May 10, 2024 – The Industrial Outreach Unit (PKE) of UiTM Penang hosted an industry lecture entitled “Graduate Employability & Manufacturing Insights” at Dewan Seminar Blok Perdana. The session, held from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, featured Mr. Mohd Parid from Intel Sdn. Bhd. as the guest speaker. With an extensive background in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, Mr. Parid shared his invaluable insights on employability skills and opportunities within the sector. The event gave students and lecturers a comprehensive understanding of the current job market, particularly in electrical and electronics engineering field.
Mr. Mohd Parid, a renowned speaker at numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops, brings decades of experience from his career at Intel. Beginning as a Product Engineer in 1986, Mr. Parid held various positions across product engineering, quality and reliability, new product development, and technology transfer. His roles have spanned multiple regions, including the US, China, Malaysia, and Taiwan, where he served as Worldwide Product Engineering Director for Intel’s Client Board Division. Mr. Parid is currently building regional ecosystems to promote technology and talent pipelines, collaborating with universities, government agencies, SMEs, and communities. His affiliations include technical advisory roles and membership in various academic and industry boards, including UniMAP and MDEC.
The key topics discussed by Mr. Parid are:
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Positions at Intel Penang and Kulim
Mr. Parid outlined the various engineering positions available at Intel’s Penang and Kulim sites, emphasizing the diverse opportunities in manufacturing and design. These roles include Production Engineer, Product Engineer, Process Engineer, Test Engineer, and more. He provided insights into the qualifications required for these positions and the potential career paths within Intel.
- Graduate Employability Scenario in Malaysia
The lecture highlighted the current state of graduate employability in Malaysia. Mr. Parid discussed the skills and attributes that make graduates more attractive to employers. He emphasized the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and practical experience in securing employment in today’s competitive job market.
- Demand for Graduate Talent in the Semiconductor Industry
Mr. Parid spoke about the semiconductor industry’s growing need for graduate talent due to technological advancements and global market expansion. He encouraged students to consider careers in this dynamic field, noting the industry’s critical role in Malaysia’s economy and its potential for long-term growth.
- Internship Programs and Graduate Trainee Opportunities at Intel
Mr. Parid provided an overview of Intel’s internship programs and graduate trainee opportunities. These programs offer hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges. They are designed to develop future leaders in the semiconductor industry, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
- Opportunities in Industries: Manufacturing and Design
The speaker detailed the various engineering roles available in both manufacturing and design within the industry. Opportunities in manufacturing include Production Engineers, Maintenance Engineers, and QA Engineers, while design-focused positions include Product Development Engineers, IC Design Engineers, and Software Engineers. Mr. Parid explained the responsibilities associated with each role and the career progression pathways available.
- Qualities That the Industry is Looking For
Mr. Parid emphasized several key qualities that employers in the semiconductor industry value, including self-drive, a desire to learn, creative thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. He also highlighted the importance of analytical and problem-solving abilities and vocal confidence in the workplace.
- Typical Questions from Potential Employees
The lecture concluded with a discussion of the typical questions potential employees might ask during interviews. These include inquiries about the organization’s role, alignment with Intel’s strategic direction, the organization’s profile and functions, available positions, and the working environment.
The “Graduate Employability & Manufacturing Insights” lecture was a highly informative session that gave students and lecturers essential knowledge about the job market and the semiconductor industry. Mr. Mohd Parid’s extensive experience and insights gave attendees a clear understanding of the opportunities available from Intel and the broader industry and the skills and qualities needed to succeed. The event was valuable for students to gain industry-specific knowledge and prepare for their careers.