WOU and industry leaders collaborate for workforce upskilling

Wawasan Open University (WOU) has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with TTVision Technologies Sdn Bhd, Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd, and Clarion (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to strengthen workforce development in Malaysia’s semiconductor and manufacturing industries. The collaboration will see WOU providing specialised training and certification programmes to equip 200 technical and engineering professionals with essential Industry 4.0 skills.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry

The MoUs, signed today at WOU’s main campus in Penang, mark a strategic partnership between academia and industry to address the increasing demand for skilled talent in high-tech sectors. The collaboration aligns with Penang’s broader initiatives, including those under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), aimed at cultivating a future-ready workforce.

Prof Dr Lily Chan, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of WOU, highlighted the significance of the partnership in her speech. “This partnership shows how universities and industries can work hand in hand to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. By integrating industry insights into our curriculum, we are preparing professionals to thrive in the face of rapidly advancing global challenges.”

The initiative supports Malaysia’s vision to strengthen its foothold in semiconductors, automation, and automotive electronics—sectors critical for the country’s economic growth and technological competitiveness.

Industry-Focused Training for Career Advancement

As part of the MoUs, WOU will develop and deliver Professional Certificates and micro-credentials tailored to each partner’s industry needs:

• TTVision Technologies Sdn Bhd: Certification in IoT-Enabled Manufacturing Analytics, covering IoT, data analytics, and robotics integration. The programme includes stackable micro-credentials leading to Mechatronics Engineering or Smart Manufacturing degrees.
• Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd: Professional Certification in IC Design, focusing on CMOS and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design, and Digital IC Design. Participants can accumulate credits towards WOU’s Master of Science in System Design Engineering.
• Clarion (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd: Access to postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing and a Master of Business Administration in Manufacturing Production & Management, blending technical expertise with leadership skills.

These programmes will be instrumental in upskilling employees, enhancing their competencies, and ensuring that Malaysia’s workforce remains competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative

Representatives from all three partner companies expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, seeing it as a crucial step in preparing their workforce for the challenges of Industry 4.0.

TTVision Technologies views the partnership as an opportunity to enhance its employees’ expertise in smart manufacturing and IoT integration. The initiative is expected to provide a structured pathway for career advancement while ensuring that the workforce stays updated with the latest developments in automation and data analytics.

For Oppstar Technology, the collaboration plays a crucial role in strengthening Malaysia’s semiconductor talent pool. By focusing on specialised IC design skills, the initiative is seen as a strategic move to drive innovation and maintain the country’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor industry.

Clarion Malaysia shares a similar perspective, emphasising the importance of upskilling employees, particularly in automotive technology. The partnership is expected to help the company stay ahead in innovation and efficiency, further strengthening its position in the industry.

Strengthening Penang’s Status as a High-Tech Talent Hub

The initiative also received strong support from industry stakeholders. Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang and the Guest of Honour at the MoU signing ceremony, emphasised its broader impact.

“This partnership strengthens Penang’s position as a hub for advanced technology and skilled talent, contributing to the state’s growth and its attractiveness as a prime destination for foreign investment,” she said.

Dato’ Loo further noted that the collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s STEM Talent Blueprint and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), both of which are essential for ensuring Malaysia remains a competitive player in the global high-tech landscape.

WOU is actively engaging with more companies to expand its upskilling programmes, further reinforcing Penang’s reputation as a premier destination for high-tech talent development. Organisations interested in collaborating with WOU are encouraged to explore potential partnerships.