At the MoU signing ceremony between TAR UMT and Arm. From left, Mr Alex Su (Senior Development Manager, Academic Programmes, Arm), Mr CK Tseng, Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Prof Dato' Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei (President of TAR UMT), Mr Alex Lee (Regional lead, Director of Strategic Business Development Taiwan and ASEAN, Arm).
TAR UMT launched its Micro-Credential Programme (MCP) in Semiconductor Integrated Circuit (IC) Design, advancing Malaysia’s talent development for the semiconductor industry. Tailored for students and professionals, this flexible, blended-learning programme focuses on System-on-Chip (SoC) design and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, equipping learners for next-generation electronics innovation.
In partnership with Arm, the company building the future of computing, TAR UMT signed the Arm Academic Access agreement, granting access to the Arm architecture and development software and tools. Specifically, the newly launched MCP will provide learners with access to industry-grade SoC design workflows and AI-integrated IC applications, providing hands-on experience with tools and methodologies used by global semiconductor companies. The agreement is a vital milestone in Malaysia’s ambition to become a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain, which complements and reinforces Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy, Industry 4.0 Policy, and National Digital Transformation initiatives.
The Arm Academic Access signing ceremony was graced by, Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chairman of the TAR UMT Board of Governors, and Alumni Council, and CK Tseng, Vice President of North America Sales, President of ASEAN & Taiwan, Arm.
“The Arm Academic Access programme includes more than 170 global institutions and active research projects, over 1000 academic users and support for numerous academic collaborations,” said CK Tseng. “Our collaboration with TAR UMT represents a key step forward in our commitment to advance semiconductor talent in Malaysia.”
In his speech, Tan Sri Chan said, “This collaboration with Arm and the launch of our micro-credential in IC design mark more than just milestones for TAR UMT—they represent Malaysia’s resolve to move from users of technology to creators of it. Our students will not just learn—they will lead.”
The ceremony also witnessed TAR UMT formalising MoUs with several other IC design industry collaborators, namely, Spring Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, Starfive Technology International Sdn Bhd, and Efinix Technology Sdn Bhd. Several ecosystem partners, e.g. Elvira Systems Sdn Bhd, Plunify Pte Ltd, PUFsecurity Corporation, Leapswing Technology Ltd and DeepMentor Technologies also showcased their solutions during this event.
TAR UMT also welcomes collaboration with IC design companies and ecosystem partners to jointly develop talent through these MCPs, as well as via industry projects, case studies, and SoC application use cases. These engagements are vital in establishing TAR UMT as a hub for practical, project-based learning and innovation in semiconductor education.
This initiative also showcases TAR UMT’s broader engineering programmes, recognised for producing future-ready graduates in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and Manufacturing and Product Development Technologies—disciplines critical to advancing Malaysia’s position in the global technology supply chain.
