SHAH ALAM, 30 June 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) today launched the Semiconductor@UiTM Initiative, marking a significant step towards strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor value chain through the development of high-value technology, talent and innovation.
The initiative was launched by Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam.
The programme aligns with the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which focuses on building a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem encompassing talent development, research and industrial innovation.
Under Budget 2025, the MADANI Government allocated RM20 million to enhance the capabilities of higher education institutions in the fields of microelectronics and semiconductors. The funding supports the establishment of the Institute of Microelectronics and Semiconductor (IMS), UiTM’s first Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE), which will serve as the main coordinator for technical training, applied research and innovation development.
The IMS is equipped with advanced facilities, including integrated circuit design laboratories, semiconductor fabrication facilities, device testing systems and industrial automation infrastructure to support research and industry collaboration.
KPT is also emphasising the implementation of Work-Based Learning (WBL) to provide students with direct exposure to real industry operations. The initiative is further strengthened through the expansion of academic staff sabbatical programmes with leading semiconductor companies to enhance technical expertise and industry exposure.
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Strategic collaborations between UiTM and industry partners, including Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) and Advanced Semiconductor & Electronics Malaysia (ASEM), are expected to further strengthen Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem through coordinated research and innovation efforts.
Among the initiative’s early achievements is the development of a locally designed power electronic microchip through collaboration with Weeroc Space at the X-FAB facility, marking another milestone in enhancing the country’s semiconductor design and fabrication capabilities.
According to a Facebook post by Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to developing a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem capable of producing highly skilled talent and supporting Malaysia’s aspirations to become a regional hub for advanced technology and high-impact industries.
Also present were UiTM Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Idris Jusoh, KPT Deputy Secretary-General (Management and Development) Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, Higher Education Director-General Dato’ Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman, and UiTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr. Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin. – The Capital Post.
