By UOW Malaysia 

UOW Malaysia’s Batu Kawan campus witnessed a momentous occasion with the launch of the UOWM-Intel IC Design Centre of Excellence.

Following the official launch, the day’s significance was further amplified by a captivating panel discussion titled “University-Industry Partnership and Cutting-Edge Technology on Students’ Education and Future Career.” Moderated by Mr. Tan Eng Hoo, President, Malaysia TRIZ Innovation Association (MyTriz), the discussion featured a distinguished panel of industry leaders – Mr. Suresh Kumar (Intel Vice President of Client Computing Group & General Manager of Malaysia Design Centre), Mr. Chong Lai Hock (Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA/COO of SkyeChip), Dr. Khor Jeen Ghee (Institution of Engineers, Malaysia Electronic Engineering Technical Division (IEM eETD)/Director of Business Processes & IT Escatec Sdn Bhd), Mr. Quek HC (Cadence Application Engineering Director), and Prof Christian Ritz (Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering, University of Wollongong Australia /Dean Global Academic Affairs, UOW Global Enterprises). Their insightful perspectives fostered a productive conversation that revolved around demonstrating real-world applications through industry-government collaboration.

The discussion revealed intriguing insights:

• Bridging the Talent Gap: Addressing the talent shortage in Malaysia’s booming semiconductor industry, with Penang’s strong talent pool positioned to play a pivotal role.
• The Salary Conundrum: A lively debate emerged around salary expectations, with perspectives ranging from potential tripling to gradual adjustments. The key takeaway, however, emphasized aligning wages with evolving skillsets and regional dynamics.
• A Future of Converging Technologies and Endless Opportunities
• This industry-government collaboration, fostering innovation and talent development, marks a significant leap forward for the IC design landscape in Southeast Asia. As we move towards a “manufacturing-centric” future, the lines between disciplines like design, software, and even robotics will blur, creating exciting possibilities for convergence!