Prolexus signs MoU with Sirim to promote R&D for waste materials and alternative energy
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa-listed apparel maker Prolexus Bhd (Prolexus) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIRIM Berhad (SIRIM), to promote cooperation on various projects.
These projects include exploring research & development (R&D) for the waste materials such as textiles generated from the production line, application of alternative energy i.e. hybrid solar PV and battery storage systems and any other potential R&D projects.
Prolexus’ executive director Datuk Au Yee Boon said, “SIRIM has an impeccable reputation as an organisation for research, technology and innovation. We believe this collaboration will help to accelerate our in-house research on technology advancement in our manufacturing process.”
“We have been actively investing in technological advancement and innovation to drive our competitive edge.
“This collaboration is an extension of our group’s initiatives. For example, we
have invested in a wide range of advanced types of machinery that could enhance Prolexus’ production capacity with modern sew-free techniques, bonding and lamination construction to cater to increasing customer demand.”
Au added that Prolexus has its own Information Technology Specialist (ITS) certified laboratory that is available at all times for its in-house lab testing.
According to Au, the collaboration with SIRIM will focus on three pillars: risk management, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and the Group’s research & development (R&D) initiatives. This aligns with Prolexus’ mission to inspire and deliver its best innovation, speed and quality to create values for its partners.
Under risk management, the
Group will explore the potential economic value generated from the textile production lines’ waste materials.
This is also in line with Prolexus’ ESG agenda. Aside from that, both Prolexus and SIRIM will explore the potential to implement solarrelated initiatives in the group’s manufacturing plant. These initiatives could potentially deliver cost savings from its current electricity cost.
In terms of the collaboration with SIRIM on R&D, the Group is confident that SIRIM’s track record as a platform to help innovative ideas, designs and matured technology into commercialisation will serve as a catalyst for some of Prolexus’ in-house research to gain prominence.
Prolexus and SIRIM envisage that the collaboration contemplated under this MoU will serve as a forum for collaboration between the two parties through a strategic alliance.
This strategic alliance will explore the possibilities of developing a joint proposal for any potential grant, devise joint promotional cooperation between Prolexus and SIRIM for marketing and advertising purposes, and explore incentives available by the government to localise the manufacturing and supply of textiles and apparel.
The cooperation pursuant to this MOU shall be managed by a steering committee consisting of at least 4 representatives from Prolexus and SIRIM each and chaired by 1 of the representatives from SIRIM.
The steering committee will help to facilitate all formalities in connection with the preparation, negotiation and implementation of activities within the framework of this MoU.
“We look forward to the collaboration with SIRIM. We are confident that this will benefit and strengthen our research and technology development.
“Moreover, on a longer-term basis, we believe the collaboration will accelerate our growth strategy, especially in smart manufacturing, green energy and many more areas,” Au added.