UNIVERSITI Sains Malaysia (USM) marked a significant milestone today with the official launch of the Apprenticeship, Internship, Reskilling & Upskilling (AIRU) Talents Programme and the soft launch of the Intangible Asset Commercialisation & Strategy Association (IACSA), in conjunction with World Intellectual Property Day 2025.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the event and praised USM’s leadership in steering innovation and national excellence to greater heights.
He lauded the university’s role under the Ministry of Higher Education’s MRI3 programme, a national initiative to cultivate industry-ready talent, especially in the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) sector. “The AIRU Talents Programme, co-organised by USM and 88 Captains, is a natural extension of these efforts and a reaffirmation that the MRI3 vision is not only alive but expanding,” said Chow.
He praised the journey of 88 Captains founder Datuk Seri Dr. Ooi Eng Hock, emphasising the power of industry-academic collaboration.
The 88 Captains members include Vitrox, UWC Berhad, Hotayi, Swift Bridge, M Summit, and others that are partnering to provide mentorships, placements, and real-world exposure for students.
Chow also lauded the launch of IACSA, which aims to empower youth not only in innovation but in protecting, valuing, and commercialising their ideas.
“We are committed to supporting these efforts through structured placements, innovation clinics, and collaboration hubs,” he said.
Chow acknowledged the importance of reskilling and uplifting efforts.
“Malaysia is ranked 33rd in the Global Innovation Index while such partnerships help to shape it,” he added.
Jointly organised by USM and 88 Captains, the ceremony saw the exchanging of Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) with various key partners.
The key partners are Vitrox, UWC Berhad, Hotayi, Swift Bridge, M Summit, MyCO2, ASP Medical, Solarvest, Sky Resources Group, YBS International, and Chung Chambers.
USM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed was delighted with the collaboration and hopes this significant partnership will spur the university further.
“We understand the importance of the semiconductor sector in Penang, and we will strive to support the state’s initiative,” he said.
88 Captains chairman Ooi said the launch of the programme was a way forward to reskilling and upskilling.
“Together with USM’s leadership in the MR13 programme, we aim to make RM4,000 premium salaries for engineers and the RM3,000 minimum income goal achievable,” he said.
Among those present were Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, and organising chairman Prof Patricia Chung.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
