UTeM's electronics lab notches a national first
The university's Micro & Nano Electronics Laboratory (MiNE) has become the first in the country to be awarded the prestigious Cadence Design Systems' Certified Lab status.
UTeM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the recognition sets a new benchmark not only for the university but the entire country's academic and technological landscape.
It also reflects the growing global relevance of home-grown innovation in integrated circuit (IC) design, she added.
"The certification, awarded by Cadence Design Systems from the United States, recognises MiNE's capabilities in using Virtuoso technology, a globally used platform in analogue IC and custom layout design.
'This achievement positions UTeM as a key player in the global semiconductor education ecosystem,' she told The Star on Tuesday (July 29).
Prof Massila noted that the Virtuoso Cadence platform, which has nearly 60% market share in analogue IC custom design, is considered an industry standard, making the certification even more meaningful.
"The software is widely used and remains in high demand. For our students, this means access to world-class tools and training that align with real-world industry expectations,' she said.
Prof Massila said that as part of the Cadence IC Design Certification, UTeM students will undergo structured training and take industry-recognised badge examinations, giving them a solid foundation and a competitive edge in the job market.
'This is a golden opportunity that strengthens the employability of our graduates and boosts their confidence to compete on the global stage,' she added.
Prof Massila said the MiNE Lab, under the Faculty of Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology, is led by three Cadence-certified trainers who ensure that the laboratory meets international standards for training and research.
She said the certification supports UTeM's 2023–2025 Strategic Plan, which emphasises preparing an industry-ready workforce.
"It also aligns with the Higher Education Ministry's goals for national talent development," she added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge goes sustainable in hosting 13,000 runners
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 13,000 runners took over the closed highways of New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Lebuhraya Sungai Besi (Besraya) earlier today for the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2025. Malaysians made up 80 per cent of the participants, with the remaining 20 per cent hailing from about 30 countries. The seventh edition of the running event featured multiple a 42.195km full marathon, 21km half marathon, and 10km and 5km runs. Organised in collaboration with IJM Corporation Bhd and Allianz Malaysia Bhd, this year's edition also introduced several sustainability initiatives, namely a bottle collection and recycling effort; sustainable race apparel and paperless race experience. Over 16,000 plastic bottles used during the race were collected and sent to an authorised recycling facility, ensuring zero plastic waste. Paper cups were also separated and collected for recycling. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with Trash4Cash and with the support of 286 volunteers at the water stations. This year's race apparel was made from biodegradable, high-performance recycled fabrics, a first for the event, combining eco-consciousness with athletic function. The event also adopted digital registration, race packs details and e-certificates to reduce paper consumption while improving convenience for participants IJM Corporation Bhd group chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Lee Chun Fai said the event challenged them each year to raise the bar, not just in terms of race distance, but also in how they activate their highways for the community. "Now, World Athletics-certified and with strong support from our partners, the event delivers a race that meets international standards while staying rooted in the local spirit. "From recycled race apparel to paperless race experiences, we are proud to see how the event has become a platform for healthier living, environmental responsibility and shared momentum year after year," he said. Allianz Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Sean Wang said" "We are proud to continue our support for the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge, an event that epitomises the essence of healthy living and sustainable lifestyles. "This year's edition has not only clearly reflected those values but also fostered positive change within the community as well as on the environment." Race director and managing director of EC Pixels Asia Eugene Chan said: "Seeing 13,000 runners cross the finish line is a powerful testament to our vision.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Emphasis on TVET in 13MP a game-changer
PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) underscores the government's renewed push to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a national game-changer, but while policy ambitions run high, fresh graduates are watching with cautious optimism. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the TVET focus reflects a serious commitment to addressing youth unemployment, closing skills gaps and boosting labour productivity. 'The Perkasa TVET Madani Financing Scheme and the TVET Training Fund show that the government is not merely talking, it's acting. These initiatives are crucial for B40 and M40 youths, especially those in rural and remote areas.' Massila said the financing schemes would cover both training fees and living expenses, a move aimed at removing long-standing barriers for rural youth. She added that at the same time, the training fund is being aligned with key industries such as electric vehicles, automation, renewable energy, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. 'There is now a clearer route from classroom to career. Graduates won't just walk away with a certificate, they will also have access to jobs through industry partnerships, or a path to further study via the Malaysian Technical University Network.' She highlighted the need to take TVET to marginalised communities through mobile TVET programmes and satellite training centres, reaching deep into villages, islands and Orang Asli settlements. 'This approach ensures that no one is left behind in national development.' Massila praised ongoing efforts to expand TVET to tahfiz students, allowing them to become huffaz who are spiritually grounded yet technically skilled, and better positioned for entrepreneurship. 'Programmes like Jelita (Job Empowerment by Learning and Inclusive Technical Advancement) have already shown success. Over 80% of its women participants found jobs after completing training in technical fields.' While policy thinkers laud these plans, recent graduates say it is still in its early days. The government plan to align wages, including a minimum wage above RM1,700 and a RM3,100 benchmark for GLC and GLIC sectors, has sparked hope, but some graduates say the current pay still falls short of real costs. Nur Ameera, 20, a construction management employee and Teknologi Pembinaan graduate from Taiping Vocational College, said her current salary of about RM1,700 is acceptable for someone still adapting to the demands of the job. 'The skills we learn in training don't always match what we face at work. I'm still learning every day. 'People think TVET students are lazy, but in truth, we're very hands-on and practical. We just need the right support to prove our worth.' Dina Syazwani Nor Azlan, 20, who works in human resources, said the RM3,100 benchmark is a fair aspiration, although her current allowance remains modest. 'For now, the experience and mentorship I'm gaining are more valuable than the pay,' she said, adding that a fair starting salary in her field should fall between RM1,800 and RM1,900. Despite the pay gap, both graduates said they would recommend the TVET path to SPM school-leavers, citing stronger job-readiness and real-world skills.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
13MP will provide rural students with greater access to TVET training, says VC
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who tabled the 13MP yesterday, said the government will introduce a Madani TVET financing scheme and a TVET training fund. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Students in rural areas will have access to more affordable technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes under the numerous 13th Malaysia Plan initiatives, an academic said. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka vice-chancellor Massila Kamalrudin said the full scholarships offered would not only cover training fees, but also the cost of living, which would allow the B40 and M40 to further their studies without placing too much financial burden on these groups. 'A mobile TVET programme and a satellite training centre will allow for TVET to be introduced to more rural areas and the Orang Asli community, who did not have proper access to TVET institutions in the past. 'Such an approach means that no one is left behind in the country's development,' she said in a statement. Tabling the 13MP yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will introduce a Madani TVET financing scheme and a TVET training fund. Massila said the training fund would help equip students with the skills to match the demands of the market in sectors such as renewable energy, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. She said youths are gravitating more towards TVET as it provided a clearer career path. 'TVET graduates don't just obtain certificates, but are guaranteed jobs due to tie-ups with the industry,' she said. Separately, the University of Cyberjaya described the 13MP as a 'roadmap for reshaping the human capital landscape of Malaysia'. Its vice-chancellor, David Whitford, hailed the five-year plan's emphasis on AI literacy, digital skills, and entrepreneurship. 'We also support the MP13's proposed pilot autonomy for universities, recognising this as a critical step toward greater innovation, agility, and accountability in higher education,' he said.
