AS global demand surges for talent in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, Malaysia stands at a strategic crossroad — with the opportunity to shape the future through meaningful investments in education and industry collaboration.
In a move that underscores its commitment to national development and community empowerment, Keysight Technologies, a global S&P 500 technology company, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), marking a significant milestone in nurturing industry-ready talent.
Through its market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions, Keysight empowers innovators worldwide to accelerate product development across sectors, including communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defence, automotive, semiconductors, and general electronics.
This strategic collaboration with USM is more than an academic initiative — it’s a nation-building effort that aligns with the country’s ambition to become a regional semiconductor hub. Students with be equipped with practical, hands-on training using real-world tools and methodologies.
“This semiconductor workforce development partnership exemplifies Keysight’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers,” said Lim Han Sing, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight General Electronics Measurement.
“We are bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice and in doing so, building a scalable model for academic-industry collaboration that can uplift the entire region.”
As the lead institution of Malaysia’s Consortium E&E (CEE), USM plays a pivotal role in strengthening national semiconductor talent. Through this collaboration, Keysight is delivering its Semiconductor Basic Design and Measurement Lab – a comprehensive, application-driven platform that equips students with practical skills in design, measurement, and semiconductor technologies.
Through direct exposure to industry-grade instruments and workflows, students gain hands-on experience that aligns with real-world engineering environments. This helps accelerate their transition into the workforce, raising the quality and job-readiness of local graduates.
USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Seri Ir. Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed, highlighted the national importance of such initiatives.
“Malaysia targets 60,000 engineers under the National Semiconductor Strategy. Achieving this requires close collaboration between industry and academia. Partnering with leaders like Keysight ensures that we are preparing the next generation of engineers to drive our E&E ecosystem forward,” he said.
Keysight’s long-standing presence in Malaysia, coupled with its ongoing collaboration with local institutions, reflects a deep commitment to community development and national progress through technology and education.
As Malaysia strengthens its position on the global technology stage, strategic academic partnerships such as this exemplify Keysight’s role not only as a leader in innovation but also as a catalyst for shaping the future of engineering talent.
Also present at the MoA signing ceremony were Keysight President Emeritus Ee Huei Sin, Director of USM Industry Network, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil and USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.
Pix courtesy of Keysight Technologies