USM PENANG, 23 December 2023 – Nineteen public universities have agreed to participate in the Higher Education Ministry's (MoHE) Research and Industry-Infused Incubator (MRI3) programme, previously known as the Industry-Infused Programme (I²P), aimed at developing high-skilled graduates.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the programme is being conducted in collaboration with 27 companies to fill the need for a highly-skilled workforce by various industries.

"Based on preliminary surveys of the industries involved in MRI3 by USM's Industry and Community Network Division, it is estimated that more than 500 positions will be offered by 27 industry players, including strategic partners, for next year.

"The placements are more than double the initial target of 200 students for next year," he said after the launch of the MRI3 programme at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre here on 14 December 2023.

The participating universities and industries also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) witnessed by the USM Board of Governors Chairman Dato’ Seri Dr. Awang Adek Hussin.

Abdul Rahman said in addition to the 27 industries and strategic partners who signed the MoU, over 100 companies from the electrical and electronic sectors were present at the event.

"The programme provides industrial exposure and enables students to continue working within the same industry with a premium starting salary of more than RM4,000 upon graduation," he said.

He said students selected for the MRI3 programme will be stationed in USM during their final year project and receive a minimum allowance of RM1,500 per month, as well as skills training with equipment and content sponsored by the respective industries.

The main objectives of MRI3 are 1) To produce industry-ready talents that meet the needs of the E&E industry; 2) To become a platform whereby a Malaysian Universities consortium led by USM collaborates with E&E related industries in a more strategic and systematic approach to meet the demand/shortage of high-skilled talents in the industries; 3) To ensure the marketability of graduates and increase the number of graduates with premium salary upon graduation; and 4) To enable Malaysia to become a high-income nation with knowledgeable and highly-skilled professionals.