KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was selected and appointed as the chief coordinator for the newly established Electrical and Electronic Consortium (E&E) for the implementation of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Research and Industry-Infused Incubator Programme (MRI3).

The Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said, the appointment of USM as the leader of the consortium was made based on USM's expertise, scope of work and experience which is considered to be in line with the establishment of the consortium.

He added that the consortium established among 20 public universities was specially created to produce graduates who will meet the needs of the E&E industry that offers premium salaries.

“The E&E sector is in dire need of highly qualified and skilled workers who have the desired knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the industry. At this point, graduates are given the training required by the industry after graduation. However, the time it takes to train these talents is long and not cost-effective.

“Therefore, USM has introduced the MRI3 programme to develop talents that have the knowledge, sharp-skills and smart-skills that coincide with the E&E industry needs,” he said.  

Earlier, the Minister officiated the Graduate Job Market Conference organised by MoHE and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), which aims to identify and discuss information related to the future job markets for graduates.

The USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed was present to receive the letter of appointment as the head of the consortium in the event.

The appointment of USM as the chief coordinator of the E&E consortium aims, among other things, to coordinate the terms and references identified, including acting as a focal point between the UA consortium and the E&E industry players.

The MRI3 programme aims to ensure a job guarantee in Graduate Employability (GE) with a premium starting salary of RM4,000 per month.

This programme also reduces the industry-academia gap by involving industry-based and fully sponsored Final Year Project (FYP) students as well as providing a monthly allowance of RM1,500 to RM2,000 to students during the ongoing FYP period.

In addition, students are exposed to the equipment and software used by the industry itself.

Lecturers who act as project supervisors, will be able to share knowledge and skills with the industry.

This programme has so far received a very encouraging response from the industry. Among them are Intel Technology Sdn. Bhd., Oppstar Technology Berhad, Infineon, Efinix and others especially those located in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) in Penang.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe