Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has signed an agreement with Technische Universität München (TUM), Germany and German Institute of Science and Technology Pte Ltd (GIST) to offer a joint Master of Science (MSc) degree programme in Microelectronics. The NTU-TUM MSc (Microelectronics) is a highly specialised programme offered on a full-time basis. It provides advanced training for engineers to prepare them for work in silicon wafer fabrication industries and related research institutions, and to upgrade their skills through further studies.
"NTU has been positioning itself as a global university of excellence, and is renowned for its research, especially in the area of technology. On the other hand, TUM, which is one of the most innovative institutions in Germany, is dedicated to generating and communicating highly specialised research and to providing excellent academic education. This collaboration is a perfect example of how two established universities can come together and draw on their respective strength to address the real-world needs," says Prof Kam Chan Hin, Chair, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) of NTU’s College of Engineering. "We value this partnership and we look forward to more strategic educational exchange and research opportunities between NTU and TUM in the future."
According to the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) Wafer Fab Manpower Survey 2006 Report, there will be continued interest from more wafer fabrication companies to establish their plants and research centres in Singapore. It is therefore necessary to train more wafer fabrication engineers through this joint programme to sustain and support the growing semiconductor industry in Singapore.
The NTU-TUM MSc (Microelectronics) programme is jointly taught by international faculty members from NTU and TUM, who have extensive experience in university research and education. It will be managed and operated by GIST. Upon completion of the course, students will be awarded a joint Master’s degree from NTU and TUM.
"GIST believes in the concept of combining the scientific knowledge and cultural diversity of East and West thereby offering a truly global educational experience," says Dr Markus Wächter, Director, Head of Education and Research of GIST. "Since our inception in 2002 we have achieved remarkable results through cooperation with the some of the best universities in Asia. Our collaboration with the School of EEE at NTU on the new Master’s programme in Microelectronics takes us closer to our mission of increasing the number of high end programmes offered and opens new areas of academic exchange in fields of science, engineering and technology."
The courses offered under the new NTU-TUM MSc (Microelectronics) programme include microfabrication technology, modern semiconductor devices, integrated circuit manufacturing, optomechatronics measuring systems, and physical electronics. Students will also be exposed to cross discipline modules such as international patent law, business management and administration, as well as aspects of culture, history and globalisation.
Ms Anbumalar d/o Manickam, a NTU graduate in 2007 and currently pursuing the NTU-TUM joint MSc programme says: "After my one and half years of wafer fabrication training in NTU, I decided to further my education in the same field of study. I am very happy that NTU offers this new programme, which is exactly what I was looking for. The curriculum and the training in this programme are very comprehensive. I believe I’ll get all the knowledge and training required to prepare myself for the challenge in this industry."