A Journey into Semiconductors: My Experience with the Micron ATMP Course

A Journey into Semiconductors: My Experience with the Micron ATMP Course
By Kirran Nisha Krishnan (Third-Year Student, Pure Physics Track, School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia)

From February to May 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the Micron ATMP (Assembly, Test, Manufacturing and Packaging) course, a transformative experience that culminated in a three-day bootcamp held at Micron Memory, Batu Kawan, Penang. As a third-year Pure Physics student, this opportunity was both new and exciting, an eye-opening introduction to the world of semiconductors. I was joined by my fellow third-year students, Lee Hok Jun and Nur Dini Ayuni Khadzait, who shared in this valuable learning experience.

All the lecture content was entirely new to me. Topics such as die preparation, encapsulation, and failure analysis were areas I had never encountered before, and each session deepened my curiosity and eagerness to learn more. I was so intrigued that I didn’t miss a single lecture throughout the course. Despite coming from a pure physics background, the course sparked a deep interest in semiconductor manufacturing, and it has genuinely inspired me to consider a future career at Micron. The bootcamp was a particular highlight. Touring Micron’s failure analysis lab was a thrilling experience. Although I wished the tour had extended over all three days, time constraints limited us to just one. Still, wearing full lab gear: shoes, suits, headwear, and gloves—was an exciting and professional touch that made the experience feel even more immersive.

This course didn’t just teach me technical concepts; it sparked a clear goal in me. I now aspire to secure an internship at Micron, where I hope to grow and eventually earn a place as a permanent employee. It’s also my hope that more opportunities like this, such as summer internships that will be made available to main campus students. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Micron Memory, Batu Kawan, Penang, for organizing this remarkable course and bootcamp. Special thanks to Dr. Mahadi and Dr. Fareezuan for guiding us throughout the journey, and to Dr. Fairuz for giving me the chance to be part of this incredible learning experience. This course has been truly wonderful and one I will always cherish.

Image: From left. Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Mahadi Halim, Lee Hok Jun, Nur Dini Ayuni Khadzait, Kirran Nisha Krishnan, Prof. Madya Dr. Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad Kamil, and Dr. Mohd Fareezuan Abdul Aziz during the closing ceremony.