Malaysia is positioning itself as a global hub for semiconductor research and development, integrating world-class universities, corporate R&D centres, and centres of excellence to harness both Malaysian and international talent. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined this vision on May 28 during the launch of SEMICON South East Asia 2024.

Through the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), Malaysia aims to attract at least RM500 billion in investments focused on integrated circuit (IC) design, advanced packaging, and manufacturing equipment for semiconductor chips.

Assoc Prof Dr Thang Ka Fei (2nd from the right), joining keynote speakers at Nomura Asset Management Malaysia - Breakfast Conference 2024. From left - Mr Takeshi Kawamoto, Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai; on the right is Mr Leslie Yap.

On May 8, Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, Senior Head of the School of Technology at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), addressed a conference on the semiconductor industry's future, emphasising the critical role of semiconductor chips in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and how to groom the necessary talents.

The Nomura Asset Management Malaysia - Breakfast Conference 2024, organised by Nomura Asset Management Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Nomura Holdings, Inc., was held at Intermark Mall, Kuala Lumpur. Dr Thang delivered a talk titled “Crossing the AI Chasm – Opportunities and Challenges,” where he demystified AI for an audience of investment agents, investors, and media representatives.

Assoc Prof Dr Thang Ka Fei delivered a talk titled “Crossing the AI Chasm – Opportunities and Challenges” at the Breakfast Conference.

Dr Thang discussed AI's origins, the evolution of AI technologies leading to Generative AI, and the resulting surge in demand for Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) in AI data centres, which has driven growth in the semiconductor industry.

Addressing the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry, Dr Thang acknowledged the need for up to 300,000 professionals in Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) sector from 2024 to 2030. However, he pointed out, that there is a noticeable decline in Malaysian students enrolling in engineering programmes.

“The current decline in interest among Malaysian students in science and mathematics subjects may become a stumbling block to the development of artificial intelligence in Malaysia,” warned Dr Thang.

Therefore, Dr Thang proposed that the Malaysian government establish scholarships for IC design courses to encourage more youth to pursue these studies, thereby reducing the talent gap. He also suggested opening job opportunities to foreign graduates from Malaysian institutions to alleviate the talent shortage in the semiconductor job market.

Dr Thang was particularly impressed by the presentation from Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, who revealed that Malaysia is receiving substantial investments from the USA and China in semiconductor testing, advanced packaging, and related sectors. The global semiconductor industry is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, underscoring the need for relevant talent to support this investment scale.

Reflecting on his invitation to speak, Dr Thang attributed it to APU’s strong reputation in AI and computing-related disciplines. He emphasised APU’s readiness to nurture talent for the semiconductor industry, with a well-aligned curriculum.

The School of Computing at APU is updating its Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) (Artificial Intelligence) programme to focus on Generative AI. Additionally, APU’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with specialisms in Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Engineering have incorporated edge computing modules with AI implementations.

APU’s engineering programmes, including Mechatronic Engineering and Computer Engineering, already integrate AI into their curricula, with the Computer Engineering programme also emphasising IC design.

Assoc Prof Dr Thang Ka Fei (second from the right) joined the speakers and moderator for a group picture at the Breakfast Conference discussing the future of the semiconductor industry amidst the rapid advancement of AI. From the left: Mr Joash Tan Yong Xin, Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, Mr Leslie Yap, and on the right, Mr Takeshi Kawamoto.

Mr Takeshi Kawamoto, Senior Equity Analyst at Nomura Asset Management UK Ltd., was another keynote speaker at the conference, chaired by Mr Leslie Yap, Managing Director and Country Head of Nomura Asset Management Malaysia, and moderated by Mr Joash Tan Yong Xin.