Latest news with #PSDC
The Star
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Nurturing future chip designers in Penang
Academy in Bayan Lepas targets 1,000 graduates in five years THE Penang Chip Design Academy (PCDA) plans to train more than 1,000 graduates and working professionals in integrated circuit (IC) design-related fields over the next five years. Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) chairman Solomon Lorthu said at present the PCDA lab, located within the centre in Bayan Lepas, can accommodate up to 25 students with four courses offered. 'PSDC is committed to delivering a comprehensive chip design talent cultivation programme with the goal of upskilling and reskilling at least 1,000 fresh graduates and working professionals in IC design-related fields over the next five years. 'We are proud to co-fund this special initiative by providing the space and the setting up of a fully equipped PCDA Lab. 'This lab can accommodate up to 25 participants, is powered by state-of-the-art systems and the leading electronic design automation software, Synopsys. 'As a start, the academy offers four courses – Physical Design, Design Verification, Analog Design and Custom Layout. 'These courses are designed and crafted referencing the syllabus by Synopsys IC Design and Education Programme. 'The duration of these programmes ranges between four to eight weeks,' he said at the opening ceremony of the academy. Solomon said more programmes would be added in due course, with the pilot class on custom layout already underway since June 16 and with an inaugural batch of 14 trainees from various institutions. He said such programmes were designed not just to train but to bridge the gap between academia and industry by equipping people with hands-on experience and job-ready skills. According to Solomon, the initiative marks a major milestone in PSDC's efforts to accelerate the development of the IC design sector in the country. 'The idea behind the PCDA began in early 2024, when InvestPenang, speaking to industry leaders and taking stock of the evolving industry landscape, approached PSDC to establish a dedicated training centre to support the growing needs of the IC design ecosystem. 'Looking ahead, PSDC remains committed to growing the talent pool in IC design and aligning with the vision to be the preferred investment destination and hub for the global semiconductor industry,' he added. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, present at the ceremony, said PCDA was among three strategic pillars under the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ initiative through its lead agency, InvestPenang, aligned with the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). The two other pillars are Penang IC Design & Digital Park located at Bayan Lepas and Silicon Research & Incubation Space at GBS TechSpace. He said the initiative – a collaboration between government, academia and industry – aimed to accelerate the Al revolution and position Malaysia as a leader in providing end-to-end solutions. 'The academy is positioned to reshape the country's future in IC design. 'From artificial intelligence chips and high-speed memory to edge computing technologies, PCDA builds upstream design capabilities essential for global semiconductor leadership. 'The academy reinforces Penang's emergence as a South-East Asian IC design epicentre and affirms Malaysia's readiness to lead next-generation chip innovation on the global stage. He said initiative aims to build a tightly integrated front-end innovation ecosystem. 'The Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ initiative supports Malaysia's broader ambition to become a regional leader in upstream semiconductor capabilities in full alignment with the NSS and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.' With a complete ecosystem for IC design and pool of talent ready in the industry, Chow said it would help attract more foreign investors to enhance their operations. In response to growing industry demand for next-generation chip innovation, Chow said the academy would also offer advanced upskilling in critical technologies of the semiconductor landscape. He also added that future-tech modules, including Advanced Packaging, AI software and emulation, would equip engineers to navigate complex design cycles, optimise system-level performance and contribute to the development of Malaysia's own chip architectures for global markets. Also present at the launch was InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and PSDC chief executive officer Dr Hari Narayanan.
