USM AND SANDISK LAUNCH MALAYSIA’S FIRST 'UNIVERSITY IN INDUSTRY' WITH CIA LAB INITIATIVE
BATU KAWAN, PENANG, 7 August 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Sandisk Corporation have officially launched the USM-Sandisk Centre of Innovation and Automation Lab (CiA Lab), marking a milestone collaboration that bridges academic excellence with industrial innovation.
The CiA Lab, entirely located within Sandisk’s facility and fully sponsored by the global data storage leader, stands as Malaysia’s first ‘University in Industry’, a transformative model redefining how talent is developed and research is applied within the context of Industry 4.0.
The inauguration ceremony, officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, reflects the nation’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between universities and industry to enhance national capacity.
“This collaboration places a university within an industry setting, opening new pathways for research, talent development, and national resilience,” said Zambry, affirming the Ministry’s support for similar initiatives.
The CiA Lab will focus on Lights Out Manufacturing, featuring 14 projects across seven key areas and empowering student apprenticeships, hands-on industrial training, and attachment programmes to enhance workforce readiness.
Sandisk’s Batu Kawan site, recognised as Malaysia’s first 4IR Lighthouse and Asia’s first Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum (WEF), now provides USM students and researchers direct access to a high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.
According to Zambry, “Academic staff, particularly in science, technology and engineering, must equip themselves with the latest technologies so that our future talents stay current with industry demands.”
Beyond physical infrastructure, the lab promotes a culture of innovation through cross-sector collaboration, aiming to produce highly skilled and ethically grounded graduates who meet industry needs.
USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, praised the partnership as a dynamic model that aligns with Malaysia’s digital economy vision and facilitates meaningful knowledge exchange through workshops and seminars.
“This inauguration demonstrates what long-term focus and trust can achieve, and it sets a precedent for others to follow,” added Zambry, ending his speech with a call to expand such collaborations nationwide.
Text: Shafinaz Md Ismail/ Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa
source: USM News Portal