 3D Visualisation Lab at the MyAERO Centre of Excellence.

-- BERNAMA