Penang launched its brand new chip design academy today with plans to pump out 1,000 skilled engineers over the next five years. The Penang Chip Design Academy kicked off with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow promising hands-on training that matches what companies actually need. Industry veterans with decades of global experience will teach fresh graduates and working engineers the tricks of integrated circuit design. The academy already started training its first group of 25 students back in June with intensive courses lasting four to nine weeks. Local officials believe the academy will create a pipeline of talent ready for the booming tech sector.
The new school sits right in the heart of Bayan Lepas as part of the ambitious Penang Silicon Design project. Chow bragged about building an entire ecosystem within just five kilometers that includes research labs and business parks. The state wants to design and build chips stamped with Made in Malaysia labels using local talent. Companies have already doubled their presence at the nearby IC Design and Digital Park from 20 firms to more than 45. Foreign investors always look for skilled workers when they scout locations for new factories.
The training program covers cutting-edge technologies like high-speed data connections and advanced memory systems. Academy bosses plan to graduate about 200 students each year to hit their ambitious 1,000 target. InvestPenang wants local companies to step up and compete with international chip makers. The academy represents a major bet on turning Penang into a regional tech powerhouse.
The new school sits right in the heart of Bayan Lepas as part of the ambitious Penang Silicon Design project. Chow bragged about building an entire ecosystem within just five kilometers that includes research labs and business parks. The state wants to design and build chips stamped with Made in Malaysia labels using local talent. Companies have already doubled their presence at the nearby IC Design and Digital Park from 20 firms to more than 45. Foreign investors always look for skilled workers when they scout locations for new factories.
The training program covers cutting-edge technologies like high-speed data connections and advanced memory systems. Academy bosses plan to graduate about 200 students each year to hit their ambitious 1,000 target. InvestPenang wants local companies to step up and compete with international chip makers. The academy represents a major bet on turning Penang into a regional tech powerhouse.
