Kuala lumpur: Stronger collaboration between higher education institutions (IPTs) and technology industry players is crucial to developing highly skilled talent, particularly in the electrical and electronics (EandE), microelectronics, and semiconductor fields.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, emphasized that these fields represent key technical strengths of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), aligning with the needs of the country's high-tech industry, especially within the semiconductor ecosystem in the Northern Region. During a visit to UniMAP, the Higher Education Minister highlighted the university's latest facilities in electronics and semiconductors, underscoring its role in supporting the development of the country's high-tech industry.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra, who also serves as UniMAP Chancellor, made these remarks while leading the university's International Leadership Mobility (ILM) delegation during a visit to Orient Software Development Corporation. They were welcomed by Chief Executive Officer Oyvind Forsbak. Accompanying him were Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, Pro-Chancellor 1 of UniMAP, and their daughters, Hajah Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah Jamalullail and Hajah Sharifah Farah Adriana Jamalullail.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra noted that the programs offered by UniMAP would equip students with knowledge in integrated circuit design, microelectronics, electronic systems, and semiconductor technology, providing a strong technical foundation to meet growing industry demands. He highlighted UniMAP's close industry ties, with a network involving EandE and semiconductor players such as Intel, Infineon, Micron, ATandS, Oppstar, Inari, SkyeChip, Ibiden Electronic, Analog Devices, and AMD. More than 40% of Oppstar's chip designers are reportedly UniMAP alumni, showcasing the university's capacity to produce talent that meets industry needs.
Meanwhile, UniMAP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Ir Ts Dr Shahriman Abu Bakar stated that as a technical university, UniMAP believes university-industry collaboration should extend beyond traditional knowledge exchange. He emphasized the need for partnerships that could translate research, innovation, and talent into practical solutions and meaningful impact.
Shahriman highlighted the potential for collaboration between UniMAP and Orient Software in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, software engineering, and digital transformation. He pointed out that UniMAP academics and researchers could collaborate with Orient Software's industry experts on joint and applied research, publications, research grants, proof-of-concept development, and technology solutions to address real-world industry challenges.