NIBONG TEBAL, 22 August 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has entered into a landmark partnership with Tokyo Electron (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (TEL Malaysia), a subsidiary of global semiconductor giant Tokyo Electron Ltd., to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and produce future-ready engineering graduates.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at USM’s Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal, marks a significant step in developing the next generation of engineers.

Representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, USM Engineering Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha underscored its role in bridging academia and industry."

“Moving forward, this MoU is not just an agreement, but a bridge between academia and industry, offering opportunities for talent development, knowledge transfer, and innovation,” she said, while extending deep appreciation to Tokyo Electron for its generous contributions, including a Wafer Probe Tester worth RM750,000 and RM200,000 for laboratory renovations.

She added that these contributions will significantly enhance USM’s research facilities and provide both undergraduate and postgraduate students with hands-on learning experiences aligned with global technology standards.

According to Mariatti, the collaboration is expected to directly support USM’s mission to produce industry-relevant graduates with strong technical expertise and critical thinking skills.

“It will also provide academic staff with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and foster joint research initiatives aligned with national and global semiconductor priorities,” she said.

Meanwhile, TSI & TMY President of Tokyo Electron (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Ito Hideki, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of cultivating a skilled talent pipeline in the semiconductor sector.

“This MoU reflects our dedication to empowering the next generation of semiconductor professionals,” he said.

“As technology evolves rapidly, the demand for skilled professionals in semiconductor manufacturing continues to grow,” he added.

Ito further noted that the partnership will enhance research activities, support educational programmes, and deliver vital training that equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

“At Tokyo Electron, we firmly believe that collaboration is the key to progress, and by joining forces with USM, we are not only enriching the educational environment but also cultivating a new generation of innovators and leaders in semiconductor manufacturing,” he concluded.

Also present at the ceremony were the TEL ATS BU Vice President and General Manager of Tokyo Electron (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Sato Yohei; the Dean of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin Sundi @ Suandi; the Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad; the Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering, Associate Professor Dr. Abdullah Aziz Saad; the Dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering, Associate Professor Dr. Elmi Abu Bakar; and Dr. Mohamad Danial Shafiq, representing the Dean of the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering.

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