Anwar appoints adviser to strengthen semiconductor industry-university collaboration

SEBERANG PERAI: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced the appointment of MKS Instruments CEO John Lee as his adviser to help strengthen collaboration between the semiconductor industry and institutions of higher learning.

He said Malaysia must continue to learn from industry leaders and benefit from their experience and expertise, especially in rapidly evolving fields such as semiconductors and advanced technologies.

Anwar said Lee’s experience in the semiconductor industry would help the government identify ways to improve policies, facilities and talent development to support high-technology investments.

“We don’t have all the answers and we don’t claim to know everything, particularly when the technology is new,” he said at the launch of MKS Instruments’ Super Center factory in Batu Kawan today.

“That is why I’m appointing him (Lee) as an adviser,” he said, adding that Lee would not receive any allowances for his role.

According to Anwar, Lee would also provide input on how Malaysia could better facilitate and accelerate investments in emerging technology sectors.

He said stronger collaboration between universities and industry was needed to ensure graduates were equipped with skills relevant to emerging sectors.

“These are new disciplines. The universities are not necessarily all ready unless there is synergy between universities and industry,” he said.

MKS Instruments is investing US$100 million in the factory, which is expected to create about 1,000 jobs.

The facility supports the production of wafer fabrication equipment for regional and global semiconductor markets.