Tokyo Electron (Malaysia) and Universiti Sains Malaysia Forge Strategic Alliance to Power Next-Gen Engineering Talent

Nibong Tebal, 22 August 2025 – In a decisive move to strengthen industry-academia synergy, Tokyo Electron (Malaysia), hereinafter referred to as "TEL Malaysia", has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), reinforcing its commitment to producing future-ready engineering graduates equipped for the high-tech frontier.

Alongside members of the university’s leadership, academic staff, and students, Hideki Ito, President of Tokyo Electron (Malaysia), and Yohei Sato, Vice President & General Manager of Tokyo Electron ATS BU attended the MoU signing ceremony held at USM’s Engineering Campus. The partnership marks a high-impact collaboration aimed at bringing cutting-edge industrial expertise directly into the academic environment.

As part of the initiative, TEL Malaysia has made a significant contribution comprising a 200 mm wafer prober “Precio™ octo”, as well as a cash sponsorship of RM200,000 to support laboratory renovations at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (SEEE). These investments are set to directly benefit both undergraduate and postgraduate students by providing new opportunities for hands-on learning and industrial-grade exposure.

“At TEL, we firmly believe that collaboration is the key to progress. By joining forces with USM, we are not only enriching the educational environment, but also cultivating a new generation of innovators and leaders in semiconductor manufacturing. This collaboration will create synergistic benefits, as we share knowledge, resources, and expertise. In conclusion, let us look forward to a fruitful partnership that empowers students, enriches academic programs, and strengthens the semiconductor industry in Malaysia. Together, we can ignite curiosity, foster innovation, and pave the way for the future leaders of our field.” Yohei Sato commented.

Professor Ir. Dr. Marriati Jaafar, USM Engineering Campus Director representing the Vice-Chancellor of USM, , emphasised that the collaboration reflects USM’s long-standing commitment to synergize with industry players in equipping students with both technical skills and essential soft skills required in high-tech sectors. She said “With TEL’s generous support and the introduction of a probe tester curriculum, our graduates are now better prepared than ever to embrace the engineering marvels of the semiconductor industry.”

Through this strategic alliance, TEL Malaysia and USM reaffirm their shared vision: to inspire innovation, accelerate talent development, and nurture a generation of engineers ready to lead in high-impact, high-tech domains.