PETALING JAYA, Feb 13 — The state’s Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM) is equipping students with industry-ready skills and international exposure, producing graduates ready to contribute immediately to the nation’s growing semiconductor sector.
Highlighting its impact, state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han said that a recent ASEM graduate secured a starting salary of RM8,000.
“Just two weeks ago, I heard a story that stays with me. A fresh graduate, through ASEM, secured a starting salary of RM8,000.
“That is not just a number on a paycheck; that is dignity. That is the promise that in Selangor, your talent will be met with opportunity.
“We even told our best and brightest; ‘Go. See the world. Learn. But know that your chair is waiting for you back home.’
“We provide that RM10,000 allowance not just as a grant, but as a bridge. A bridge that says: we believe in you,” he said.
Ng was delivering his speech during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) exchange between NXP Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia on strategic cooperation for semiconductor education, at Monash’s campus today.
Under the collaboration, two industry-grade semiconductor tools, an Esec 2008 Diebonder and a KNS Iconn Wirebonder, valued at RM2 million, were donated to the Monash-NXP Semiconductor Lab.
The lab allows students to gain hands-on experience with real-world equipment before graduation, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry needs.
Also present at the event were Monash University president and pro-vice chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, NXP Malaysia Assembly Operations head SW Wong, and Monash University School of Engineering head Prof Anthony Guo.
The councillor added that with the joint effort, NXP Malaysia is closing the loop by providing the students with the tools that are necessary in the industry.
“When we work together, government, academic, and industry, there is no mountain too high to climb.
“To the students here today: Look at this equipment. It is more than metal and silicon. It is a message from all of us to you. It says: We are betting on you,” he said.
Ng noted that the programme reflects Selangor’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and sustaining its competitive edge in Malaysia’s semiconductor industry.
ASEM, part of Selangor’s wider semiconductor ecosystem, has recruited 261 engineers, providing world-class local work opportunities and aiming to bring home Malaysian talent working overseas at companies like MediaTek and TSMC.
