Keysight, Universiti Sains Malaysia Collaborate to Advance Semiconductor, Photonics Education in Malaysia

Keysight Technologies announced a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), to address the semiconductor talent shortage through practical, industry-aligned education. As head of Consortium E&E (CEE)’s collaboration between Malaysian universities and industry players, USM leads multiple semiconductor talent programmes tailored to meet the evolving needs of the electrical and electronics sectors. A joint commitment to cultivate industry-ready graduates forms the foundation of Keysight and USM’s strategic collaboration.

The MOA formalises USM’s adoption of Keysight’s Semiconductor Basic Design and Measurement Lab, a comprehensive, application-driven platform designed to equip students with real-world design and measurement skills, and practical insights into semiconductor technologies. The collaboration also paves the way for the co-development of extended lab content, and the future implementation of Keysight’s latest Semiconductor Advanced Measurement Lab, further enriching the academic curriculum with cutting-edge industry relevance.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as academic institutions work to align education with the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry. Greater exposure to modern instrumentation and real-world workflows will help graduates step confidently into high-impact roles. Keysight’s ready-to-deploy lab modules are designed to enable this transformation, delivering industry-grade tools, design, simulation, and measurement techniques directly into the classroom to build a future-ready workforce.

The collaboration complements and strengthens USM’s involvement in the “Penang Silicon Design @5km+” initiative, which aims to build a robust IC design and AI ecosystem within a 5km radius of the Bayan Lepas industrial zone.

Going forward, Keysight will deliver a seminar on photonics and showcase the Keysight Photonics Integrated Circuit (PICS) Lab. This advanced lab module introduces students to silicon photonics – an essential technology for next-generation innovations in data centres, quantum computing, and AI.

Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, FASc., Vice-Chancellor at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said: “Malaysia targets the development of 60,000 engineers under the National Semiconductor Strategy. Achieving this requires joint efforts from industry and academia; to upskill and reskill the current workforce, enhance our curriculum, and run talent-building programmes for our graduates. Partnering with industry leaders like Keysight adds to our efforts in preparing the next generation of engineers to complete the Electronic & Electrical ecosystem.”

Han Sing, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight General Electronics Measurement, said: “This semiconductor workforce development partnership exemplifies Keysight’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of semiconductor engineers. By integrating hands-on lab experiences into university programmes, we’re helping to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. With our collaboration with USM, we are building a scalable model for academic-industry collaboration that can have regional impact. The collaboration underscores Keysight’s broader mission to empower innovation and build a future-ready workforce through strategic academic alliances. With the launch of these lab modules, USM students will gain access to industry-grade tools and methodologies, preparing them with practical competencies, and confidence to lead in the rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape.”