UCSI University and ViTrox Corporation Berhad have formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to empower future engineers by delivering UCSI’s mechatronics engineering degree at ViTrox’s industrial campus here.
The MoA signing ceremony, held at ViTrox’s headquarters in Batu Kawan, was attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who said the partnership supports Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which aims to train 60,000 engineers by 2030.
Chow also highlighted the potential for Batu Kawan to host a full-fledged technology university, subject to approval by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC).
“Whether Batu Kawan will host a full-fledged technology university will depend on PDC’s consideration.
“Should this materialise, it would enable ViTrox and its partners to establish a comprehensive technology university here in Penang, which is an exciting prospect that will further strengthen our talent pipeline and innovation ecosystem,” he said.
Chow added that the creation of a new engineering talent pipeline in Penang is significant as it represents a partnership between two “homegrown champions”.
“Today’s MoA is more than a collaboration — it is a strategic investment in talent and the future of our economy,” he said.
He noted that Batu Kawan has undergone a remarkable transformation from a development corridor into a dynamic hub of high-tech innovation, supported by a strong industrial base and a growing talent ecosystem.
“This progress is no coincidence; it is the result of long-term planning, strong partnerships, and a clear focus on value creation,” he added.
Chow said Malaysia is currently at a critical inflexion point, particularly with the rollout of the NSS, which aims to move the country beyond assembly and testing into higher-value activities, such as integrated circuit design, advanced packaging, wafer fabrication, and research and development.
He added that as Malaysia’s leading electrical and electronics (E&E) hub, Penang must continue evolving beyond manufacturing excellence by strengthening capabilities in design, innovation, and intellectual property creation to ensure long-term competitiveness.
He added that the state government is actively building a stronger and more inclusive talent ecosystem through initiatives such as the Penang Chip Design Academy, the Shared IC Design Lab, the GBS Industry Academy 2.0, the AI for Manufacturing Programme, and the AI Sandbox for Industries.
“However, the government can only do so much. Ultimately, success depends on strong collaboration between universities and industry.
“While the government plays the role of an enabler, the real challenge lies in bringing academia and industry together to drive this shared agenda forward,” he said.
On development plans, Chow said the previously approved 20-acre campus site is taking shape, with the first two blocks underway and more to come.
He noted that ViTrox is preparing to submit its planning permission and expects the land to be fully utilised within the next three years.
Chow also said the company has applied for additional land in Batu Kawan, which is currently under evaluation by PDC.
Meanwhile, ViTrox president and group chief executive officer Datuk Chu Jenn Weng expressed gratitude to the state government for its unwavering support.
“We are committed to transforming Batu Kawan into a vibrant, world-class hub for education and innovation. We aim to host more than 5,000 students and produce 2,000 industry-ready graduates.
“We look forward to working closely with the state in the future,” he said.
Chu added that the ViTrox Innovation Lab reflects the company’s commitment to work-based learning through a mentor model, where each student is guided by an academic mentor.
ViTrox College principal Dr Janaka Low expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with UCSI University on the milestone.
UCSI University vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir also lauded the significance of the collaboration.
Among the attendees were state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, state Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian