PENANG, 27 August 2025 – The Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) showcased its leadership in semiconductor research and IC design at inaugural Lift-Off with PSD@5KM+ event, held at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, which convened innovators, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners and positioned CEDEC as a key driver to Malaysia’s growing semiconductor landscape.

CEDEC’s exhibit featured a broad portfolio of integrated circuit (IC) designs across technology nodes from 180 nm to 65 nm, developed in collaboration with key industry partners such as GlobalFoundries, Silterra, STMicroelectronics, and TSMC, encompassing Analog, RF, Mixed-Signal, and Digital domains that reflect USM’s commitment to strengthening locally developed semiconductor technologies.

A highlight of the showcase was a demonstration of a radio frequency energy harvesting (RFEH) prototype capable of powering a 5 GHz 5G voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) using ambient RF signals, which was presented to Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, marking one of Malaysia’s first working prototypes in this frontier and a significant step in self-powered wireless innovation.

This milestone highlights CEDEC’s core mission to deliver high-impact semiconductor research while fostering strong partnerships with the global semiconductor industry.

Through continued innovation and collaboration, CEDEC at USM continues to shape Malaysia’s strategic position in the international semiconductor ecosystem.

 

Text: Prof. Dr. Asrulnizam Abd Manaf & Assoc. Prof. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail