SWID2026 Touches Down in Singapore
On October 24, CADVision Systems unveiled SOLIDWORKS 2026 at the SOLIDWORKS Innovation Day 2026 (SWID2026). Held at the Metropolitan YMCA, this milestone event marked not only the annual premiere of the latest SOLIDWORKS release, but also the 30th anniversary of SOLIDWORKS!
This moment stood as a powerful reflection of how far CAD technology has come, and how it has continuously evolved into the intelligent, highly capable platform we experience today with SOLIDWORKS 2026. Carried by the theme Let’s AMAZE Together, this year’s SWID2026 was built around three strategic pillars: CREATE, COLLABORATE, & AI.
Ushering in the Age of AI
As one of the highlights of this year’s launch, we introduced SOLIDWORKS Aura, the built-in AI assistant woven directly into the SOLIDWORKS environment. This marked the first official unveiling of AI-driven capabilities within the SOLIDWORKS portfolio. While intelligent features have existed in the platform for years (such as command prediction, and selective part loading), SOLIDWORKS Aura signals a definitive step into a new era of AI-powered design. With emerging generative tools and context-aware guidance, Aura transforms how engineers engage with their workspace and how ideas accelerate from concept to creation.
As CADVision Systems and Dassault Systèmes continue releasing insights on SOLIDWORKS Aura, one of our keynote speakers from SolidCAM also expanded on the role of AI in modern manufacturing, perfectly complementing our AI-forward theme for this year’s event. Read on for more key takeaways.
Unsurprisingly, the Singaporean crowd, having long anticipated AI in design and engineering, was eager to engage with the topics. The sessions quickly sparked follow-up questions on how to apply and integrate AI-driven tools into real-world workflows.
Keynote Speeches Recap
The event was not only meant to launch SOLIDWORKS 2026 in the What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2026 presentation but also featured an interesting lineup of insightful keynote speeches. Each speaker shared unique perspectives on design and engineering, education and upskilling, and today’s evolving business landscape. Here’s a closer look at what they shared：
Adrian Khor
The Role of CADVision Systems in Engineering Innovation
Adrian Khor kicked off the morning by highlighting our organization’s role in advancing design and engineering education across Southeast Asia. CADVision Systems has been actively enabling not just commercial partners but also educational institutions, preparing the next generation for a future of innovation. Key topics included:
The introduction and importance of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
The SkillForce program, a SOLIDWORKS-launched internship acceleration initiative benefiting both students and businesses, and how CADVision Systems can support in bridging academia and industry
Breakthrough training solutions, including digital twins for advanced precision engineering and CAD-based virtual reality
Loo Lian Shen
Create, Collaborate And AI With SOLIDWORKS
Loo Lian Shen took us on a brief journey through 30 years of SOLIDWORKS and its evolution into today’s gold standard for CAD, simulation, and more. He also touched on the SkillForce and SOLIDWORKS for Startups programs, as well as the strength of the global SOLIDWORKS community. Key takeaways included:
CREATE: How SOLIDWORKS CAD and Flow Simulation enabled MedTech company Endiatx to design, validate, and manufacture a pill-sized robotic camera for diagnostics
COLLABORATE: Using 3DEXPERIENCE Robot Programmer Standard with SOLIDWORKS to power Dark Factories through remote programming, robotics control, and digital twins
AI: Current AI capabilities in SOLIDWORKS (Automate, Assist, & Co-Create) and a glimpse of upcoming generative features virtual reality
Umar Azran
What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2026
Umar Azran delivered a comprehensive two-part presentation on this year’s upgrades in SOLIDWORKS 2026. His session balanced technical detail with practical context, guiding the audience through what has changed, why it matters, and how these enhancements translate into real gains in everyday design and engineering work. Key technical takeaways included:
A quick rundown of SOLIDWORKS 2025 improvements (Parts, Drawings, UX/Import/Performance) for comparison
A curated look at top enhancements across the SOLIDWORKS suite – Design (3D CAD, DraftSight), PDM/Manage, Simulation (Structural, Plastics), Electrical, Visualize, and more
Video snippets showcasing SOLIDWORKS Aura in action, including AI prompts supporting drawing, rendering, and documentation workflows
TC Goon
The Future of Manufacturing is Intelligent and Integrated
TC Goon offered a focused update on the role of AI in modern precision engineering. Drawing from real shop-floor scenarios, he explained how manufacturers today are expected to deliver faster and more consistent machining results. His session highlighted AI as a norm in daily operations that enable programmers to automate faster, with greater accuracy. Main topics covered:
The seamless, single-window integration of SolidCAM in SOLIDWORKS, enabling a unified design-to-manufacturing workflow
The value of a connected ecosystem where CAD, CAM, and AI work together to reduce errors, minimize repetitive work, and shorten machining cycles
CAM’s AI-powered co-pilot that learns from design data, predicts user intent, and offers practical, real-time recommendations to accelerate programming
Raja Taufik Azad
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)
Raja Taufik Azad spoke on the ongoing developments within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), offering perspective on the shared ambitions between Johor / Malaysia, and Singapore. Stepping beyond technical discourse, the discussion was more on broader business priorities, and how regional cooperation is shaping the next phase of growth. Focused points included:
A breakdown of the JS-SEZ’s flagship zones, each positioned to serve distinct sectors such as aerospace, logistics, chemicals, tourism, etc.
Priority areas of collaboration that extend beyond economic integration, including talent development, job creation, and streamlined cross-border logistics
The JS-SEZ’s strong connectivity and maturing supply chain ecosystem, which offer strategic advantages to neighboring markets, particularly Singapore
Fun Between the Functions
Beyond the keynote sessions and booth visitation, the energy of SWID2026 was kept high with a series of light, engaging activities throughout the day. As always, no SWID gathering is complete without delicious meal and tea breaks, serving as ideal moments for attendees to reconnect and network. Participants also enjoyed exclusive merchandise, partner vouchers, lucky draw giveaways, and quiz prizes – a small way for us to show our appreciation to the supporters and friends who continue to strengthen the SOLIDWORKS community.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners
SWID2026 was a success not only because of our wonderful guests, but also thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors and partners. Their contributions went far beyond financial support, extending to hardware, merchandise, and voucher giveaways that added so much to the event experience. We are truly honored to have the following lineup with us at SWID2026:
Until Next Time!
SWID2026 was a great day of learning and connecting with the SOLIDWORKS community in Singapore. We hope everyone gained something, whether it was new industrial knowledge, made some new friends, or brought home a few memorable gifts. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Stay tuned to our Events page for upcoming events!