Malay Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
New Penang chip academy targets to train 1,000 IC engineers by 2030
GEORGE TOWN, July 10 — Penang today officially opened its chip design academy (PCDA) to train 1,000 engineers specialising in integrated circuit (IC) design in the next five years. Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the academy will provide hands-on, industry-driven courses in physical design, verification, layout and analog design. 'PCDA directly addresses what the industry needs today and tomorrow,' he said in his speech at the official opening ceremony of PCDA Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) here today. He said PCDA will have trainers who are industry veterans with two decades of global experience to train the students who will consist of fresh graduates and existing engineers. The first batch of 25 trainees have already started the intensive four to nine-week IC Design Mastery Courses from June 16. Chow said the PCDA is a key milestone in the state's mission to build a strong, sustainable and AI-ready talent pipeline under the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ initiative. 'Just last week, we launched the Penang Silicon Research and Incubation Space so today's launch, along with the IC Design and Digital Park, strengthens our integrated design ecosystem within a 5KM+ radius right here in Bayan Lepas,' he said. Hey said this is how the state can move towards its goal of designing and developing 'Made in Malaysia' chips that are driven by Penang talent. He said there is a growing confidence in Penang's talents and their capabilities as the Penang IC Design and Digital Park that was launched last year now has double the number of companies from 20 to more than 45. He said the state is building the ecosystem for IC Design and talent is one of the big issues that foreign investors consider. 'With talent ready for them to start operations is another plus factor to attract FDI,' he said. InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian said the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ initiative is to encourage local companies to venture into manufacturing and producing chips made in Penang. 'We are not only looking at attracting FDIs but also looking at domestic investors, we are looking at more local champions to design, manufacture and produce Malaysian-made chips,' she said. The PCDA's training modules cover high-speed interconnects such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCle) and Compute Express Link (CXL), as well as key memory technologies including Double Data Rate (DDR) and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). PSDC chief executive officer Harry Narayanan said the aim is to train about 200 students a year, to achieve about 1,000 students in five years.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
HR Ministry to collaborate with Penang govt to develop Penang Chip Design Academy
GEORGE TOWN: Discussions are being finalised for the Human Resources Ministry to work with the Penang state government to develop the upcoming Penang Chip Design Academy. Its minister, Steven Sim said that as the institution intended to develop skilled manpower in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors in Penang, he hoped that the collaboration would add value and upgrade the skill training programmes. "It is a state government project and we are in discussion to finalise the collaboration between the ministry and the academy. "As it specialises in developing the semiconductor and high tech sector in Penang, we wish to add value and collaborate to enhance the skill training programmes," Sim told reporters on Thursday (June 19). Located at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) building in Bayan Lepas, the academy would support the state's plan for the development of an Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and Digital Park. It is a key component of the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint and would be led by PSDC in collaboration with key industry players, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool providers, academia, and InvestPenang. Sim had earlier officiated the northern region National Training Week (NTW) 2025 Learning Tour in Raia Inn in Bayan Lepas here. At the event, Sim said the Human Resource Development (HRD) Corporation and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) have formed a strategic collaboration under the Advanced Technology Meister Programme (ATMP) to introduce the Matching Grant for skills development aimed at helping local industries upskill their workforce in advanced technology sectors. He added that some 420 families of fishermen impacted by the Silicon Island development project would receive training and skills development programmes in fields to expand their career opportunities. The NTW programme themed "Learning Beyond Borders", organised by HRD Corp, had brought together over 600 participants from various segments of the community, including school students, civil servants, community members, persons with disabilities (PWDs), cooperatives, and senior citizens, with the aim of empowering them with practical skills aligned with future workforce demands. To date, it has recorded over 3.2 million enrolments, exceeding its initial target of one million enrolments, with about 167,000 enrolments with almost 800 courses recorded across Penang, Kedah and Perlis in the northern region. NTW 2025 will conclude on Saturday (June 21) with the closing ceremony in Ipoh, Perak.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pahang dreams of orbit; aims to harness the sun with spaceport, solar farm
