16 March, Singapore – A delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) conducted a benchmarking visit to the makerspace facilities at Temasek Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic as part of efforts to strengthen the student innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as to support the development of the UTM Launchpad.
The visit, involving UTMXCITE, the Library Department, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, aimed to provide direct exposure to best practices in makerspace management, the cultivation of an innovation culture, and the integration of digital fabrication facilities to support project-based learning and technology entrepreneurship, as well as fostering industry collaboration to enhance the student innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
During the visit, the UTM delegation, led by Associate Professor Dr. Syed Norris Hikmi bin Syed Abdullah and Puan Khairulbahiyah binti Yaakub, was given the opportunity to explore various advanced facilities available at the makerspaces of both institutions, including 3D printing equipment, digital fabrication machines, and collaborative spaces that support idea development from the conceptual stage to prototyping/product creation and commercialization.
In addition, a knowledge-sharing session with the makerspace management teams was held to discuss operational approaches, governance models, and strategies for engaging students and industry in innovation activities. These discussions provided new perspectives for the UTM delegation in planning the development and management of more impactful makerspaces within the university.
This benchmarking visit is highly significant in strengthening the planning and development of the UTM Launchpad, as well as efforts to upgrade existing makerspace facilities at UTM. This initiative is aligned with the university’s aspirations under the UTM Ascend 2030 strategic plan.
