How UMIC Group is Transforming Malaysia’s Semiconductor Landscape Through IC Design Innovation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology, Malaysia is steadily establishing itself as a significant player in the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors. The Analog, Digital and RF Research Group (UMIC Group) at Universiti Malaya is emerging as a national trailblazer in microelectronics integrated circuit (IC) design, assuming a key role in Malaysia’s ambitions to grow its high-value semiconductor sector. Founded in 2010 and led by globally recognised expert Professor Ir. Dr. Harikrishnan Ramiah, UMIC Group is contributing meaningfully to the advancement of IC design innovation, talent development, and academic-industry collaboration—key pillars identified under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).

From its base at Universiti Malaya, UMIC Group has built a strong reputation as a centre of excellence, achieving four international patents, 32 intellectual properties, and multiple publications in prestigious Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Transactions journals. Its pioneering work in System-on-Chip (SoC) integration has gained traction not only among global mobile technology players but also among local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking to enhance their R&D capabilities.

One of UMIC Group’s most impactful innovations is its development of a high-efficiency Integrated RF Energy Harvesting System. Created in collaboration with Infinecs Systems Sdn. Bhd., Universiti Malaya, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation and the Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST), the system captures ambient radio frequency energy and converts it into usable electrical power for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, representing a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions. The sustainable energy solution has achieved Industrial Readiness Level (IRL) 7, demonstrating its commercial viability.

Designed to operate across multiple frequency bands and variable signal strengths, the system is already in use internationally, deployed in Turkiye’s agricultural sector for remote monitoring. The research team overcame significant technical challenges to achieve this, marking a major step forward in energy-efficient IoT applications and underscoring Malaysia’s growing capabilities in deep-tech R&D.

UMIC Group’s success is underpinned by strong partnerships with both local and international industry players. These include collaborations with Infinecs Systems Sdn. Bhd., Motorola Solutions Foundation, Western Digital, OSRAM, Nexperia R&D, and LSF Technology, as well as support from Government ministries and agencies like MITI and CREST. These efforts have resulted in over RM7 million in research grants to date.

The group’s work was recognised with the prestigious Top-in-Tech Award for Most Impactful Academia-Industry Collaboration (R&D) in 2024, a clear testament to its real-world impact. By aligning its research outcomes with industrial needs, UMIC Group ensures that innovation translates into meaningful contributions to business growth and national economic development.

UMIC Group’s efforts align closely with national strategies to strengthen ties between universities and the private sector. In May 2025, MIDA reinforced this commitment through a visit to Universiti Malaya, led by Deputy CEO (Investment Promotion and Facilitation) Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja. The session spotlighted UM’s cutting-edge research facilities and underscored its role in Malaysia’s high-tech value chain, reaffirming MIDA’s support for academic institutions like UMIC Group in driving innovation, talent development, and industry-readiness.

In line with national goals to strengthen the domestic talent pool, UMIC Group places strong emphasis on human capital development. The group has produced 15 PhD and 14 Master’s graduates, with several more currently in training. These researchers are not only contributing to high-impact projects locally but are also gaining international exposure through UMIC Group’s global academic network, which includes partnerships with institutions such as the University of Macau in Macau, China, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and the University of Izmir Katip Celebi in Turkiye.

UMIC Group also maintains active collaboration with Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in analog IC design, promoting knowledge exchange and joint research initiatives to further deepen Malaysia’s semiconductor expertise.

Looking ahead, UMIC Group continues to explore new frontiers in IC design. Ongoing projects include the development of 5G-enabled IoT sensors, biomedical wearables, and AI-enhanced industrial automation solutions, all of which are aligned with Malaysia’s Industry4WRD initiative and the NSS.

With several grants secured for low-power circuit design and system integration, UMIC Group is working to expand the applications of its RF Energy Harvesting System, targeting next-generation wireless sensor networks and advanced wearable technologies. These innovations promise not only to elevate Malaysia’s semiconductor capabilities but also to offer sustainable, locally driven solutions to global challenges.