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Professional Certificate in RTL-to-GDSII IC Design

A 12-week industry-aligned training programme designed to equip aspiring semiconductor engineers with practical skills in Digital IC Design, from foundational concepts through advanced RTL-to-GDSII implementation.

Strengthening local talent for future technology industries.


Registration Deadline: 16 November 2026


Course Details

FULL TIME

Duration

3 Month Classroom

Intake

18 January 2027 -
27 April 2027

Stipend

Total up to RM3,000

*Subject to T&C and Availability

ABOUT ASEM

Why Choose ASEM?

Cutting-Edge Training Programs

Industry-aligned courses in semiconductor IC design, test and packaging, and AI, to ensure students gain practical, job-ready skills.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Access to world-class labs and tools enhances learning, research, and industry readiness.

Strong Industry Connections

Partnerships with 100+ companies provide internships, collaborative projects, and direct job opportunities.

Career Advancement

Clear pathways to high-demand, well-paying careers with strong job placement support.

Global Learning Opportunities

International training and research collaborations with top institutions worldwide.

National and Global Impact

Contribute to Malaysia’s rise as a global tech leader while boosting academic and industry reputation.

Yayasan Peneraju

Approved Learning & Training Institution (ALTI)

The Yayasan Peneraju Approved Learning & Training Institution (ALTI) Programme provides Bumiputera talents with access to industry-relevant training through recognised learning and training institutions. ASEM is officially recognised as an Approved Learning & Training Institution (ALTI) by Yayasan Peneraju, enabling eligible participants to pursue structured semiconductor training programmes aligned with industry needs and professional development pathways.

Through this collaboration, ASEM offers specialised programmes designed to build practical technical capabilities in areas such as Digital IC Design and semiconductor engineering, combining structured learning, hands-on exercises and industry-focused training to prepare participants for careers in Malaysia’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: 

  • Malaysian 
  • Degree holders in:
    • Electronic & Electricals (E&E)
    • Electronic Science and Technology
    • Communication Engineering
    • Microelectronics Science and Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • other electronics-related disciplines
  • Unemployed Individuals 
 

Screening Process

  • Mini-Exam*: Topics will be as according to the selected program, such as;
    • IC Design: Digital Logic, Analog Circuits, and Semiconductor Electronics
  • Group interview

Training @ ASEM

Our Programme

RTL-to-GDSII IC Design

Applications Closed
  1. Demonstrate practical knowledge of the end-to-end IC design workflow, from RTL design to physical design.
  2. Apply Synopsys and Siemens EDA tools to perform IC design, verification, synthesis and physical design tasks.
  3. Configure and apply Process Design Kits (PDKs) within an industry-relevant IC design environment.
  4. Develop and implement an IC design project through the key design stages, targeting tape-out readiness.
  5. Apply practical technical skills and industry knowledge to pursue career opportunities in IC Design and related semiconductor fields, supported by career placement assistance.

Digital IC Design — Beginner Level

4 Weeks
Overview of IC Industry

Opening Ceremony, Industry Introduction, Course Overview

Overview of Digital Design

Digital Design Overview, Design Tasks

Project 1: DMA Protocols

DMA Protocol, Design Implementation, Introduction to Verilog HDL, FPGA, Hands-on Practice

Logic Synthesis

Logic Synthesis Process, Student Practical Implementation

Formal Verification

Verification Tool FM, Procedures, and Operations

Design for Testability (DFT)

DFT Concept, Scan Chain, ATPG, Memory BIST, Circuit Implementation

Layout & Routing

Floorplan, Power Planning, Placement, Clock Tree, Routing

Physical Verification

DRC, ERC, LVS Checks

RC Extraction

Flow & Result Analysis

Static Timing Analysis

Script Design & Result Analysis

Final Assessment

Practical Evaluation and Review

Digital IC Design — Intermediate Level

4 Weeks
Project 2: CPU Subsystem

Subsystem Protocol, Design Implementation, Introduction to Verilog HDL, Hands-on Practice

Logic Synthesis

Logic Synthesis Process, Student Practical Implementation

Formal Verification

Verification Tool FM, Procedures, and Operations

Design for Testability (DFT)

DFT Concept, Scan Chain, ATPG, Memory BIST, Circuit Implementation

Layout & Routing

Floorplan, Power Planning, Placement, Clock Tree, Routing

Physical Verification

DRC, ERC, LVS Checks

RC Extraction

Flow & Result Analysis

Static Timing Analysis

Script Design & Result Analysis

Final Assessment

Subsystem Design Evaluation

Digital IC Design — Advanced Level

4 Weeks
ARM Architecture

Introduction of ISA, ARM Overview, CPU Design, Instruction Set, Toolchain

Processor Design Concepts
Processor Simulation & Verification
Processor Prototyping

FPGA

Processor Exceptions and Interrupts
Processor Low-Power & Processes
Processor System-Level Simulation
Processor Prototype Verification
Processor Software Development Platform
Project 3: RISC-V CPU SoC Design

Design Implementation and Student Practical Exercises

Logic Synthesis and Hands-on

Logic Synthesis Implementation and Student Practical Exercises

Formal Verification

Formal Verification Tools (FM), Processes, and Operation Methods

Design for Testability (DFT)

Concepts and Methods of DFT, Scan Chain Insertion, ATPG, Memory BIST

Layout and Routing

Floorplan Design, Power Planning, Placement, Clock Tree, and Routing

Physical Verification

Design Rule Check (DRC), Electrical Rule Check (ERC), LVS Verification

RC Parameter Extraction

Input/Output of RC Extraction, Extraction Process, Analysis of RC Parameters

Static Timing Analysis (STA)

Design of STA Scripts and Result Analysis

Final Assessment

Final Evaluation and Review

Students are expected to have basic knowledge and understanding of:

  1. Semiconductor Devices
  2. Digital Logic
  3. Digital Logic Design
  4. VLSI (Microelectronics)
  5. Computer Architecture
  • Digital IC Design Engineer
  • ASIC / SoC Design Engineer
  • RTL Design Engineer
  • Verification Engineer (VLSI / Digital)
  • DFT / Test Engineer
  • Physical Design Engineer (Entry-level)
  • Semiconductor Design Support / CAD Engineer
  • Graduate IC Design Engineer / Trainee VLSI Engineer

Facilities

Facilities Included

Timeline

Your Registration Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

  • Q: Are accommodation and transportation provided?
    A: No. The Yayasan Peneraju financing scheme covers the approved training cost only. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the training, while accommodation and transportation arrangements are the responsibility of participants.
  • Q: Is any allowance provided during the training?
    A: Eligible participants may receive a stipend of up to RM3,000 under the Yayasan Peneraju collaboration. The stipend is subject to availability and applicable programme terms and conditions.
  • Q: Do I need to pay any fees for the programme?
    A: The programme is supported through Yayasan Peneraju’s financing scheme for eligible Bumiputera participants. Financing is subject to Yayasan Peneraju’s eligibility requirements, approval process, and applicable terms and conditions.
  • Q: What does the Yayasan Peneraju financing cover?
    A: The approved training fees are covered under the Yayasan Peneraju financing scheme, subject to eligibility and financing approval. Accommodation and transportation are not included.
  • Q: How do I apply for the financing?
    A: Eligible participants will be guided through the Yayasan Peneraju financing application process after receiving an offer to join the programme. Applicants must complete the required documentation and obtain financing approval before enrolment is finalised.
  • Q: What happens if my financing application is not approved?
    A: Programme enrolment is subject to successful financing approval where applicable. ASEM will advise applicants on the next available options based on their application status.
  • Q: Do I need to attend the full 3-month of training? Can I skip classes?
    A: Attendance is compulsory for the full programme duration. Absences are extremely discouraged.
  • Q: Will job placement be provided after completing the training? What is the process?
    A: Yes. Upon programme completion, ASEM will proceed with full career placement support by matching participants with suitable hiring partners based on their skills, performance and available job opportunities. Participants may be required to attend interviews with potential employers as part of the placement process.
  • Q: What happens if I secure a job before the programme is completed?
    A: Please inform ASEM as soon as possible. Participants are still expected to complete the programme unless otherwise advised, as successful programme completion may be part of the programme requirements.
  • Q: If I am shortlisted by an employer, do I still need to attend their interview even though I have already interviewed with ASEM?
    A: Yes. The ASEM interview is for programme admission and assessment purposes. Employer interviews are separate and form part of the job placement process.
  • Q: Is job placement guaranteed?
    A: ASEM will provide full placement support and connect participants with relevant hiring opportunities. Final hiring decisions remain subject to the employer’s selection process, interview performance and available vacancies.

Venue

Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia

Level 2, CoPlace 9
Block 2320, Century Square, Jalan Usahawan, Off,
Persiaran Multimedia, Cyberjaya, Selangor
63000 Malaysia

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