USM PENANG, 23 November 2022 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) via the Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC) today has entered into a partnership with SkyeChip Sdn. Bhd. with the signing of a Collaboration Agreement (CA) to continue in expanding its industry network and in the development of the electronics sector in Malaysia.

Signing on behalf of USM was Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, who is Exercising the Function of the USM Vice-Chancellor, while for SkyeChip Sdn. Bhd. was its Chief Executive Officer, Fong Swee Kiang, and witnessed by the Director of CEDEC, Professor Dr. Asrulnizam Abdul Manaf and SkyeChip Sdn. Bhd. Vice President of Client Service, Teoh Giap Seng.

Via the CA, both parties will collaborate in developing the training module in digital IC design by using Cadence tools for the purpose of talent development; and will jointly undertake IC design research activities and hands-on training programmes for the development of IC design ecosystem.

In her welcoming speech, Narimah said that as one of Malaysia’s premier research universities, USM takes pride in striving to enhance and strengthen its educational programmes and research endeavours by taking various initiatives to complement its educational excellence.

“USM is indeed fortunate to be working with SkyeChip through this CA and we hope that the collaborative efforts on the development of training modules, research activities and hands-on training programmes will be more than ready to help the nation to move forward the semiconductor chain from back-end semiconductor to front-end semiconductor,” she said.

Meanwhile, Swee Kiang said SkyeChip Sdn. Bhd. is honoured to collaborate with USM, as one of the top universities with research and teaching facilities, comprising of experienced and multidisciplinary team of experts.

“We hope that the collaboration can assist the nation's goals of attracting, nurturing, and retaining the right expertise needed to meet today's and tomorrow's demands for talents especially in the field of electronics,” he added.  

Also present were the Chief Technology Officer, Teh Chee Hak, principal officers of SkyeChip Sdn. Bhd. and principal officers of USM.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa