USM EXPANDS INDUSTRY ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
PENANG, 28 October 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its commitment to developing a skilled workforce that is prepared for technological changes through its Talent Development Programme, held in conjunction with the USM International Conference on Engineering 2026 (USM ICE 2026).
The special industry engagement programme aims to introduce reskilling opportunities for industry workers, enabling them to adapt to evolving technologies and changing industry needs.
The programme holds particular significance as it is organised in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the USM Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, reflecting the University's commitment to strengthening strategic industry engagement and expanding lifelong learning opportunities.
A total of 45 representatives from 28 companies and organisations participated in the briefing, which highlighted opportunities for further studies, postgraduate programmes and professional development pathways offered by USM, particularly at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus.
The opening briefing was delivered by the Campus Director of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, who shared information on postgraduate study opportunities available to industry representatives and employees seeking to enhance their academic qualifications and develop their competencies in engineering.
The session also highlighted opportunities for working professionals to pursue further studies and acquire new skills relevant to workplace requirements and developments in the industrial sector.
In addition, Dean of the USM School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin Sundi @ Suandi, shared information on engineering programmes offered by USM, particularly in electrical and electronic engineering, to encourage industry workers to enhance their technical knowledge and skills.
The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) pathway offered by USM was also introduced, with a briefing delivered by Dr. Zarina Md Nor, Coordinator of APEL USM, providing experienced individuals with opportunities to pursue further studies based on their prior learning experiences, subject to the applicable requirements and conditions.
Meanwhile, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Design Collaboration in Microelectronics (CEDEC), Professor Dr. Asrulnizam Abd Manaf, and USM Director of Industry Network, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil, also contributed to discussions on collaboration opportunities and university-industry engagement to support talent development and meet future workforce needs.
The programme also featured a sharing session by the Head of the HRD Corp Penang State Office, Puteri Simaa Megat Ismail, who explained the opportunities, procedures and benefits offered by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) in supporting workforce skills development.
Her session provided participants with insights into how companies and industry players can leverage HRD Corp-funded training programmes to enhance employees' skills and address their respective organisational talent development needs.
Through this initiative, USM continues to strengthen its role as a strategic industry partner in developing a highly skilled, competitive and future-ready workforce.
Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman