In 2017, MIMOS strengthened its role in developing local capabilities to support the Malaysian Electrical and Electronics (E&E) sector. During the year, MIMOS has successfully established an advanced E&E shared services platform for advanced analytical services in the semiconductor industry. The facilities have proven invaluable in supporting business and industry needs, as evidenced by the increase in E&E exports from RM249.8 billion in 2010 to RM343.0 billion in 2017.
The presence of a comprehensive infrastructure of advanced analytical capabilities in Malaysia elevates the country’s global competitiveness, reduces local dependency on foreign lab services, and lowers cost and turnaround time. Additionally, the facilities foster the birth of a knowledge-based economy by enabling local researchers and scientists to produce higher-quality inventions; thereby enabling them to compete in the global arena.
Products and launches
Graphene
MIMOS has developed the base recipe for the graphene conductive ink and would be working with a Malaysian company, Penchem Technologies to develop the product. The carbon-based conductive ink is one of the most abundant element within the natural environment. Besides being a green technology, the use of graphene conductive ink allows increased performance due to graphene’s remarkable electrical, mechanical and optical properties. The breakthrough is expected to meet the requirements for application in next-generation electronics such as flexible electronics and wearable technologies.
Green Motion Controller (GMC)
The GMC is an IC solution that controls and manages the performance of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). The GMC has been proven effective in industrial elevator applications, achieving energy savings of more than 40 percent and product cost saving of 50 percent. For this product, MIMOS is working together with local firms, My Technology and Emerald Systems.
Secured Smart Controller (SSC)
The SSC is an interlinked network of hardware and software, which monitors and controls the environment, space and facilities in commercial and industrial buildings to ensure optimum operational performance of the facility as well as the comfort, energy-saving and safety of building occupants. The system has been shown to enable energy savings of up to 50 percent in lightings and 30 percent in air conditioner applications.
For this product, MIMOS is working together with Reneon Technologies, a Malaysian startup that specialises in IoT, smart buildings and energy efficiency services and solutions.
Encrypted Thumb Drive
The MIMOS Encrypted Thumb Drive is a portable storage device equipped with fingerprint authentication and a Micro SD card slot and reader. Using the device, one can confidently ensure data security in the event of device lost or stolen. Added features include a swipe ID mechanism using biometric method to authenticate the user. This product is for commercialisation by local small and medium enterprises.
IC Design Consortium
One of MIMOS’ roles is to spur the growth of the IC Design community. On 2 May, an IC Design Consortium comprising six founding members representing various IC Design expertises was formed, with the aim to increase IC Design service exports and job creation, and lower the barriers to entry to international market. The consortium is expected to encourage more local IC Design organisations to take advantage of economies of scale in new business ventures, particularly in global E&E supply chain.
Talent Development
MIMOS-NCIA Advanced Competency Development Centre (MIMOS-NCIA ACDC)
Jointly established with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), the MIMOS-NCIA ACDC leverages on MIMOS’ facilities and semiconductor training curriculum co-developed with the Semiconductor Fabrication Association of Malaysia (SFAM). The centre offers experiential learning in high-technology equipment maintenance and processes in industrial-grade wafer fabrication, with 80 percent of the training comprising practical learning and the remaining 20 percent focusing on the theoretical frameworks. This complements the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) programmes. As at end of 2017, more than 400 engineers and students have undergone programmes at the centre.
Collaboration with Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
In March, MIMOS sealed a collaboration with UTeM aimed at addressing the inadequate supply of talent in semiconductor, microelectronics, nanoelectronics and advanced manufacturing; and spurring the creation of more technopreneurs in the E&E sector.
Collaboration with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
In October, MIMOS and UPSI signed a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement to develop graphene electronic technology towards increasing both parties’ competitive advantage in the technology and applications, especially in advanced materials for electronic devices. The MIMOS-UPSI team will co-develop the technology, exchange research expertise, and increase the number of patents as well as joint-publication in graphene electronics and related technologies.
Collaboration with i-Train
In November, MIMOS signed an MoU with i-Train Asia to collaborate in human capital training and development and to provide Internet of Things training in Southeast Asia. The collaboration also served as a platform for MIMOS to be a strategic partner of iTrain Asia in enabling the industry in the region to accelerate IoT development through learning. It also provided an avenue to promote Malaysian IoT technologies, expertise and development tools to local and ASEAN industries as well as academic institutions.