Latest news with #PhysicalandFailureAnalysisofIntegratedCircuits
The Sun
9 minutes ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysian semiconductor sector's long-term success depends on education-industry link: Zambry
BATU KAWAN: Malaysia's long-term success in the global semiconductor sector hinges on how effectively the country connects its knowledge base to real industry needs, according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. He said this is how the country can build real capacity and strengthen its global position, in anticipation of 10,000 vacancies for IC design professionals and tens of thousands more skilled workers in the manufacturing sector, in the next five years. In 2024, he added that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry had highlighted that Malaysian universities are only producing about 5,000 engineers annually. 'Our future strength depends on how we connect education with industry to support this field,' Zambry said at the 32nd IEEE International Symposium on the Physical and Failure Analysis of Integrated Circuits (IPFA) 2025 on Thursday. The IEEE IPFA is an international forum for researchers, engineers, and industry experts focused on integrated circuit reliability and failure analysis. Zambry revealed that Malaysia currently plays a vital role in the global semiconductor ecosystem, contributing over 13% of global back-end capacity and exporting over RM200 billion annually. He also emphasised that this is a strategic sector where countries around the world are competing to build capacity. The global semiconductor industry, projected to exceed US$1 trillion (RM4.23 trillion) by 2030, has become a geopolitical priority for many nations. In recent years, countries like the United States, China, Taiwan, and South Korea have ramped up investments to secure supply chains, advance chip design, and maintain technological leadership. Malaysia, as part of the global value chain, especially in back-end assembly, testing, and packaging, will benefit from moving up the value ladder through talent development, research collaboration, and innovation-led manufacturing. To meet such capacity-building needs, Zambry said, Malaysia must position itself through strategic action and a strong national ecosystem and cited the National Semiconductor Strategic Plan as a roadmap to nurture 100 high-revenue semiconductor companies and build a robust talent pipeline to meet future demand. 'To reach this vision, we must strengthen the human foundation. That foundation lies in our higher education institutions,' he said, adding that universities play a critical role in shaping industry-ready graduates. However, he noted that challenges remain as some graduates are still not placed in positions that match their training, while others pursue opportunities abroad. 'These patterns show that we must strengthen the connection between education and real industry needs.' He gave the example of collaboration between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company on IC design, while also partnering with Intel Foundry Services in Oregon to access advanced chip design technologies. To address industry demand for upskilling, the ministry has introduced flexible learning pathways such as the APEL-based Master's Programme in Advanced Semiconductor Packaging, endorsed by leading industry players including Intel and Micron. Zambry also announced that the IC design apprenticeship programme, led by the Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre in USM, is being scaled up to provide Electronic Design Automation tools to universities nationwide, enabling shared learning and research capabilities. 'We must prepare graduates who can meet industry needs with competence and leadership. This responsibility must be carried together by our universities and supported through strong industry participation,' he said. He added that the Higher Education Ministry would continue supporting efforts that build skills and connect graduates to opportunities. 'This focus is in line with the values of Malaysia Madani, where knowledge serves both progress and shared prosperity,' he said.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
MOHE directs polytechnics to revamp courses for semiconductor industry
GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has directed Politeknik Balik Pulau in Penang and Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah in Kedah to reassess their course structures. This initiative aims to address the workforce needs of Malaysia's expanding semiconductor industry. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir highlighted the strategic locations of both institutions near the nation's semiconductor hub. 'I've instructed the two polytechnics in the northern region to re-evaluate the courses they offer,' he said. The goal is to align programmes with industry demands and reduce reliance solely on universities for skilled talent. Zambry stressed the need for polytechnics and community colleges to adapt within the semiconductor ecosystem. He spoke at the IEEE International Symposium on the Physical and Failure Analysis of Integrated Circuits (IPFA) 2025. The event was held at the Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas. Zambry linked the move to Malaysia's ambition to lead in semiconductor design and manufacturing. A robust education-industry partnership is key to maintaining global competitiveness, he added. He praised Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for advancing chip development through industry collaborations. 'This proves our institutions can contribute to both front-end and back-end semiconductor processes,' he noted. USM and Universiti Malaysia Perlis are pivotal in engineering and semiconductor education, he said. Five MTUN universities also specialise in tech fields like AI and semiconductors. IPFA 2025, organised by USM's CEDEC, runs until August 8. The conference includes workshops, keynote speeches, and industry-led discussions on microelectronics. - Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Zambry denies Chinese students taking local university quotas
GEORGE TOWN: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir dismissed allegations that Chinese students are displacing locals in public universities. He clarified that the government has not prioritised foreign students over Malaysians in foundation programmes. 'We have never compromised on the policies set by the Central University Admission Unit (UPU),' he said. He emphasised that public universities prioritise Malaysian students as their primary beneficiaries. 'It is not true that we are denying local students their rights,' he added. Zambry spoke after opening the IEEE International Symposium on the Physical and Failure Analysis of Integrated Circuits (IPFA) 2025 at the Setia Spice Convention Centre. His statement countered claims by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in Parliament. Wee had suggested that Chinese students secure spots in public universities due to financial advantages. Zambry noted that Malaysia welcomes international students from over 150 countries under its internationalisation policy. 'They choose Malaysia because they trust our education system,' he explained. He attributed the shift from Western countries to geopolitical tensions and competition. The minister warned against spreading unfounded allegations that create public anxiety. He urged MPs and others to seek constructive dialogue instead of politicising the issue. 'I don't want to see the creation of polemics that only do harm,' he stressed. - Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
MOHE Orders Two Polytechnics To Review Courses To Support Semiconductor Industry
GENERAL GEORGE TOWN, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has instructed Politeknik Balik Pulau in Penang and Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah (previously known as Politeknik Kulim) in Kedah to review their course offerings to support the growing needs of the high-tech industry, particularly the rapidly expanding semiconductor sector. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said both polytechnics are located near the nation's semiconductor hub. '…I've instructed the two polytechnics in the northern region to re-evaluate the courses they offer, so they can realign their programmes to meet the growing demand of this rapidly developing sector. 'We don't want to place the responsibility solely on universities. We also want to see changes in polytechnics and community colleges, especially those located within the relevant ecosystem,' he told reporters after opening the IEEE International Symposium on the Physical and Failure Analysis of Integrated Circuits (IPFA) 2025 at the Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, today. He said the move aligns with the government's efforts to develop a comprehensive ecosystem that supports Malaysia's aspirations to become a leader in the semiconductor sector, including chip design and manufacturing, ultimately ensuring the country remains competitive in the global technology landscape. Zambry also emphasised the importance of building a comprehensive education ecosystem while strengthening collaborative networks between universities and industry through long-term strategic approaches, particularly in the fields of engineering and semiconductors. He said universities such as Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Malaysia Perlis play a leading role in these fields. 'We also have five universities under the Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) that specialise in high-level technical fields including engineering, semiconductors, IT, and AI,' he added. Zambry also commended USM for successfully developing its chip through collaborations with various industry partners, adding that the achievement reflects the capability of the country's higher education institutions in participating not only in the back-end aspects of the semiconductor industry but also in the front-end in chip design and manufacturing.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Zambry: No truth to claims of foreign student influx at public universities
GEORGE TOWN: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has dismissed claims of an influx of foreign student enrolment in public universities, particularly from China. He also stressed that the government would never compromise the quotas allocated for local students. Speaking to reporters after launching the 32nd IEEE International Symposium on the Physical and Failure Analysis of Integrated Circuits (IPFA 2025) here today, Zambry said the claims, which surfaced in recent parliamentary debates and public discourse, were baseless. "We have never compromised the quotas allocated for local students. Public universities exist, first and foremost, to serve the children of Malaysia. "As such, there is no truth to claims of an influx in foreign student enrolment at public universities." He was responding to MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong's recent remarks on the matter during the recent parliamentary sitting. Wee, citing statistics from a recent study by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), MCA's research think-tank, had described it as a worrying trend. Zambry said while Malaysia currently hosts international students from over 150 countries, their enrolment was in line with the government's internationalisation policy and did not affect the intake of local students. "These students choose Malaysia because they believe in the quality of our education. "Many of them previously studied in the West but have shifted here due to geopolitical challenges," he added. Zambry also denied that public universities were reducing local student placements in favour of international enrolments for financial reasons. "The government has set clear intake targets and fee structures. Public universities are not permitted to reduce local quotas to accommodate foreign students for profit. "That would be against policy," he said. Zambry said that misleading claims about foreign student dominance risked fuelling unnecessary public anxiety and politicisation of higher education issues. "I have no interest in engaging in polemics. But when baseless accusations are made, it becomes my duty to respond with facts. "If any party has concerns, my office is always open for discussion," he said. He urged all parties, including members of parliament, to avoid politicising the issue and instead engage directly with the ministry for clarification.
