CYBERJAYA - The Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM), in partnership with the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) through the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park initiative, has opened applications for its next intake of the Global Semiconductor Exchange Programme (GSEP) and National Semiconductor Excellence Programme (NSEP).
The deadline is 17 June 2026. ASEM is targeting 300 specialised engineers annually, with graduates from its first cohort already securing starting salaries of between RM5,000 and RM8,000 per month.
Demand for the programmes has been significant. ASEM's inaugural cohort received over 1,900 applications for 120 available places — a selection rate of under seven per cent — underscoring the scale of interest among Malaysian youth in structured, industry-aligned pathways into semiconductor careers.
The June 2026 intake will offer the Global Semiconductor Exchange Programme (GSEP) with placements in India, and the National Semiconductor Excellence Programme (NSEP) in AI Robotics. The August 2026 intake will offer NSEP in Digital IC Design and GSEP in Analog IC Design.
Selected participants will receive up to four months of stipend support, with a minimum monthly allowance of RM2,000 during training. Training spans five domains: IC Design, Analog IC Design, Embedded Systems, RISC-V Architecture, and AI & Robotics.
ASEM's programmes are structured around direct industry placement, not classroom learning alone. Participants undergo On-the-Job Training with companies operating within the Malaysia IC Design Park ecosystem, including Skyechip, Weeroc, Oppstar, Fitipower, NSW, MaiStorage, Infinecs Systems, and global partners such as Altera. In 2026, selected GSEP participants will undertake placements in Chennai, India and Shenzhen, China.
The programmes are open to Malaysians aged 18 to 30 with a STEM background. Candidates from M40 and B40 households are prioritised. The average starting salary for programme graduates stands at RM6,000 per month
Applications close 17 June 2026. To apply, visit asemedu.com/k-youth