WOU partners TT Vision, Oppstar, and Clarion Malaysia to strengthen Penang’s semiconductor and manufacturing talent pipeline

• Aims to upskill 200 technical and engineering professionals in Industry 4.0
• Collaboration supports Penang’s strategy to build a high-tech skilled workforce

Wawasan Open University (WOU) has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with TT Vision Technologies Sdn Bhd, Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd, and Clarion (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to enhance workforce development in Malaysia’s semiconductor and manufacturing sectors.

Under these MoUs, WOU will serve as the primary skills development partner for the three organisations, aiming to equip 200 technical and engineering professionals with critical Industry 4.0 skills.

In her address, Prof Dr Lily Chan, WOU’s chief executive and vice-chancellor, highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals. She said, “This partnership demonstrates how universities and industries can work together to address evolving workforce needs. By integrating industry insights into our curriculum, we are preparing professionals to thrive amid rapid global advancements.”

The collaboration aligns with Penang’s strategy to develop a skilled workforce in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, automation, and automotive electronics. It also supports regional talent development initiatives by the Northern Corridor Economic Region and the Human Resource Development Corporation.

The partnership will introduce Professional Certificates and micro-credentials tailored to industry needs.

WOU will provide TT Vision with a certification in IoT-Enabled Manufacturing Analytics, covering key areas such as IoT, data analytics, and robotics integration. The certification includes micro-credentials that can be stacked towards Mechatronics Engineering or Smart Manufacturing degrees.

With Oppstar, WOU will deliver a Professional Certification in IC Design, focused on CMOS and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design, and Digital IC Design. Participants will also earn credit hours towards WOU’s Master of Science in System Design Engineering.

The collaboration with Clarion Malaysia will offer employees access to postgraduate qualifications, such as the Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing and the Master of Business Administration in Manufacturing Production & Management, equipping them with both technical and leadership skills.

Vasu Velayutha, chief strategy officer of TT Vision Technologies, said, “This collaboration is a key step in preparing our workforce for the opportunities and challenges of smart manufacturing and IoT integration. We look forward to the positive impact on our organisation and employees, who will see it as a valuable career advancement pathway.”

Yeap Soon Lee, executive vice president of Oppstar Technology, added, “With IC design identified as a priority under the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), this collaboration strengthens Malaysia’s semiconductor talent pipeline. By equipping participants with specialised IC design skills, we aim to drive innovation and enhance global competitiveness.”

Tan Teong Khin, managing director of Clarion Malaysia, stated, “As automotive technology advances rapidly, a highly skilled workforce is essential for innovation and efficiency. We are excited to partner with WOU to expand upskilling opportunities, enabling employees to enhance their expertise and advance their careers through specialised postgraduate programmes.”

Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, remarked, “With rapid technological advancements, comprehensive upskilling initiatives are crucial to meeting industry demands. The public-private partnership model between educational institutions and industry players is a vital step in ensuring a sustainable pipeline of industry-ready talent, further cementing Penang’s reputation as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East.’”

Dato’ Loo also noted that the initiative aligns with the Penang STEM Talent Blueprint and the NSS, both critical for maintaining Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global high-tech landscape.