Opening Session of Industry in Classroom 8.0 and Launch of The Physicist Magazine

The Industry in Classroom programme returns for its eighth edition, with 63 students registered to take part. Organized by the School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the programme is coordinated by Dr. Mohd Marzaini Mohd Rashid and Dr. Dian Alwani Zainuri. The programme brings industry expertise into the classroom, helping students understand how physics is applied in industry and the skills needed for their future careers.

Through direct engagement with industry experts, students have opportunities to discover how physics is applied in the workplace, understand technological developments and explore potential career pathways. The opening session, held on 5 November 2026 at the School of Physics, marked the beginning of this year’s programme.

This edition welcomes two new industry partners, Intel and SCHOTT, alongside existing partners ams OSRAM, Infineon, Bruker, GlobalFoundries, AT&S, Inari Technology and SilTerra. Their participation expands the programme’s collaborative network and broadens students’ exposure to diverse areas of industry expertise.
The Deputy Dean of the School of Physics, Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Fairuz Omar, emphasised in his opening speech the importance of keeping pace with technological developments and understanding industry needs. He encouraged students to make full use of the opportunities provided through collaboration between the School and its industry partners to expand their knowledge and build professional networks.

Mr. Azmi Ibrahim, Director of Technology Development and Industrialization at AT&S Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., also encouraged students to participate actively in the guest lectures by contributing to discussions and asking industry experts questions. He urged them to seize the opportunities available throughout the programme to deepen their understanding of the working world.

The sessions scheduled throughout the programme will allow students to explore the industrial applications of physics. This exposure is intended to strengthen their critical thinking skills and help them prepare for their future careers with a clearer sense of direction.

Alongside Mr. Azmi, industry guests attending the opening session included Mr. Tahiruddin Haji Hamdan, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Environmental Health and Safety, and Environmental, Social and Governance at SilTerra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.; Dr. Ram Sharma Nitesh, Engineering Manager at Inari Technology Sdn. Bhd.; and Mr. Nor Razman Md Zin, Manager at Intel.

The occasion also featured the launch of The Physicist magazine, accompanied by an address from its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Muhammad Rabie Omar. The magazine provides a platform for sharing physics knowledge, research and developments with the wider community, highlighting the subject’s relevance to everyday life. Industry representatives also signed a commemorative framed display of the magazine’s cover to mark its launch.

Together, the programme and the magazine reflect the School’s commitment to connecting physics education with industry and society. Through these initiatives, the School aims to inspire students to explore the possibilities of physics while making the subject more accessible to the wider community.