Two faculty members from the School of Engineering (SoE) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) have been selected among only ten academicians nationwide to participate in an intensive semiconductor training programme in China. This milestone underscores APU’s pivotal role in advancing Malaysia’s semiconductor education and nurturing future-ready engineers for a rapidly evolving industry. 

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Senior Lecturer Ir Ts Dr Reena Sri Selvarajan and Assistant Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong were chosen by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM) to attend the prestigious week-long programme in mid-October 2025, titled “Advanced Testing and Packaging in IC Design”. 

This exclusive opportunity, offered to just a handful of public and private higher education academicians across Malaysia, highlights APU’s growing reputation as a leading institution in technology-driven engineering education and research excellence. 

Immersed in the Heart of China’s Silicon Valley 

The programme took place at the School of Microelectronics, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, widely known as China’s Silicon Valley. It formed part of the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS 2025) — Malaysia’s strategic initiative aimed at building a robust and future-ready semiconductor ecosystem. 

This landmark initiative focuses on empowering educators with the latest technical knowledge, tools, and practical insights essential to propel Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions forward. The training served as a bridge connecting theoretical expertise with industrial practices, reinforcing Malaysia’s vision of becoming a key contributor in the global semiconductor supply chain. 

Bridging Knowledge with Real-World Practice

Throughout the intensive week, both APU academics gained an in-depth understanding of microelectronics and semiconductor technologies, guided by an exceptional faculty of experts. Renowned professors Prof Ye Huaiyu and Prof Guo Yuejin delivered lectures on critical subjects, including Introduction to IC Testing, Advanced Packaging, Flip Chip Technology, and Advanced Reliability Testing & Failure Analysis. 

The programme was designed to ensure a balanced learning experience—combining rigorous theoretical sessions with immersive hands-on training. Laboratory visits and demonstrations were held at CECC Lab, SZU Lab, and SZIIT Lab, all equipped with state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication and testing facilities. 

These practical components allowed participants to experience semiconductor manufacturing processes and testing methodologies firsthand, translating academic knowledge into tangible skills. 

Industry Engagements and Collaborative Learning 

In addition to classroom and laboratory sessions, participants engaged directly with industry leaders through visits and discussions with WinTech Nano-Technology Services Pte Ltd and Shenzhen Mifei Technology Co., Ltd. These interactions provided an invaluable glimpse into current industry practices, technological challenges, and emerging market demands shaping the global semiconductor sector. 

A key highlight was a collaborative discussion session led by the ASEM Team Leader, which focused on aligning academic curricula with industry needs and fostering cross-institutional collaboration. This dialogue emphasised the urgency of creating industry-relevant programmes that respond dynamically to Malaysia’s semiconductor development priorities. 

APU’s Commitment to Semiconductor Excellence

The successful completion of this advanced training by Dr Lau and Dr Reena symbolises APU’s steadfast commitment to staying at the forefront of semiconductor education. The insights, knowledge, and technical competencies gained from this exposure will be channelled directly into APU’s curriculum, enhancing students’ learning experiences and employability in the high-value semiconductor sector. 

Both academicians expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to learn within Shenzhen’s innovation ecosystem—an environment that blends research, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship into a powerful technology hub. They believe the exposure will enable APU to better equip students with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in this fast-growing field. 

Building the Nation through Knowledge Transfer

As Malaysia continues to advance its position in the global semiconductor supply chain, APU remains steadfast in supporting the nation’s strategic goals through knowledge transfer and innovation-driven education. 

The participation of its academics in this global learning initiative reaffirms APU’s integral role in strengthening Malaysia’s semiconductor talent pipeline and research ecosystem. 

Reflecting on this achievement, Associate Professor Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan, Head of the School of Engineering, said: 

“This milestone is a testament to APU’s dedication to nation-building through education and innovation. By empowering our academics with in-time industrial exposure and cutting-edge expertise, we ensure that knowledge flows seamlessly from the classroom to the country’s economic fabric.” 

At APU, we are not only shaping engineers; rather, we are shaping the future of Malaysia’s high-tech industries through continuous learning, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” he continued. 

Through initiatives such as this, APU continues to reinforce its position as a key contributor to Malaysia’s technological progress, as a university that educates, innovates, and inspires the next generation of semiconductor leaders.