THE Penang government today announced the official launch of the Penang Chip Design Academy (PCDA), a cornerstone initiative positioned to reshape Malaysia’s future in integrated circuit (IC) design.
The PCDA is one of the key pillars under the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ initiative, aimed at strengthening the state’s position in the semiconductor industry.
It focuses on building upstream integrated circuit (IC) design capabilities that are critical for semiconductor leadership. It also carries a bold mission to train over 1,000 IC design engineers within the next five years.
It is led by InvestPenang and jointly collaborated with the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow applauded the unveiling of the programme, and said it strategically aligns with both the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
“With hands-on, industry-driven courses in physical design, verification, layout, and analog design, PCDA directly addresses what the industry needs.
“As I have often said, resilience starts with upstream capabilities, in research and design (R&D), design, and in people.
“PCDA is our way of responding to that need but this is not a one man’s show, hence Penang cannot do this alone.
“I would like to urge the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to urgently relook at their negotiating strategy.
“We need to restrategise, and more importantly, engage the US more effectively and assertively.
“Malaysia must be able to make a stronger case. We owe it to our industry, workers, and our future,” Chow said in his speech during the official unveiling of the programme at PSDC in Bayan Lepas today.
Its training programmes are designed by industry, for industry, and focus on four core IC design disciplines: Physical Design, Design Verification, Custom Layout, and Analog Design.
The courses target both fresh graduates and existing engineers, offering a suite of intensive 4- to 9-week IC Design Mastery Courses.
These are delivered by seasoned experts with more than two decades of hands-on experience in global semiconductor companies, ensuring real-world relevance and immediate applicability in high-impact roles.
The first cohort began training on 16 June 2025.
Also present were state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and PSDC chief executive officer Dr Hari Narayanan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Law Suun Ting