By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Dec 13 – Advanced Semiconductor Academy Malaysia (Asem) through Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) is addressing the talent shortage in the semiconductor industry through a strategic partnership with Suzhou Centennial College (SCC).
According to a statement by Sidec, this collaboration aims to bridge the divide between education and industry demands in both Malaysia and China by establishing a Digital Training School.
The state agency said the initiative will focus on developing specialised skills in key sectors, including advanced semiconductor technology, fostering greater collaboration and innovation between the two nations.
“These efforts aim to address Malaysia’s growing talent shortage in the semiconductor sector, where demand for skilled engineers far exceeds the supply from local universities.
“With Malaysia’s semiconductor industry requiring an estimated 60,000 skilled engineers annually while producing only 5,000 graduates, Sidec and Asem have outlined strategic steps to close this gap by sending Malaysian graduates to SCC in China.
“This initiative focuses on equipping fresh graduates with cutting-edge semiconductor knowledge and fostering cross-border collaboration,” it said to Selangor Journal recently.
On December 6, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and Malaysia’s semiconductor veteran Datuk Seri PY Lai witnessed a landmark signing ceremony in Suzhou, formalizing a strategic collaboration between SCC, Global Edutech Management Group (GEM), and Sidec.
[caption id="attachment_383255" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]
(From right) Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, semiconductor veteran Datuk Seri PY Lai and state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han seen after a landmark signing ceremony for a strategic collaboration between Suzhou Centennial College, Global Edutech Management Group, and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation in Suzhou, China, on December 6, 2024. — Picture via INSTAGRAM/AMIRUDIN_SHARI[/caption]
SCC offers 22 programmes across seven schools, with flagship engineering and business courses recognised at the provincial and municipal levels, with its students benefiting from internships and job opportunities with over 4,000 high-tech companies in the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District, including Huawei and iFLYTEK.
Additionally, graduates can pursue further studies at over 100 partner universities worldwide, including in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.
Explaining further regarding the collaboration, Sidec highlighted that the collaboration between Asem and SCC prioritises aligning education with industry needs, particularly in the semiconductor sector.
Through an industry-led curriculum developed in consultation with semiconductor leaders, the program ensures that Malaysian students are equipped with China-specific technological standards, preparing them for the global market.
In addition, graduates from Malaysia will undergo specialised training programmes in China, spending three to four months at GEM and SCC, where they will focus on advanced semiconductor technologies and practices.
Upon completion, they will return to Malaysia to work in companies aligned with their training, contributing to the country’s growing semiconductor ecosystem and meeting the demand for skilled talent in this vital industry.
“This initiative also facilitates bilateral cooperation by fostering knowledge transfer, cultural exchange, and shared innovation.
“Graduates trained at SCC will bring back advanced skills and insights from China’s semiconductor industry, strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities and enhancing collaboration on joint ventures,” said Sidec.
Asem also launched two flagship programmes to develop industry-ready talent in the semiconductor sector – the National Semiconductor Excellence Programme, which offers Malaysian undergraduates hands-on training and job placements within the local semiconductor industry, and the Global Semiconductor Exchange Program, which sends top engineering graduates to leading institutions in China for practical training in IC design and manufacturing.
“These programmes are developed with guidance from industry leaders and are integral to building a globally competitive workforce,” it stated.
