As Malaysia shifts from assembly lines to innovation labs in the global semiconductor race, local talent like H’ng Wei Dan is powering that transformation.
The 24-year-old from Penang is now a Design Engineer at SkyeChip Sdn Bhd — one of Malaysia’s rising players in IC (Integrated Circuit) design. His foundation? He earned a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Electrical and Electronics Engineering 3+0 In Collaboration With Coventry University, UK, from INTI International College Penang’s School of Engineering, where he graduated in 2025.
“My journey at INTI helped me develop a strong knowledge base relevant to the semiconductor industry,” said H’ng. “More importantly, it sharpened my critical thinking skills and nurtured a solution-oriented mindset — both essential traits for an engineer.”
Through coursework in semiconductor fundamentals and Hardware Description Languages (HDL), H’ng developed the technical skills needed to enter the highly specialised IC design space. He said that INTI’s commitment to industry collaboration sets it apart.
H’ng Wei Dan, a graduate of INTI International College Penang, is now a Design Engineer at SkyeChip Sdn Bhd, supporting Malaysia’s rise in the high-value IC design segment of the semiconductor industry
“Completing my Final Year Project with SkyeChip was a pivotal experience,” he added. “INTI’s industry collaborations gave me direct exposure to real-world expectations and played a big part in securing my current role.”
That hands-on exposure reflects INTI’s wider academic model that blends technical depth with real-world relevance. For graduates like H’ng, it’s a formula that works.
Malaysia has long been a major player in chip packaging and testing, but IC design — the brain behind the chip — is a different league. It’s high-value, high-skill, and key to Malaysia’s ambitions to move up the global semiconductor value chain. H’ng is proud to be contributing to this strategic shift.
“Malaysia has always played a significant role in the semiconductor space, but much of it was in lower-value segments,” he explained. “IC design is at the upper end — it’s where innovation happens. Being part of this shift toward higher-value work excites me most.”
At SkyeChip, H’ng is developing advanced solutions at the heart of next-gen electronics. He sees each design cycle not just as a job, but as a way to help Malaysia move from being a supporting player to a source of original chip design.
“Just a few decades ago, no one would have expected a small nation in Southeast Asia to have such a significant global footprint,” he remarked. “Today, we are not just participating — we are leading innovation. I’m excited to be part of this transformation and hope to help Malaysia move up the value chain.”
Looking ahead, H’ng hopes to master the whole design process and continue contributing meaningfully to the field.
“In the next five years, I hope to master the intricacies of IC design and make meaningful contributions to the industry’s shared goals,” he said.
He also advises students interested in the field to stay curious, solve problems, and embrace the hard stuff.
“If you love learning, solving problems, and overcoming challenges that inspire growth, this industry is absolutely for you.”
For those planning to enter the sector, H’ng recommends INTI’s engineering programmes for their range, structure, and strong ties to industry.
“Not many institutions in Penang offer such comprehensive engineering courses. INTI’s curriculum covers a wide range of specialised subjects and helps students discover their interests while building a solid foundation of problem-solving skills,” he emphasised.
As Malaysia doubles down on its semiconductor ambitions, INTI continues to serve as a platform for technically prepared talent that is industry-ready and aligned with the nation’s economic direction, proving that local graduates can lead global change when opportunity meets preparation.