Chang (second from right) during the launching of Semiconductor Research Consortium (Pics courtesy of MOSTI)
THE Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has launched the Industry Technology Innovation Centre (ITIC), the Semiconductor Research Consortium and Mimos Academy at Mimos Bhd in Kulim High-Tech Park, Kedah.
The launch of these hubs marked a new chapter in the country’s search for technological advancement and economic stability.
Advanced Sectoral Centres
The ITIC consists of four main centres, each managed by a different agency under the ministry.
Mimos Academy focuses on the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector; the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) specialises in drone and robotic technology; Malaysian Industry Government Group for High-Technology (MIGHT) is dedicated to Smart City Technology and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) concentrates on aerospace.
The MIMOS ITIC, specifically, will emphasise automated test equipment, which supports the E&E Roadmap 20212030, targeting the production of 40% high-value components locally and increasing value added contributions.
MOSTI Minister Chang Lih Kang said it is also aimed to showcase components developed by local E&E companies, reducing reliance on imports and boosting exports of high-tech local products.
The Semiconductor Research Consortium will focus on areas such as advanced packaging, wafer fabrication and IC design
“It will enable local E&E companies to innovate, develop and commercialise their components for export, thereby increasing the country’s GDP,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, MRANTI, formed by the merging of the Technology Park Malaysia and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre, acts as Malaysia’s central research commercialisation agency.
It facilitates in accelerating the transformation of technological innovations from concept to impactful solutions, acting as a connector, incubator and catalyst.
It also provides access to top-tier infra structure, programmes, services and resources, assisting innovators and indus try players in progressing from early-stage ideas to fully developed entities.
MSEIH will demonstrate the real capabilities of Malaysian smart cities using AI-driven technologies, IoT, XR and robotics
For ITIC, MRANTI will focus on developing a drone and robotics innovation hub within the framework.
“It will serve as a one-stop centre for the drone and robotics ecosystem, involving various stakeholders such as academics, researchers, students, industry players, users and the public interested in learning the latest drone and robotic technologies,” Chang said.
The main objectives of this hub include assisting 50 companies with market access, commercialisation and funding; facilitating five technology transfers in selected sectors; and developing 15 robotics and drone projects by local researchers.
These initiatives are expected to create around 1,500 new high-skilled job opportunities.
New Talent
In line with these efforts, Chang added that a consortium named Robotics Talent Development Academy (ROTDA) will be established jointly by government agencies, academia and industry.
According to Chang, ITIC is aimed to showcase components developed by local E&E companies, reducing reliance on imports
ROTDA will provide localised courses and professional micro-credential programmes related to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), fostering new talent in robotics.
This initiative is aimed to create more globally competitive local companies such as Aerodyne, the world’s largest drone service company, and DF Automation & Robotics Sdn Bhd, known for marketing high-tech products internationally.
MIGHT will also be conducting training programmes related to rail technology and researching smart city concepts through the Malaysia Smart City Experience and Innovation Hub (MSEIH) programme.
Chang said the programme will demonstrate the real capabilities of Malaysian smart cities using AI-driven technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), geospatial technology, data analytics, extended reality (XR) and robotics.
Led by MIGHT, this programme will be implemented with the Malaysia Smart City Alliance Association.
The collaboration would yield local technology showcases, shared product testing labs, new technology development with IP licensing and consultancy services, including training facilities.
Lastly, MYSA will focus on space-related technology within the ITIC framework.
To establish a sustainable space technology ecosystem, MYSA will conduct studies to assess the strengths and capabilities of local companies in achieving national goals for self-reliance in space technology. It will also conduct due diligence on Malaysia’s space industry and procure Earth Station Transmitter and Sensor Terminal systems, along with other related works at the Space Technology Complex with SpaceIN Sdn Bhd.
MIMOS Academy partners are given recognition and certificates are awarded to participants (trainees)
Innovation and Talent via MIMOS Academy
As a collaboration hub for research and talent development, ITIC was designed to be an innovation landmark.
It houses the MIMOS Academy and the Industrial Revolution 4.0 Technology Acceleration Programme, serving as practical training centres and shared service facilities for startups and small and medium enterprises.
Chang said the uniqueness of ITIC lies in providing access to technology-based programmes and initiatives, offering expert consultancy services, sharing research facilities and fostering commercialisation collaborations across the four implementing agencies.
The launch of the MIMOS Academy will support ITIC’s agenda in continuous talent development by nurturing skills at the higher education level, thereby driving the advancement of the country’s E&E industry.
He added that the initiative is in line with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategies, which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the recent Semicon South-East Asia event.
“Through a strong commitment to fostering innovation, driving talent development and forging strategic partnerships, MOSTI is determined to position Malaysia as a global leader in technology development,” Chang said.
In addition to the ITIC initiatives, the Semiconductor Research Consortium was also launched.
It is aimed to drive semiconductor technology development using world-class facilities and expertise in key focus areas such as advanced packaging, wafer fabrication and integrated circuit (IC) design.
Consortium members include the Consortium E&E of Malaysian Universities under the Higher Education Ministry and key industry representatives, including the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, Semiconductor Fabrication Association of Malaysia, and Collaborative Research in Engineering and Science and Technology Centre.
“The establishment of the Semiconductor Research Consortium aims to foster collaboration between universities, academia, and industry partners using semiconductor technology facilities at MIMOS,” Chang said.
SOURCE: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/07/01/mosti-advances-malaysias-tech-sector-through-itic/
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