USM PENANG, 8 May 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and ams OSRAM successfully organised the “3rd School of Physics & ams OSRAM Industry in Classroom” programme for postgraduate students within the field of applied and engineering physics and students who undertake the MSc Solid State Physics course.

The programme aims to empower postgraduate students with information on recent developments related to semiconductor epitaxy techniques and device development through structured guest lecture series by ams OSRAM doctorate engineers.

Close to 30 emerging scholars participated in the programme launched recently at the USM School of Physics. The programme commenced with an engagement session by ams OSRAM Director of R&D, Dr. David Lacey.

Throughout the semester, a series of lectures would be delivered by ams OSRAM engineers; Dr. Fabian Kopp, Dr. Abdelkarim Kahouli and Dr. Azharul Ariff Kamarulzaman, with topics covering properties and MOCVD growth of III Nitrides, design and production of LEDs and the optimisation of growth in improving LED efficiency.

As explained by the coordinator of the event, Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil, “This initiative was developed with ams OSRAM to offer added value to the postgraduates, who are geared to become the talent pool for front-end semiconductor industry and at the same time promote academic excellence. I hope the participants would fully benefit from the programme”.

The Director of Advanced Development & Services ams OSRAM, Dr. David Lacey is pleased with the outcome. He said that he is looking forward to fostering a sustainable collaboration between ams OSRAM and the School of Physics.

He stated that, “This programme is part of our long-term engagement at USM, designed to encourage more students to pursue careers in semiconductor technology.”

“Our interest is to strengthen the ecosystem of scientists and engineers working at universities, research institutes and companies to support R&D needs of ams OSRAM and other players in the semiconductor field here in Malaysia.

“With this programme, delivered by our R&D experts, we introduce students to the application of physics, materials science and engineering to real-world semiconductor products,” he added.

Source: Media statement from School of Physics, USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: School of Physics, USM

NIBONG TEBAL, 24 April 2024 – Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran emphasised that Career Fair 2024 symbolises an essential point for students as they embark on their career paths.

According to him, in addition to academic recognition, USM’s graduates share a common goal, which is to build fulfilling careers that provide stability, financial security, opportunities for advancement, and the ability to contribute back to society.

“However, in a world that is characterised by rapid change and uncertainty, students have to embrace versatility and ready to explore avenues that they may not have considered in the past,” says Azlan during the Career Fair 2024 opening ceremonytoday at the USM Engineering Campus here.

“Adaptability and resourcefulness are required in the ever-changing landscape of the job market,” he added.

Azlan also stated that USM's unwavering commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that embodies the University’s vision of leading a sustainable future, also known as 'HEBAT'.

“That instils in each of our students the qualities of a Holistic, Entrepreneurial, Balanced, Articulate, and Thinking, serving as a guide as well as providing them with the essential virtues necessary to succeed in today's dynamic yet demanding professional landscape,” he said.

Meanwhile, Huawei Human Resources Manager of Asia Pacific Delivery and Service Department, Yong Sze Miin, representing Platinum Sponsor of Career Fair 2024, Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. said, Career Fair is not just a gathering, it is a catalyst for change and serves as the intersection where aspirations meet opportunities, where dreams find wings to soar.

“As a platinum sponsor, Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. recognises the profound impact this event has on the lives of countless individuals as they enter the workforce and understands the importance of investing in talent, nurturing potential, and creating pathways to success,” said Yong.

“Beyond financial support, our commitment is one of excellence, innovation and inclusiveness,” she added.

She also said, Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. wholeheartedly embraces the diversity of talents and perspectives that this event attracts; through diversity, we find strength, creativity, and resilience by approaching every interaction with curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Established in 2007 to bridge the gap between USM students, graduates, and stakeholders in the industry, the Career Fair 2024 has been successful in attracting more than 63 companies to participate in this two-day event.

Also present were the Director of the Student Development Centre, Professor Dr. Azizah Omar, who represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Development Affairs and Alumni, and the Director of the Engineering Campus, Professor Datin Dr. Azlina Harun @ Kamaruddin.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman

USM PENANG, 19 March 2024 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the National Advanced IPv6 Centre (NAv6) recently marks a significant milestone in its collaborative journey involving government, industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academia by organising a dialogue session entitled ‘Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Transformation for a Sustainable Net-Zero Future,’ supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Aligned with the Penang state government's agenda, the programme has brought together 60 participants from the government, industry, NGOs and academia with the aim of exploring innovations and technologies to safeguard the environment through scientific advancements.

The event was graced with the presence of the Member of the Penang State Executive Council (Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital), YB Zairil Khir Johari.

In his officiating address, Zairil Khir emphasised the critical importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) data at the state level, recognising the necessity for high-quality statistics in measuring and monitoring SDG progress.

He underscored the state government's commitment to data transformation, highlighting the pivotal role of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Data Analytics.

“These technologies not only provide unprecedented insights into our complex environment, but they also empower us to formulate data-driven strategies to reduce climate risks and foster resilience,” he said.

Zairil Khir also urged organisations to harness the power of technology for the betterment of the planet and future generations, advocating for increased collaboration, innovation attraction in Penang, and resource optimisation.

NAv6 Director, Associate Professor Dr. Selvakumar Manickam highlighted that there are many siloed systems, with everyone creating their own solutions.

“It is important for entities to undergo digital transformation, as there is a collective realisation that by working together, we can more effectively address issues such as climate change,” he said.

The programme featured guest speakers from diverse industries who deliberated on climate change mitigation, cross-sectoral collaboration, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for utilising technology to address pressing environmental concerns and drive sustainable development.

Throughout the session, it became evident that decarbonisation holds paramount importance for both the public and private sectors.

Therefore, the exchange of data and collaboration among government, industry, and academia are essential in implementing effective strategies and addressing complex environmental challenges.

Also present at the session was the programme chairperson and senior lecturer at NAv6, Dr. Chong Yung Wey. 

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: IPv6 USM

SAINS@USM, BUKIT JAMBUL, PENANG, 8 May 2024 – A delegation comprising of 29 members from semiconductor-related sectors recently visited Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as part of the Semiconductor Study Tour Penang/Kulim 2024.

The three-day tour, held from 6 to 8 May, was organised and led by the Executive Director of Penang Institute, Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng.

In the meeting with the delegates, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab pointed out that semiconductors represent a niche area of USM in research and innovation.

“We have been working very closely with industry leaders in Penang and Kulim across the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) value chain from integrated circuit (IC) design, epitaxy and wafer fabrication to advanced packaging,” she said.

At the end of the meeting, Habibah and USM hope that the tour will move ahead on the path of research and collaboration that will help shape the future of Malaysia.

The delegation then continued the tour with a visit to the research laboratories at the USM Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR) and Centre of Excellence for Microelectronics Design Collaboration (CEDEC).

Also present were INOR Director, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin; CEDEC Director, Associate Professor Dr. Asrulnizam Abd Manaf as well as representatives from the School of Physics; School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering; School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and Division of Industrial Network.

Text: Siti Fatimah Abu Mansor