USM–INTEL FOCUS ON CURRICULUM, LABS AND SEMICONDUCTOR RESEARCH

NIBONG TEBAL, 6 February 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is strengthening its strategic collaboration with Intel Corporation following an official visit by the company’s delegation to the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus.

The visit focused on industry-oriented curriculum development, enhancement of laboratory facilities, and the expansion of research collaboration in the semiconductor field.

The Director of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, said USM’s designation as a strategic university partner for Intel reflects the campus’s academic and research capabilities in supporting the high technology needs of the industry.

She added that one of the key initiatives resulting from this collaboration is the development of an elective course in advanced electronic packaging, designed with direct industry input to ensure that the curriculum aligns with technological developments and current job market requirements.

Professor Mariatti also noted that Intel’s contribution of equipment to the Microprocessor Laboratory at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (SEEE) has enhanced practical training opportunities and provided students with exposure to real-world technologies used in the industry.

Beyond teaching, the collaboration also provides opportunities for USM to participate in Intel’s Advanced Node IC Design (18A) process technology development initiatives, particularly through support for research, competency building, and knowledge sharing between university and industry researchers.

As part of this effort, the Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Center (CEDEC) Advanced Semiconductor Research Laboratory, powered by Intel’s 18A Process Design Kit (PDK), focuses on developing a fabless ecosystem for AI SoC chip design, primarily for educational and research purposes.

Meanwhile, Gabriella Cruz Thompson, Director of University Research and Collaboration, Intel Corporation (Intel Labs), said Intel views USM as a key strategic partner in supporting global research agendas and talent development in semiconductors and next-generation computing.

According to her, Intel Labs actively collaborates with universities on hardware-software co-design, artificial intelligence (AI), computing system security and trust, as well as computer architecture, which require cross-disciplinary expertise aligned with USM’s academic strengths.

Cruz added that talent development remains a top priority for Intel, covering technical training, undergraduate to postdoctoral studies, as well as the implementation of micro-credentials to support the upskilling and reskilling of the existing workforce.

The visit also served as a platform to explore new research collaboration opportunities, including industry research grants for USM lecturers, in line with the global semiconductor technology trajectory and industry needs.

Intel, a leading global technology company in semiconductors and computing solutions, collaborates with more than 200 universities annually, of which about 45 are recognised as strategic partners, including USM.

This network spans academic institutions in the United States as well as key countries where Intel operates, including Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Costa Rica and Mexico, covering research, talent development and academic engagement in the semiconductor industry.

Also present during the visit were the Dean of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin Sundi @ Suandi, and the Director of the Core Competencies Group as well as Site Manager of Assembly and Test Technology Development Malaysia, Intel Microelectronics (M) Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Loh Wei Keat.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman