15:55 – 17:00
Panel Discussion: “Workforce Development and Talent Retention in the Semiconductor Industry”
Topics: Skill Gaps, Training Programs, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Moderator
Dr. Hari Narayanan
PSDC (Penang Skills Development Centre)
Dr Hari Narayanan is the CEO of the PSDC (Penang Skills Development Centre). Prior to this, he was the President of Asia Pacific University, providing strategic leadership and a mentor to the VC and DVC. Dr Hari also spent more than 25 years in Motorola Solutions, and he retired from Motorola Solutions in 2018 as its Managing Director.
Dr Hari graduated with a First Class Honors in Mechanical Engineering from the Manchester Metropolitan University, UK in 1982. He obtained his PhD from the University of Manchester (UMIST) in 1985.
PSDC (Penang Skills Development Centre)
Company Profile
PSDC (Penang Skills Development Centre) was established in 1989 and is the first tripartite, industry-led skills training and education centre in Malaysia. Over a period of 33 years, the Centre has trained over 250,000 participants through more than 13,000 courses; pioneered local industry development initiatives; assisted in the input and formulation of national policies pertaining to human capital development and contributed directly to the Malaysian workforce transformation initiatives. Today, PSDC is recognised as a premier TVET training centre by government and industry alike, locally and abroad, in its role in talent development, skills training and nurturing innovation.
Panelist
David Lacey, Ph.D.
ams OSRAM
David Lacey is currently the Director of Advanced Development & Services, R&D at Osram Opto Semiconductors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, part of the ams OSRAM group. He has been with the company for over 19 years, contributing significantly to the research and development of both organic and inorganic semiconductor lighting solutions. Dr. Lacey has played pivotal roles across multiple regions, including Germany, the USA, and Malaysia, in various leadership capacities spanning engineering, manufacturing, and business. He holds a PhD in Chemistry and Materials Science from the University of Sussex, where he specialized in ultraviolet microscopy. Prior to joining Osram, he worked in organic electronics at Cambridge Display Technology (CDT), a spin-off from the University of Cambridge, where he was instrumental in the company’s rapid growth and eventual IPO. Dr. Lacey has a strong focus on innovation and has contributed extensively to the field of LED technologies, particularly in high-efficiency lighting. His work spans various applications, including street lighting, industrial solid-state lighting, and the development of advanced encapsulation methods for LEDs. In addition to his corporate role, Dr. Lacey is actively involved in Malaysia’s R&D ecosystem. He serves as a board member of CREST (Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology) and has been involved in national projects such as the GaN-on-GaN initiative, which aims to position Malaysia as a leader in LED and solid-state lighting technologies.
ams OSRAM
Company Profile
A global leader in innovative light and sensor solutions
At ams OSRAM, we pioneer differentiating light and sensor solutions. Looking back on more than 100 years of industry experience, we combine engineering excellence and global manufacturing capabilities with passion for cutting-edge innovation. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of illumination, visualization, and sensing has earned us the trust of customers worldwide. Together, we create break-through applications that make our world safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
“Sense the power of light” – our success is based on our deep understanding of the potential of light. We harness its full spectrum – visible and invisible – to illuminate our surroundings as well as gather information from them. By adding intelligence to light, we enable our customers to drive transformative applications.
Our distinct portfolio of advanced light and sensor technologies sets us apart in our industry. It includes high-quality semiconductor-based light emitters, sensors, CMOS ICs and software as well as a range of traditional lighting technologies for automotive and special applications.
Our around 20,000 employees worldwide focus on innovation alongside the societal megatrends of digitalization, smart living, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Our light and sensor technologies are setting industry standards in the automotive, industrial, medical and consumer electronics markets. This is reflected in our global portfolio of some 14,000 patents and patent applications. Headquartered in Premstaetten/Graz (Austria) and Munich (Germany), the group achieved EUR 3.6 billion revenues in 2023.
Panelist
Chin Hu Ong
StarFive Technology International Sdn. Bhd.
VP of SOC Engineering at StarFive: Led the successful production of the JH7110 SoC and development of the JHB100 SoC for BMC and some key RISC-V and NOC IP.EngineeringDirector at Intel PSG: Led the IP Solutions organization with around 100 engineers, focusing on IP and platform solutions for Agilex and Stratix, including the first FPGA with 2Gbps HBM2, DDR4, and high-speed protocols like 10GbE-400GbE.Site Director at Marvell: Managed the Marvell Design Center in Malaysia and a design team in Japan, successfully bringing over 20 SoC products to market for various applications including consumer imaging, servers, and mobile phones.Holds an MBA from Nottingham Trent University and a Bachelor’s in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from University Technology Malaysia.
StarFive Technology International Sdn. Bhd.
Panelist
Hemalatha Murugiah
INTI International College Penang
Hemalatha Murugiah is an accomplished leader in education, holding a BEng Hons in Civil Engineering and an MBA from the University of Science Malaysia, where she is currently pursuing her doctorate. As the driving force behind IICP’s growth, she has launched diverse academic programs, enhancing student enrollment and graduate quality. Hemalatha founded a startup incubator for INTI, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. A passionate advocate for STEM, she has trained over 1,000 students annually and initiated AI training for educators. Active in community leadership, she contributes to Penang’s educational initiatives and serves in various organizations, promoting talent development and quality education for all.
INTI International College Penang
Company Profile
Founded in 1986, INTI International University & Colleges has evolved into one of Malaysia’s leading higher education institutions, serving over 13,500 students across four campuses in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, and Sabah. INTI is dedicated to providing students from diverse backgrounds with an education that combines innovative teaching methods, hands-on learning, and collaborations with over 450 industry partners. With a focus on preparing graduates for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), INTI ensures its students gain the skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic global workplace.
Recognized in the QS World University Rankings and awarded the prestigious Rising Star Award, INTI’s commitment to quality education is reflected in its impressive graduate employability rate, with 99% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation. INTI continues to shape future leaders through world-class learning experiences and strong industry engagement.
Company Products & Services
INTI International University & Colleges offers over 150 programmes across four campuses, catering to pre-university, undergraduate, and postgraduate students. Accredited by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, INTI’s programmes cover diverse fields such as Accounting & Business, Computing & IT, Engineering, Hospitality, Mass Communication, Art & Design, Biotechnology & Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. These courses are designed to integrate industry experience and professional certifications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for today’s competitive job market.
INTI’s strategic partnerships with leading global universities, including Coventry University, University of Hertfordshire, and Southern New Hampshire University, allow students to earn internationally recognized qualifications in Malaysia. This gives students access to a world-class education while gaining a global perspective, providing them with the skills and credentials necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
