USM, Micron In Tie-up For Semiconductor Certification, Talent Development Initiative

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has forged a strategic partnership with Micron Memory Malaysia Sdn Bhd through the launch of the Semiconductor Assembly and Test Professional or SAT Pro Certification. 

The university said the high-profile initiative marks a progressive step in empowering local talent development to meet the needs of the growing high-value semiconductor industry.

“The certification programme is comprehensively designed to produce a workforce with specialised skills, who are competitive and ready to drive the growth of the country’s advanced technology sector.

“The initiative also marks an important achievement as USM emerges as the first university in Malaysia to offer a semiconductor certification curriculum of its kind, developed based on the real needs of the global industry, thus strengthening the integration between academia and the high-tech industry,” it said in a statement today.

USM deputy vice-chancellor for industry and community networking Azlan Amran said the implementation of SAT Pro, previously known as Semiconductor Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging, would introduce a more holistic, industry-driven learning approach to ensure that the university’s curriculum remains relevant, progressive and responsive to the real needs of the job market.

Azlan said the certification aligns with the national agenda -- the National Semiconductor Strategy -- to develop a highly skilled semiconductor workforce that supports the country's economic growth and competitiveness, thereby strengthening USM's role as a strategic talent catalyst.

He said the programme strengthens the curriculum via experiential learning, professional recognition and structured co-curricular activities.

“Under the programme, students master theory and technical skills, industry exposure and real-world experience, while the university streamlines academics with industry needs,” he said.

He said the USM-Micron collaboration includes training to improve staff competencies, the introduction of two new elective courses, and appreciation for Micron’s commitment to talent development and research.

Meanwhile, Micron Memory Malaysia vice-president Ramu Iyer said the semiconductor industry is now the backbone of technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart automotive and advanced manufacturing.

“Micron, which captures almost 49 per cent of the global automotive data storage market, introduced SAT Pro to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

“The programme, which was previously implemented in India, is now being expanded to Malaysia through collaboration with USM in the form of virtual learning and practical training,” he said.

To date, 27 lecturers and 104 USM students have participated in the programme, while more than 270 participants from more than 10 universities are involved at the national level.

-- BERNAMA