- Aims to train 200 technical and engineering experts in Market 4.0
- Collaboration supports Penang’s method to create a high-tech experienced labor
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Wawasan Open University ( WOU) has signed three Memorandums of Understanding ( MoUs ) with TT Vision Technologies Sdn Bhd, Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd, and Clarion ( Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd to enhance workforce development in Malaysia’s semiconductor and manufacturing sectors.
Under these MoUs, WOU may serve as the primary skills development mate for the three organisations, aiming to provide 200 technical and engineering professionals with important Business 4.0 skills.
In her target, Prof Dr Lily Chan, WOU’s chief executive and vice-chancellor, highlighted the importance of industry-academia cooperation in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals. She said,” This collaboration demonstrates how universities and business you work together to solve evolving workforce requirements. By integrating business perspectives into our syllabus, we are preparing professionals to grow amid fast worldwide advancements”.
The partnership aligns with Penang’s technique to build a qualified workforce in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, technology, and mechanical electronics. It even supports local skills development efforts by the North Corridor Economic Region and the Human Resource Development Corporation.
The association may create Professional Certificates and micro-credentials tailored to business needs.
WOU may provide TT Vision with a qualification in IoT-Enabled Manufacturing Analytics, covering important areas such as IoT, data analysis, and technology integration. The documentation includes micro-credentials that can be stacked towards Mechatronics Engineering or Smart Manufacturing levels.
With Oppstar, WOU will give a Professional Certification in IC Design, focused on CMOS and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design, and Digital IC Design. Individuals may also receive credit hours towards WOU’s Master of Science in System Design Engineering.
The partnership with Clarion Malaysia may give people access to graduate requirements, such as the Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing and the Master of Business Administration in Manufacturing Production &, Management, equipping them with both technical and management skills.
Vasu Velayutha, chief strategy officer of TT Vision Technologies, said,” This partnership is a crucial step in preparing our labor for the opportunities and problems of bright production and IoT connectivity. We look forward to the positive impact on our organisation and employees, who will see it as a valuable career advancement pathway”.
Yeap Soon Lee, executive vice president of Oppstar Technology, added,” With IC design identified as a priority under the National Semiconductor Strategy ( NSS), this collaboration strengthens Malaysia’s semiconductor talent pipeline. By equipping participants with specialised IC design skills, we aim to drive innovation and enhance global competitiveness”.
Tan Teong Khin, managing director of Clarion Malaysia, stated,” As automotive technology advances rapidly, a highly skilled workforce is essential for innovation and efficiency. We are excited to partner with WOU to expand upskilling opportunities, enabling employees to enhance their expertise and advance their careers through specialised postgraduate programmes”.
Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, remarked,” With rapid technological advancements, comprehensive upskilling initiatives are crucial to meeting industry demands. The public-private partnership model between educational institutions and industry players is a vital step in ensuring a sustainable pipeline of industry-ready talent, further cementing Penang’s reputation as the’ Silicon Valley of the East.'”
Dato ‘ Loo also noted that the initiative aligns with the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint and the NSS, both critical for maintaining Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global high-tech landscape.