USM SECURES IDTM GRANT TO STRENGTHEN INDUSTRY-READY TALENT

Two academic schools and one centre from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have secured the Industry Driven Technology Module (IDTM) Grant under the NCER Technology & Innovation Centre (NTIC), strengthening collaboration between academia and industry in developing industry-driven modular learning programmes.

The recipients are the School of the Arts (SOTA), USM; Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC), USM; and School of Computer Sciences, USM, which are partnering with industry players to integrate real-world industry demands into academic learning.

The IDTM initiative, spearheaded by the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) authority, adopts an industry-driven and university-embedded approach to design modular learning programmes aimed at closing competency gaps and building a future-ready talent pipeline for strategic regional sectors.

The USM School of the Arts, led by Dr. Norfarizah Mohd Bakhir, is partnering with GoClick International Sdn. Bhd., represented by Mr. Afif Jafre. Meanwhile, CEDEC, USM, led by Professor Dr. Asrulnizam Bin Abd Manaf, is partnering with Oppstar Berhad, represented by Mr. PK Lim.

Additionally, the USM School of Computer Sciences, led by Dr. Sukumar Letchmunan, is partnering with Intel Malaysia, represented by Managing Director, Mr. Wei Chern Lee, and Pentamaster Corporation Berhad, represented by Senior Manager, Mr. Ng Weng Cheong.

Through these partnerships, each module directly integrates real-world industry demands into academic learning, equipping graduates with practical, high-value skills while driving technological innovation across the Northern Corridor. This initiative reflects USM's commitment to preparing industry-ready graduates and further supports Malaysia’s New Industrial Masterplan (NIMP) 2030 through joint initiatives towards a better Malaysia.