Abu Dhabi-based Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) has signed a MoU with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), a leading continuing education institution, to train future wafer fabrication technicians.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, and Lee Yi Shan, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Manpower formalised the agreement on the back of the fifth successful Abu Dhabi – Singapore Joint Forum held in Singapore this week, said a statement from ATIC.

The deal specifically focuses on the establishment of a collaborative partnership between ATIC and Singapore Polytechnic that will enable the development of a retooling curriculum program.

The program will prepare trainees for employment as Wafer Fabrication Technicians at the upcoming 300mm leading edge fabrication facility to be constructed in Abu Dhabi by GlobalFoundries.

'This is an exciting new step in the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s strong working relationship with Singapore,' remarked Ibrahim Ajami, CEO of ATIC.

The Singapore Polytechnic tieup, he said, was aimed at providing a new generation of advanced technology employees with the opportunity to train with and learn the technical skills required for success from some of the industry’s brightest minds.

“This marks another important milestone in our continued investment in, and development of, human capital resources and local talent to play a critical role in the establishment of a sustainable and vibrant technology ecosystem in Abu Dhabi,” he added.

Tan Hang Cheong, principal, SP, said the group was excited to be able to work with ATIC to build a ready pool of technically-skilled workers for the chip making industry in Abu Dhabi.

'And SP being Singapore’s first polytechnic is privileged to be able to share our experience in technical education. We look forward to growing this partnership and strengthening our presence in the Middle East,' he added.

According to Cheong, the retooling program will provide six months of preparatory training in Abu Dhabi. This will be followed by two years of training in Singapore.

The first year in Singapore will comprise classroom and lab-based learning at SP, while the second year will focus on hands-on learning at the GlobalFoundries Fabrication facility in Singapore.-TradeArabia News Service