USM–NEXUSTEST INK MoU TO ADVANCE PHOTONICS RESEARCH, INDUSTRY-READY TALENT
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), has formalised a strategic collaboration with Nexustest Technology Sdn. Bhd. through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at Sains@USM, Bukit Jambul, recently.
The agreement aims to strengthen university-industry collaboration in photonics and semiconductor technologies, with a particular focus on photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing, joint research and development, knowledge exchange, and talent development.
The ceremony was officiated by INOR Director, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin, who represented the USM Vice-Chancellor. Nexustest was represented by its Factory Director, Lau Teng Chang, together with Human Resource Manager, Ooi Chia Woo and Sales Manager, Eric Teh.
The collaboration comes at a time when photonics technologies are becoming increasingly important in supporting emerging applications such as high-performance data centres, co-packaged optics and quantum technologies. As these applications demand faster data transmission, improved energy efficiency and greater system integration, reliable testing and characterisation of photonic devices have become essential to technological advancement.
Through this partnership, INOR researchers and students will have opportunities to gain practical exposure to industry-standard testing facilities and equipment at Nexustest, strengthening the link between academic research and industrial practice.
The collaboration is also expected to facilitate joint research projects, collaborative grant applications, scholarly publications, technical workshops and professional training programmes, creating opportunities for both parties to share expertise and expand their research networks.
A key focus of the agreement is the development of expertise in PIC testing and characterisation, an initiative championed by researchers in photonics at INOR, USM, namely Associate Professor Dr. Mundzir Abdullah and Dr. Sabah M. Mohammad.
By combining the research capabilities at USM with Nexustest’s industrial experience and testing infrastructure, both parties aim to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial applications while supporting the development of more reliable and commercially relevant photonic technologies.
The MoU also emphasises postgraduate education and talent development, positioning USM as a key provider of highly skilled graduates with specialised expertise in photonics.
To further develop this talent pool, USM and Nexustest will co-develop targeted training programmes, enabling both parties to share knowledge, resources and technical expertise.
Additionally, Nexustest employees may explore Master’s and PhD programmes at USM, with research topics directly aligned with industry challenges and the company’s technological development needs. Flexible study arrangements could further support working professionals in advancing their technical expertise while continuing their careers.
The partnership builds on earlier engagements between INOR and Nexustest, including a visit by INOR researchers and students to Nexustest on 7 August 2026 to explore its testing capabilities for high-speed optical modules, laser diodes, silicon photonics wafers and co-packaged optics devices.
Nexustest subsequently participated in a hands-on PIC testing workshop organised by the INOR Optica Student Chapter in collaboration with Keysight, further strengthening engagement between the university and industry.
The five-year agreement establishes a framework for sustained cooperation in research, education and industrial engagement. It also supports USM in its commitment towards strengthening industry partnerships, developing highly skilled graduates, and advancing research and innovation in high-value semiconductor and photonics technologies.
Both parties look forward to translating the agreement into meaningful collaborative activities that would contribute to technological advancement, talent development and Malaysia’s growing capabilities in the global semiconductor and photonics ecosystem.
