IET Malaysia Technical Talk Series: From Sand to Silicon & Impactful Industry Academia Partnership
About
The IET Malaysia Technical Talk Series titled 'From Sand to Silicon & Impactful Industry Academia Partnership brings together experienced professionals and industry experts to share insights into fundamentals of semiconductor technology and how to bridge the gap between industry and University.
Tech Talk 1: From Sand to Silicon
Speaker 1: Lai Yet Foon, Senior Director Engineering, Intel Malaysia
Abstract: From Sand to Silicon takes you on a fascinating journey through the world of semiconductor technology, revealing how ordinary sand is transformed into the powerful microchips that drive today’s computers, smartphones, and AI systems. From wafer fabrication and chip manufacturing to integrated circuit design and validation, this session provides an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the science, engineering, and innovation behind modern electronics. Whether you're curious about how chips are made or interested in the technical intricacies shaping the digital future, this technical talk offers a compelling introduction to one of the world’s most impactful industries.
Tech Talk 2: Impactful Industry Academia Partnership
Speaker 2: Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil, Director, Industry Network Office, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract: Her sharing will cover USM experience in impactful industry academia partnership. Different collaboration models will be shared and the impact will be highlighted which includes RnD collaboration models, talent building collaboration models, other partnership model, Industry on Campus initiatives and alignment to national initiatives. This will be followed by strategic partnerships that has brought to the output and impact of the collaboration. Finally, the talk will end with future collaborations that Ministry of Higher Education is currently looking into.
Supported by: IEEE; IEEE Electronics Packaging Society; The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM); TEEAM – The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia; Technological Association Malaysia (TAM); Universiti Sains Malaysia, IET Women in Science and Engineering
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
01 Aug 2026
9:15am - 1:00pm
Organiser
- Malaysia Local Network
Further Information
Notice for Registration
Theme : “From Sand to Silicon & Impactful Industry Academia Partnership.”
Attire : Business or Formal Attire.
If you have any enquiries, please contact Ts. Dr. Tan Teng Hwang John at JohnTan@ietvolunteer.org or Ir. Ts. Dr. Jeen Ghee Khor at JeenKhor@gmail.com.
Speakers
Lai Yet Foon
Senior Director Engineering, Intel Malaysia
Lai Yet Foon is a Senior Director at Intel, where she leads the Silicon Design organization across Malaysia, the United States, and Costa Rica. She works closely with global partners to deliver cutting-edge Chipset and System-on-Chip (SoC) products.
With more than two decades of experience in Silicon Design Engineering, she began her career at the Intel Malaysia Design Center in 1999 and has spent the majority of her professional journey driving the development of Chipset and SoC technologies. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of silicon design, from engineering and product development to program leadership, where she has successfully led multiple generations of innovative products from concept through execution.
Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil
Director, Industry Network Office, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil is the Director of the Industry Network Office at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), leading initiatives to strengthen university–industry collaboration and foster impactful partnerships. She obtained her BSc and PhD in Physics from The University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
With her expertise in semiconductor materials, nanotechnology, and photonics, she has contributed to research and innovation while actively promoting industry engagement, talent development, and strategic collaborations. In her current role, she drives initiatives including research and development partnerships, Industry-on-Campus programmes, and collaborations aligned with national higher education and innovation agendas.
She is passionate about translating academic capabilities into real-world impact by connecting universities, industries, and communities to create sustainable partnerships and develop future-ready talents.
Programme
09.15 AM – 09.45 AM Registration
09.45 AM – 10.45 AM Technical Talk 1: From Sand to Silicon
Speaker: Lai Yet Foon
10.45 AM – 11.00 AM Tea Break
11.00 AM – 12.00 PM Technical Talk 2: Impactful Industry Academia Partnership
Speaker: Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil
12.00 PM onwards Lunch Networking Session