KUANTAN: The fate of the proposed Pahang International Spaceport in Nenasi, Pekan now lies in the hands of the Federal Government. State Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee Chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said the Pahang government has submitted its proposal to develop the facility, which would be the first international rocket launch site in Southeast Asia. "The Pahang government fully supports the proposal, but the matter is still under review, and the final decision will be made by the Federal Government. "The project requires approval from Mosti(Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), the National Physical Planning Council, and the National Security Council. Establishing the facility involves environmental, security, and geopolitical considerations, so it must be thoroughly screened by the Federal government before it can proceed," he told reporters at the Pahang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) here today. Earlier, Nizar launched and closed the AI for Productivity Transformation and Speed Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) programmes respectively at PSDC in Semambu. He was commenting on the status of the Pahang International Spaceport project, which he had announced during the Pahang State Assembly sitting in April this year. If approved, the facility is expected to be completed within the next three to five years. Meanwhile, Nizar said the Chereh dam in Sungai Lembing is among the sites identified for floating solar farms as part of Pahang's renewable energy initiatives. "We are identifying suitable locations such as dams, lakes, and former mining ponds. The Chereh dam shows potential, and we hope to begin the floating solar farm project within the next two years. "Floating solar farms are crucial for land conservation, as they do not require the use of land that could otherwise be used for agriculture or industry," he said. Nizar said that the Pahang government has introduced various initiatives as part of its commitment to sustainability and achieving the Net Zero 2030 target. "Pahang is working closely with a United Arab Emirates-based company to develop the country's first wind farm, with sites identified in Pekan, Rompin, Kuantan, and Lipis. The total cost is projected at RM800 million. "The Pahang State Development Corporation is currently overseeing five solar energy projects, each involving an investment of RM200 million," he said. On the GCPV programme at PSDC, Nizar said the initiative, sponsored by Yayasan Peneraju, is a valuable effort to enhance specialised skills and increase employability in the green technology sector.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Scrabble buffs square off in Penang showdown
DRAWING the Q, X or Z tiles in a game of Scrabble is a blessing, if you are a maestro at it. These rare tiles can help you form words that rake in high scores in this generations-old game first created in 1938. To help you score seven-letter bingos, use special websites and apps to make your mind adept at playing with anagrams. These and many more tips came from Scrabble buffs at the Penang Open Scrabble Tournament here. Out of 465 participants, 200 made it into the grand finals in the primary and secondary school categories and the open category. 'Of the rare tiles, my favourite is Z. It is a more versatile letter and you can make more words with it compared with others like Q or X,' said Leon Ng, 18. That said, his proudest Scrabble move came when he scored a whopping 307 points with the word 'bouquets'. 'I love Scrabble. I've played thousands of rounds online over many hours for the past six years, with people from all over the world. 'It is more than just a game, it's a way for me to connect with others and, at the same time, challenge myself,' said Leon, a finalist in the open category this year after dominating the tournament in the secondary school category last year. He honed his skills by using online tools, word study apps, and Scrabble quizzes. (From left) Malaysia Scrabble Association acting president Mohammad Ali Ismail, Penang Scrabble Club former president Tan Khee Chiang, Ong, Jagdeep, Penang STEM chief executive officer Datuk Chung Chok Yin, Flextronics learning and development manager Sanjeet Mohan, PSDC senior technologist Tham Kok Kee and CKC representative Cheong Vi Hua after the tournament opening. His personal best was a score of 740 points in official tournaments while online, he once raked in 900 points. Another seasoned player, retiree Ng Chee Eng, 64, sees the game as the perfect mental workout. 'It keeps my mind alert. Scrabble isn't just for the young,' he added. Held at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) Bayan Lepas, the two-day grand final was organised by the Penang Math Platform (PMP) with support from Malaysia Scrabble Association (MSA). Event sponsors were CKC Food Industries Sdn Bhd and Flextronics Technology Penang that contributed RM11,000 to cover prizes, meals, workshops and logistical costs. PMP general manager Johnny Ong said the tournament grew significantly even with it just in its second year. 'Last year, we had 340 participants. This year, we have 465,' he said. Ong said players from Sabah, Pahang, Melaka, Selangor and Perak took part in the finals too. More than just a battle of vocabulary, the tournament reflected Penang's unique approach of blending language mastery with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the pursuit of a future-ready generation. Winners walked away with cash prizes, trophies and medals. Ong said the MSA confirmed a new national participation record in this year's tournament. He said the event highlighted Penang's broader vision of leveraging education to drive future economic growth. 'Penang STEM, a state-level initiative, has been instrumental in providing synergistic support for students through platforms like the PMP, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Science Cluster. 'Together, these centres have delivered hundreds of STEM-related programmes reaching hundreds of thousands of students and educators nationwide,' he said. Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who launched the tournament, said English proficiency was critical for students as it was the global language of STEM. 'This aligns with recent calls from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to strengthen English language proficiency in schools,' he said. 'The state government continues to champion education as a core pillar of its Penang2030 vision to become a family-focused, green and smart state. 'Events like this tournament not only inspire young minds but also reflect the state's commitment to preparing its youth for careers in key industries such as electronics, aerospace, medical technology, and food innovation.' Scrabble was invented by Alfred Mosher Butts, an American architect who loved word games. The game gained popularity after entrepreneur James Brunot bought the rights in the late 1940s and made minor changes. In the early 1950s, Scrabble became a household name.
