BUKIT JAMBUL, PENANG, 24 July 2020 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) intends to strengthen its collaborative efforts with industry players, especially in optimising current technology to drive research development in the future.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan emphasised this in his visit to Oppstar Technology Sdn. Bhd., one of the local companies led by local talents which is making its mark through global expansion.

Oppstar is a premier company that specialises in providing integrated circuit (IC) design services which was initially led by two local IT experts and started operations in 2014, and which now has expanded with a workforce of more than 180.

What makes it even more meaningful is that, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ng Meng Thai, who heads the company, is an alumni member of USM (Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, 1989).

Faisal Rafiq said, such strategic partnerships are truly significant, especially for USM in enhancing the offerings of its courses, to ensure that it would remain competitive in facing the challenges amidst the current technological advances.

“We are impressed with the commitment and capabilities of Oppstar in positioning itself in the global arena and we intend to further collaborate in developing related areas that would provide mutual benefits to both parties,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Oppstar, Cheah Hun Wah said that, the company welcomes any academia interested in partnering with Oppstar as the company provides opportunities for local talents to grow together.

“Although Oppstar has a number of international partners, we still put priority on local talents and we are committed in producing the next generation of Malaysian-born technology experts who will be of global repute,” he said.

He mentioned this during the two-way discussion session, which focused on issues relating to current developments in IC design, research opportunities and empowerment for university graduates among others at the USM University Incubation Centre (I2U) here recently.

The discussion was also held to allow the USM delegation to obtain further understanding of the operations of Oppstar and opportunities that can be explored which can be benefitted by parties concerned including the University.

Also present during the visit were USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed; USM DVC (Student Development Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dr. Aldrin Abdullah; USM Director of Industry Network, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeoh Fei Yee; and several USM Heads of Department.

Apart from Hun Wah, Oppstar was also represented by its Chief Operations Officer (COO), Tan Chun Chiat.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin