UiTM Pulau Pinang and CREST bridge talent gap through ETSI semiconductor Industry Lecture Series

This article documents and analyses the implementation of the ETSI Semiconductor Industry Lecture Series, organised through a strategic collaboration between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch and the Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST). Held on 16 December 2025 at the Seminar Hall, the programme served as a core component of the Engineering Talent for the Semiconductor Industry (ETSI) Finishing School Programme, targeting third- and fourth-year Electrical Engineering students. The initiative was designed to bridge the industry talent gap while enhancing students’ professional readiness and technical competencies in the rapidly evolving semiconductor sector. The lecture series featured industry experts, including Mr. Teoh Giap Seng from SkyeChip Sdn. Bhd., who shared insights on career development strategies in integrated circuit (IC) design, the importance of soft skills such as adaptability, accountability, and effective communication, as well as interview preparation techniques to meet the demands of both local and international job markets. Findings indicate that interactive industry-engagement programmes such as this play a critical role in producing engineering graduates who are industry-ready, technically competent, and well-equipped to contribute to the advancement of Malaysia’s semiconductor industry.