SYNOPSIS   

The Automotive industry is evolving rapidly, driven by new technologies, stringent safety requirements, and everchanging global regulations. However, many engineers and newcomers to the field understand product design and development or regulatory compliance separately – but rarely how both must work together seamlessly to bring a vehicle successfully to market.

This one-day seminar bridges the gap.

“Design, Develop & Certify” provides a practical, end-to-end introduction to the complete automotive product lifecycle – from initial concept and engineering design, through prototyping and testing, to homologation, regulatory compliance and finally Vehicle Type Approval (VTA).

Participants will learn:
•   The key stages of automotive product development and why design decisions directly impact
     homologation success.
•   The fundamentals of automotive regulations (safety, emissions, lighting, braking, cybersecurity,
     etc.) and which regulatory bodies govern different global markets
     (UNECE, ASEAN NCAP, JPJ, DOT, etc.).
•   What homologation really means and how it differs from certification and type approval.
•   A step-by-step walkthrough of Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) process, including technical
     services, test reports, and Certificate of Conformity (COC).
•   How to avoid common costly figures by integrating regulatory thinking early in the design
     phase.

Through a real-world case study and interactive Q&A, participants will see how a new vehicle model moves from design, development, homologation and VTA, and understand the critical role of homologation engineer in modern automotive programs.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This seminar will benefit:

•   Engineering students and fresh graduates.
•   Young engineers entering the automotive sector.
•   Design, testing, or quality engineers seeking regulatory knowledge.
•   Professionals in product development, project management, or compliance roles


LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

•   Describe the automotive product development lifecycle and its key milestones.
•   Explain the purpose of homologation, regulations and VTA.
•   Identify major global regulatory frameworks and their requirements.
•   Outline the VTA process from testing to certification.
•   Apply regulatory thinking early in the design phase to reduce compliance risks.


BIODATA OF SPEAKERS

1. Ir. Ts. Sukhairul Nizam Bin Abdul Razak

Ir. Ts. Sukhairul Nizam Bin Abdul Razak brings over 31 years of hands-on automotive industry experience spanning engineering design, manufacturing, homologation, and regulatory compliance.

He began his career at PROTON in 1995 as a Body Design Engineer within R&D, where he was directly involved in automotive product development, including component design, anti-corrosion and painting development, aerodynamic development, and crash test development for Malaysia's national car company. Over nearly 18 years at PROTON Edar, he held multiple key positions—including Manager of Warranty Operations, Manager of Equipment, Tools & Calibration, and Head of Division Office —giving him deep insight into product quality, safety regulations, and post market compliance.

His practical exposure to homologation and regulatory affairs is reinforced by his experience managing product recall operations and ensuring adherence to national and international vehicle standards. Later, as part of a Daimler Group project with Accenture Malaysia, he further strengthened his understanding of global automotive regulatory frameworks.

Ir. Ts. Sukhairul Nizam holds a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering from UTM Skudai and an MBA from Charles Sturt University, Australia. He is registered as an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE) , a Professional Mechanical Engineer with Practicing Certificate (PEPC) under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), and a Professional Technologist (MBOT) . He currently serves as an assessor for EAD (ETAC & EAC) under BEM and for TTAC under MBOT.

He has also served as a Senior Lecturer at City University Malaysia and Programme Coordinator First City University College, where he taught mechanical engineering subjects for Master, Degree and Diploma courses. He is currently a Director of Enviroklar Tech Sdn Bhd.

Through his direct experience in automotive design, development, crash testing, warranty operations, product recalls, and regulatory compliance, Ir. Ts. Sukhairul Nizam is ideally positioned to guide participants through the complete journey of Designing, Developing, and Certifying a vehicle—including homologation, regulations, and Vehicle Type Approval (VTA).


2. Mr. Yusri Napiah

Mr. Yusri Napiah is a senior professional with over 32 years of experience across the automotive, semiconductor, and consumer products industries, including 20 years in managerial roles. Possesses extensive cross-functional expertise in product planning, procurement, logistics, business development, and corporate affairs, developed through diverse leadership responsibilities. Since 2011, specializing in business development, marketing, sales, and corporate affairs within the automotive testing and certification sector, supporting industry compliance and market expansion. Also a Certified Lead Auditor for Management Systems and UNECE Conformity of Production (CoP) audits, with strong experience in regulatory compliance and automotive certification frameworks.