ASEM, IIT MADRAS GLOBAL FORGE ALLIANCE TO STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA’S POSITION IN GLOBAL SEMICONDUCTOR VALUE CHAIN

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras Global) has forged a strategic partnership to strengthen Malaysia’s global positioning and resilience in the semiconductor value chain.

In a statement issued today, ASEM said through this collaboration, Malaysia aims to expand market access and reduce its over-reliance on the semiconductor industries of the United States, China and Taiwan - a critical step amid ongoing global volatility and supply chain disruptions.

“The partnership will also secure a strategic foothold in India’s rapidly growing US$100 billion (US$1=RM4.22) semiconductor market, paving the way for new investment, joint-ventures, and co-development opportunities that will enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness as a design-led economy,” said ASEM.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) by both parties, held in Shah Alam, was witnessed by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy.

Following the MoU, ASEM and IIT Madras Global will roll out two flagship initiatives in 2026, namely the graduate skilling programme in computer architecture and RISC-V Design and the semester exchange and joint certificate programme in collaboration with the University of Selangor (UNISEL).

This initiative, which will see co-development of an enhanced electrical and electronic engineering curriculum, will benefit future graduates who will receive both a local degree and a joint certificate from IIT Madras, strengthening global employability and academic recognition.

Together, these programmes are expected to train 350 participants in 2026, forming the foundation for deeper bilateral collaboration in semiconductor education and research and development (R&D).

-- BERNAMA