Engineering the Semiconductor Future @ APU

APU Engineering Degree - IC Design and Manufacturing Extension Pathway

Specialise in Semiconductor & IC Technologies

The IC Design and Manufacturing Extension Pathway at APU is embedded within recognised and accredited engineering degrees, ensuring students graduate with strong academic foundations while gaining specialised highdemand semiconductor design and manufacturing skills such as chip fabrication which includes photolithography, lift off, electrode patterning and other contemporary techniques employing niche technology.

Latest developments in software applications will include LT Spice and Cadence. The industry-aligned curriculum is designed to reflect real-world practices and evolving technological needs, providing a clear pathway into careers within the semiconductor industry or advanced postgraduate studies. By aligning closely with national and global industry priorities and the National Semiconductor Strategy Framework, this extension also supports Malaysia’s rapidly growing semiconductor ecosystem, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to one of the world’s most critical and future-focused technology sectors.

This pathway allows students to specialise in semiconductor and integrated circuit (IC) design and manufacturing during the year 3 and final year of study.

Students opt for the extension in their advanced years, building on core engineering knowledge while gaining industry-focused semiconductor expertise.

This extension pathway integrates specialised semiconductor modules aligned with realworld IC design and manufacturing practices, including:

Analogue & digital IC design
Chip architecture and system integration
Semiconductor design tools and workflows
CAD/CAM and EDA applications
VLSI design methodologies (Computer Engineering)
AI Applications in chip design

Career Pathways

Graduates are well-prepared for roles in high-growth semiconductor and electronics industries, such as:

IC Design Engineer
VLSI / ASIC / SoC Engineer
Semiconductor Process Engineer
Hardware & Embedded Systems Engineer
CAD / CAM Engineer
R&D Engineer (Microelectronics)

Key Modules

Analogue Integrated Circuits and Systems
Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
Analogue and Digital Integrated Circuit Design
VLSI Design (Very Large Scale Integration) – For Computer Engineering

National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030)

Malaysia’s semiconductor drive, guided by the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), focuses on moving up the value chain from assembly to design and R&D, attracting RM500 billion in investments, developing 60,000 skilled talents, and fostering local champions via initiatives like IC design parks, tax incentives, and grants, leveraging its neutrality and existing strong assembly base to become a high-tech hub.

Universities are crucial for developing technical expertise, supporting Malaysia’s semiconductor growth, and ensuring talent meets the demands of global investors for high-tech roles.