Visit to Intel Malaysia Design Centre
Date: 14 May 2025
Location: Intel Malaysia Design Centre
Lead Staff: Dr. Nuraidayani
On 14 May 2025, a group of FEGT students from UTAR Kampar visited Intel’s PG16 facility, part of the Malaysia Design Centre (MDC) in Penang’s Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. The visit aimed to provide insights into Intel’s semiconductor operations, foster industry-academia connections, and inspire students through interactions with UTAR alumni. Facilitated by Phneah Swee Wu and Chin Wu Fung, the agenda included a welcome session, a lab tour, an alumni discussion, and a closing session with lunch.
The visit began at the PG16 lobby, followed by a welcome session where facilitators outlined Intel Malaysia’s role in designing Intel® Core™ processors, Intel® Atom™ processors, and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) using 45nm and 32nm technologies. They highlighted Intel’s growth since 1972 and its contribution to Malaysia’s 5% share of global semiconductor exports. Students engaged in a Q&A session about careers and skills, followed by a group photograph.
The group then toured the Malaysia Mega Lab (MML) on Level 2 of PG16, observing engineers testing chips for AI, 5G, and IoT applications in cleanrooms and advanced workstations. The tour showcased the precision of semiconductor production and concluded with a group photo.
In the alumni session, Phneah and Chin shared their journeys from UTAR to Intel. Phneah, a chip design engineer, emphasized adaptability and problem-solving skills honed at FEGT. Chin, focused on validation, discussed teamwork in complex projects. They noted Intel’s support for UTAR, including FPGA board donations, reinforcing the link between academia and industry.
The visit concluded in the PG14 Heritage Room with lunch and networking. A senior Intel representative’s closing speech highlighted Intel’s role in Penang’s tech ecosystem and sustainability efforts, such as its solar farm, encouraging students to pursue excellence.
The visit successfully exposed students to semiconductor design, connected academic learning to industry applications, and inspired career aspirations through alumni insights. Future visits could include hands-on workshops and extended networking to enhance engagement. The experience underscored the value of industry exposure for FEGT students, motivating them to contribute to the semiconductor field.
