USM-MICRON COLLABORATION INTRODUCES FIRST ATMP CURRICULUM IN MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

NIBONG TEBAL, 16 May 2025 – A total of 102 engineering students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) received certificates of participation during the Certificate Presentation Ceremony of the Micron-USM Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) Programme held at the USM Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal today.

The ceremony marked a strategic collaborative initiative between Micron Memory Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and USM, following the official launch of the Semiconductor Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) curriculum on 24 February 2025 at Micron’s facility in Batu Kawan.

A total of 19 lecturers from USM and eight lecturers from UoW KDU were also involved in the programme, which provided students with direct exposure to current best practices in the semiconductor industry.

In his speech, the USM Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of early industry exposure as a foundation for building a meaningful future aligned with students’ actual skills.

“At USM, we want our students to be exposed to the industry as early as possible, because it’s not just about getting a job, it’s about getting the right job that aligns with their qualifications and interests,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that students have the freedom to decide what they want to learn and explore throughout their four years at university, while highlighting that they are fortunate to be supported by top university management and lecturers who actively engage with industry.

“Micron’s presence here is not only to share their expertise, but to help shape our students into higher-quality talent that meets market demands. That is why we at USM truly value and appreciate this collaborative relationship with Micron,” said Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, Vice President and Managing Director of Micron Memory Malaysia, Mr. Ramamoorthy Ganapathy Iyer, in his speech, expressed appreciation to USM for its full support in introducing this new curriculum.

He stated that the curriculum is the first of its kind to be introduced in a Malaysian higher learning institution, positioning USM and the University of Wollongong Malaysia (UoW KDU) as pioneers in its implementation.

“Thank you to Universiti Sains Malaysia, especially to the Vice-Chancellor, for the full support extended to us at Micron since the very beginning in turning the idea of introducing this elective course into reality,” he said.

“Without his support, we would not have been able to bring the first semiconductor curriculum to the university level, where everything moved very quickly from planning to implementation,” added the Vice President and Managing Director of Micron Memory Malaysia.

Also present were the Vice-Chancellor of University of Wollongong Malaysia (UoW) KDU College, Professor Dr. Chong Beng Keok, and Director of the USM Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha.

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