Programme Director, Penang Research & Incubation Space

Invest-in-Penang Berhad; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

InvestPenang seeks a Programme Director to oversee the Penang Research & Incubation Space, driving IC design ecosystem growth and technology development. You will manage incubatees, laboratories, mentors and industry partners, ensuring programme delivery and strategic alignment with PSD@5KM+ objectives.

You will report to the CEO, coordinate with the Head of the Digital Economy and Services Division, and lead a team to deliver impact on local industry and research collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Technology Management or Business Administration.
• At least eight years of relevant experience in programme management, the semiconductor or technology sector, incubation, or ecosystem development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement work plans and activities for the Penang Research & Incubation Space.
• Manage day-to-day operations, timelines, resources and stakeholder coordination.
• Ensure activities stay within scope, budget and timeline.
• Oversee incubatee onboarding, development and support; monitor milestones and performance.
• Coordinate labs and shared resources, including access to EDA tools and facilities.
• Build relationships with collaborators, industry partners, investors and academic partners.
• Prepare budgets, ensure compliance and report on performance.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Strong communication

Education

Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Technology Management, Business Administration (Bachelor's)

Job description

Programme Director, Penang Research & Incubation Space

The Programme Director is responsible for the overall management and development of the Penang Research & Incubation Space under the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ (PSD@5KM+) initiative, with a focus on supporting the growth of IC design companies, technology development and research activities. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Programme Director will work closely with the Head of the Digital Economy and Services Division to manage incubatees, laboratories, technology resources, collaborators, mentors, industry partners and programme activities. The Programme Director is expected to ensure effective programme delivery, strengthen industry and research collaboration, and support the development of a sustainable and competitive IC design ecosystem in Penang.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Programme Management

Develop and implement work plans, programmes and activities for the Penang Research & Incubation Space in line with the objectives of PSD@5KM+ and InvestPenang.

Manage the day-to-day operations of the programme, including activities, timelines, resources and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Ensure programme activities are delivered within the approved scope, budget and timeline.

Monitor industry and technology developments relevant to IC design and recommend appropriate programmes, resources or improvements to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the incubation space.

Monitor programme effectiveness and recommend improvements based on incubatee requirements, stakeholder feedback and industry developments.

Provide regular progress updates, performance reports and recommendations to Management.

Incubatee Management and Development

Manage the onboarding, development and ongoing support of approved incubatees.

Monitor incubatees' compliance and performance against agreed milestones, commitments and programme outcomes.

Identify the technical, business and operational needs of incubatees and facilitate access to appropriate resources and support.

Connect incubatees with mentors, technology collaborators, industry partners, potential customers, investors and other relevant stakeholders.

Support incubatees in areas such as technology development, product validation, business development, commercialisation, funding and market access.

Identify performance or compliance issues and recommend appropriate corrective actions where necessary.

Labaratories and Technology Resources

Oversee the operations, utilisation and effectiveness of shared laboratories and individual incubatee laboratories.

Coordinate access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, equipment, intellectual property resources, technical infrastructure and other shared facilities.

Ensure technology resources and facilities remain relevant to programme and incubatee requirements, and recommend upgrades or additional resources where appropriate.

Ensure compliance with laboratory access, safety, security and usage requirements.

Coordinate maintenance, upgrades, licensing requirements and technical support for laboratories, tools and equipment.

Ecosystem, Partnerships and Industry Development

Build and manage relationships with technology collaborators, mentors, semiconductor companies, academic and research institutions, investors, government agencies and other programme partners.

Develop a network of industry experts and mentors to provide technical, commercial and strategic support to incubatees.

Coordinate mentorship programmes, technical consultations, workshops, training and knowledge-sharing activities.

Facilitate research collaboration, technology development, product validation, design wins and commercialisation opportunities.

Identify collaboration, sponsorship, grant, funding and other resource opportunities that can strengthen or expand programme activities.

Support initiatives that strengthen local industry capabilities, talent development and the wider IC design ecosystem.

Promote the programme and represent InvestPenang at approved meetings, engagements, industry events and forums.

Budget, Compliance and Performance Reporting

Prepare programme operational budget requirements and monitor expenditure against approved allocations.

Coordinate procurement, payment and supporting documentation with InvestPenang's relevant departments.

Identify appropriate grants, sponsorships, partnerships or other funding opportunities that may support the development and sustainability of programme activities.

Ensure programme activities comply with approved guidelines, funding conditions, applicable requirements and InvestPenang's policies and procedures.

Monitor programme KPIs and maintain accurate operational, financial and programme records.

Prepare regular reports on programme performance, incubatee progress, resource utilisation and key outcomes.

Identify, manage and elevate significant operational, financial, compliance or programme risks to Management where necessary.

Team and Resource Management

Manage and supervise the programme team, assign responsibilities and monitor the delivery and quality of programme activities.

Support the recruitment, development and retention of relevant talent required for the effective operation of the programme.

Foster a professional, collaborative and performance-driven working environment.

Coordinate consultants, collaborators, mentors, technical specialists and service providers engaged by the programme.

Ensure resources are deployed effectively to support programme priorities and incubatee requirements.

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or Management.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Technology Management, Business Administration or a related discipline.

Preferably at least eight (8) years of relevant experience in programme management, the semiconductor or technology industry, research and development, incubation, technology commercialisation or ecosystem development.

Good understanding of the semiconductor and IC design ecosystem, EDA tools, technology commercialisation and startup development.

Experience in managing incubation programmes, laboratories, shared technology resources or industry development programmes would be an advantage.

Experience working with industry partners, technology companies, academic or research institutions, investors or government agencies would be an advantage.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Strong programme, operational and team-management skills, with good planning, coordination, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Good knowledge of the IC design and semiconductor ecosystem, with the ability to understand both technical and commercial requirements.

Strong stakeholder-management skills and the ability to work effectively with industry, academia, government agencies, investors, technology partners and startups.

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Good reporting, presentation and organisational skills.

High standards of professionalism, accountability, integrity and confidentiality.

About

InvestPenang is the Penang State Government's principal agency for promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang's economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centres. To realize its objectives, InvestPenang runs such as the SMART Penang Centre, Penang CAT Centre and Penang Silicon Design @ 5KM+

Vision Statement

To be the driver of technology and industry for sustainable economic growth and prosperity for Penang

To promote Penang as the location of choice for technology, industry and business globally.

About

InvestPenang is the Penang State Government's principal agency for promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang's economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centres. To realize its objectives, InvestPenang runs such as the SMART Penang Centre, Penang CAT Centre and Penang Silicon Design @ 5KM+

Vision Statement

To be the driver of technology and industry for sustainable economic growth and prosperity for Penang

To promote Penang as the location of choice for technology, industry and business globally.