USM PENANG, 27 June 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GlobalFoundries Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to collaborate in the fields of semiconductor and electronics.

Signing on behalf of USM was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Industry & Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran while GlobalFoundries was represented by its Vice-President, Country Head India, GlobalFoundries Sdn. Bhd., Jitendra Chaddah; Deputy Director Module Engineering, Looi Yaw Loong; and HR Lead, Fatin Ayuni Mohamad Khair.

Among the activities that have been agreed upon through this collaboration are:

• Exchange of students and/or staff;
• Joint academic programmes;
• Joint research and development programmes;
• Joint workshops and training programmes;
• Exchange of publication; and
• Any other academic linkages and cooperation that will be mutually identified and agreed by both sides from time to time.

Azlan said, USM is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation through collaborative efforts, and is excited to partner with GlobalFoundries Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to further enhance its capabilities.

“Through this partnership, we will drive progress in the field of semiconductor and electronics, enabling us to leverage each other's strengths and expertise to achieve mutual benefits.

“This will be the first collaboration between USM and GlobalFoundaries, and I am looking forward to seeing the promising journey that this collaboration will bring,” Azlan added.

Jitendra said, “This MoU will provide opportunities for the development of new talent, particularly in the semiconductor area.

"This is our first cooperation in Malaysia with USM, and we believe through this partnership, we can develop more industry-ready talents, and provide internship opportunities for students from USM to do their industrial training," he stated.

He added, “The signing of this MoU today symbolises a partnership that will further boost the university-industry cooperation on both sides.”

The ceremony was also attended by the Director of Industry Network, Division of Industry and Community Network, Associate Professor Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin; Director of Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC), Associate Professor Dr. Asrulnizam Abd Manaf; and Director of Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin.  

Text: Siti Fatimah Abu Mansor