ASEM Launches Flagship Arm Training Under Malaysia’s Plan to Train 10,000 Talents

The Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM), in collaboration with Arm, has officially launched the first-ever Arm-led training programme in Malaysia. Hosted under the Malaysia IC Design Park initiative, the Arm On-Demand Training Programme commenced with an inaugural cohort of 400 engineers—marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s high-tech talent development journey.

Back in March 2025, Malaysia signed a landmark agreement with Arm committing USD $250 million over ten years to access Arm’s advanced chip design blueprints. This strategic collaboration is a central pillar of the country’s efforts to accelerate its ambition to develop homegrown chips within five to ten years, in response to the growing global demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data center technologies. As part of this initiative, Arm has committed to train 10,000 local talents, equipping them with the skills to harness its intellectual property (IP) and build cutting-edge chip solutions.

The Arm On-Demand Training Programme directly supports this national vision by advancing Malaysia’s goal to cultivate a world-class engineering workforce under the Malaysia Silicon Vision and the National Semiconductor Strategy. The programme brought together participants from over 40 universities and engineers representing more than 80 companies across the semiconductor and technology sectors, reflecting strong national interest and commitment to talent development in advanced chip design. It underscores Arm and ASEM’s shared mission to empower local talent with globally relevant skills in integrated circuit (IC) design and advanced technologies.

Held from 28 to 30 July 2025, the three-months training program started with a three-day in-person training by Arm experts which focuses on the Arm Cortex-A, Cortex-R, and Cortex-M processors, embedded systems, and System-on-Chip (SoC) development. Participants also gained access to Arm’s comprehensive On-Demand Training platform, which includes modules on Mali GPUs and camera systems, Ethos NPUs, System IP, development tools, and Fast Models—offering a robust foundation for careers in the global semiconductor industry.

ASEM Forges Key Partnerships for the Future

A key highlight of the event was the Partnership Signing Ceremony between Arm, the ASEM, and 20 Malaysian universities, symbolising a unified commitment to advancing semiconductor education and research. The ceremony was witnessed by notable dignitaries including YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Menteri Besar of Selangor; YB Senator Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); and YB Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility. They commended the programme as a strategic move to strengthen Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor value chain.

CK Tseng, President of Arm ASEAN and Taiwan and VP of North America Sales, delivered keynote remarks emphasising the vital role of semiconductors in driving digital transformation and economic growth. He reaffirmed Arm’s commitment to nurturing regional talent and fostering long-term partnerships in Malaysia.

“The launch of this program marks an important first step toward our goal of training 10,000 talents in Malaysia, as we bring Arm’s most comprehensive training resources to empower local talent and accelerate the country’s progress in semiconductor innovation,” said Tseng.

The event also featured an address by Professor Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, and a presentation by Niki Dow, Senior Director, Technical Communications, Partner Enablement, Arm, who highlighted Arm’s dedication to education and industry collaboration.

With its successful rollout, the Arm On-Demand Training Programme sets a new benchmark for talent development in Malaysia—laying the groundwork for a generation of engineers ready to drive innovation in the semiconductor industry and power the nation’s digital economy forward.