USM Leverages AI To Enhance High-tech Semiconductor Chip Design
By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop
GEORGE TOWN, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to enhance the country’s technology sector by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in high-tech semiconductor chip design, to develop a skilled workforce and drive innovation in the rapidly expanding industry.
This initiative is part of the university's efforts to expand research and innovation in the field, positioning USM at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry.
Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC) director, Assoc Prof Dr. Asrulnizam Abd Manaf, explained that chip design is a complex process, with every change to the circuit architecture requiring testing and review, often involving significant time and resources.
However, the AI software developed by USM now automates much of the design process and helps minimise errors by identifying the best parameters for circuit designs, as well as avoiding costly and time-consuming repetitive processes.
"This is one of USM’s key initiatives, where our students and researchers collaborate with several leading companies to develop software for analogue chip design, such as oscillator generators," he said.
"For example, AI can optimise chip design by determining the desired oscillator speed without the need for repeated changes to the circuit design, improving efficiency and accuracy," he told Bernama.
Asrulnizam explained that this approach not only enhances design efficiency but also opens up opportunities for discoveries in the creation of more advanced and high-performance chips.
He added that USM aims to leverage the immense potential of this technology to attract more industry collaborations and positively contribute to the advancement of semiconductor technology in Malaysia.
Currently, USM offers a range of multiple-level AI-related courses across numerous study centres, through the School of Electrical and Electronics and the School of Computer Science, with a focus on applications in computing.
"USM also offers courses on basic concepts of AI, programming, and integration between devices and systems. Although these courses are primarily in the fields of science and engineering, they provide a strong foundation for AI applications," he said.
He added that USM has introduced a unique AI literacy course open to all students, aimed at providing a foundational understanding and its real-world applications.
Since its introduction in 2020, the course has received positive feedback, with 30 to 40 students from various fields enrolling each semester for the one-semester course, which includes industry collaborations to assist in teaching and provide opportunities for students to explore careers in AI.
Asrulnizam stated that the course gives students the chance to participate in industry research projects, and many are absorbed into major companies upon graduation.
During the tabling of Budget 2025 on Oct 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM50 million to expand AI-related education at all research universities.
The Finance Minister added that Universiti Malaya will focus on AI in the medical field to combat deadly diseases like cancer, while Universiti Putra Malaysia will establish the Malaysian Cryptology Technology and Management Centre in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Agency to address complex cybersecurity threats arising from advancements in AI and quantum computing.
USM’s focus is on semiconductor AI to strengthen Malaysia's position as a global semiconductor hub, while also expanding collaborations with industry giants such as Intel and Infineon.
-- BERNAMA
