Dassault Systèmes and MARA Partner to Transform Students’ Learning Experience, Sustaining Malaysian Transition from Rural to Global

Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) (Paris:DSY), the 3D Experience Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), an organization created by the Government of Malaysia’s Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, to encourage and facilitate social and economic development particularly in the rural areas of Malaysia.

A key socio-economic goal of Malaysian government is to promote the well-being of its rural population by developing it into a vibrant middle-class, highly employable in the context of the global economy. To that end, a world-class educational program for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is being deployed, relying upon Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

From the age of 13 to Master’s degrees, from academic to technical & vocational education and training, the partnership builds upon 3D-based educational practices and combines new types of learning environments into a game-changing learning experience. All types of Dassault Systèmes’ software applications and its educational expertise gained across the world will be mobilized in programmes centred on project-based STEM education in Junior and Professional Colleges and on advanced collaborative engineering curricula at the university level. A key social impact of the programme is in the continuum of encouragement, interest and knowledge it among all different age groups, building a pipeline of talent.

"It is imperative to create an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in children from the age of 13 and onward. The continuum from school to university is crucial to Malaysia to advance its social agenda and develop globally competent engineers for various industries,” said Philippe Forestier, Executive Vice President, Global Affairs and Communities, Dassault Systèmes. "Dassault Systèmes will also facilitate a link between its global academic community and MARA to establish international learning opportunities for students.”

MARA has over 45 years of experience in nurturing young minds in Malaysia and relies upon its countrywide network of 323 institutions to sustain its educational initiative. "We are proud to partner with Dassault Systèmes. This partnership aligns with our strategic transformation framework to produce a highly competent workforce for the global market,” said Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad, Director General, MARA. "With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we are able to innovate in the development of human capital in Malaysia and instill leadership values and entrepreneurial skills in the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

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About Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)
MARA, or The Council of Trust for the People, was formed through an Act of Parliament in 1966 and was entrusted with the responsibility to promote, stimulate, facilitate and undertake economic and social development of the people especially in the rural areas. Its current motto of Global Entrepreneurship and Education clearly defines MARA’s role to transform the people to meet global challenges by providing training and education at world standards. It is an organization with a mission to spearhead the fields of entrepreneurship, education and investment in order to enhance equity holding of the people. MARA has 517 operational centres which include 323 educational institutions throughout Malaysia and eight MARA offices abroad. Currently, MARA is sponsoring 44,435 students locally and in 31 countries around the world at various levels of education.

About Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systèmes’ collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 150,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com.

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