PENANG, 17th July 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) marked a momentous step forward in building the next generation of semiconductor talent pipeline through a strategic partnership with Keysight Technologies.

This smart partnership was sealed recently with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).  As the head of Consortium E&E (CEE) in Malaysia, USM plays a vital role in nurturing industry-ready graduates for the northern region and beyond.

This collaboration addresses the growing gap between the provision of academic training and transfer of real-world skills in the semiconductor field.

Through this MoA, USM will adopt Keysight’s Semiconductor Basic Design and Measurement Lab, integrating industry-standard tools, simulations, and measurement techniques into its curriculum. The partnership opens the door to jointly develop advanced measurement labs to equip students with specific industry-grade skill sets.

The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed; Dean at School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin bin Sundi @ Suandi; Director of USM Industry Network, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam binti Wan Ahmad Kamil, and USM academics from the Schools of Physics, School of EE Engineering and the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), USM.

This milestone was preceded by two executive meetings, including one conducted by Vice-President and President of the Electronics Industrial Solutions Group, Keysight Technologies (USA), Jason A. Kary, highlighting the global strategic value of the collaboration. The recognition and trust provided by Keysight in selecting USM to pioneer this certification programme is greatly appreciated by USM and paves the way for more impactful programmes in the future.

Another major pre-signing highlight was the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, during which five USM academic staff received hands-on training from Keysight Technologies. The initiative was strongly supported by Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam binti Wan Ahmad Kamil from USM’s Industry Network Office.

Through this effort, USM proudly became the first global cohort under the Keysight Semiconductor Student Certification Program, and notably, the first university outside the United States to participate, cementing its role as a pioneer in industry-aligned education.

The MoA signing ceremony commenced with warm welcomes from the Keysight delegation, led by President Emeritus, Ms. Ee Huei Sin; Vice-President & General Manager of General Electronics Measurement Solutions, Mr. Lim Han Sing; Education Business Director, Ms. Goh Jin See; Sales General Manager, Mr. Lee Choon Seng, and which was later followed by a brief networking session where both parties shared updates and insights into their collaborative roadmap.

This partnership reflects a strong dedication to drive innovation in education through industry-academia collaboration, paving the way for talent development, impactful research, and sustainable growth within the E&E ecosystem.

Prepared by: The Industry Network Office, Division of Industry and Community Network/ Edited by: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin

Photos: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa