GEORGE TOWN: Universities in the country must allocate necessary space for the semiconductor industries to produce more engineers for the future, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He stressed that these universities must allow private sectors to engage aggressively to elevate the country’s manufacturing industries.

“We must move forward now to elevate our status as a high-tech industrial center, as a semiconductor hub, and now design innovation.

“These niche areas are, of course, more challenging and require upskilling, which involves PSGC and all the relevant institutions,” he said during the official launch of the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ Initiative at Eastin Hotel on Saturday (Dec 7).

Anwar emphasized the need to increase the number of qualified engineers in the country and to upskill them to meet the industrial demands in design and innovation in high-technology fields.

He highlighted the role universities need to play by working closely with the private sector and suggested that universities provide necessary space for the industry to engage more aggressively.

Expressing concern about bureaucracy and planning, he noted that “it could take an extensive amount of time” and that bureaucracy often delays the introduction of new disciplines and courses, which might take several months or even over a year.

He urged universities to adjust and introduce new programmes as required by the industry so the country will have enough engineers, aligning with efforts to make the country a regional hub for manufacturing industries.