Program Director
Role Description
The Program Director is responsible for the strategic development, execution, and management of CREST’s E&E initiatives. This role focuses on driving collaborative innovation programs, and research and technology commercialization to strengthen Malaysia’s E&E ecosystem. The incumbent will serve as the key liaison between industry, academia and government to ensure impactful outcomes that align with CREST's priorities.
Areas of Responsibilities
1. Strategic Program Leadership
Develop, implement, and oversee strategic E&E programs in alignment with CREST’s mission.
Identify emerging technologies and research trends in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, power technologies, electronics systems and devices, embedded systems, material, etc.
Formulate strategies to position CREST as a collaborative leader in E&E innovation and technology transfer.
2. Research and Innovation Management
Evaluate and monitor R&D projects between universities and industry partners.
Ensure programs deliver measurable outcomes in IP generation, publications, commercialization, and capacity building.
Facilitate access to funding mechanisms and support proposal development for research grants.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Build and sustain partnerships with E&E industry players, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Represent CREST in national and international forums, promoting Malaysia’s E&E ecosystem.
Foster multi-stakeholder collaborations that drive talent development and technology adoption.
4. Program Governance & Operations
Manage program budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure effective resource utilization.
Prepare reports, performance indicators, and impact assessments for internal and external stakeholders.
Implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress against KPIs.
5. Small Medium Enterprises (SME) and Local Companies Development
Develop, implement, and oversee incubation programs for the development of start-up and spin-off companies.
Support initiatives that enhance the capability and capacity of Malaysian local companies.
Connect various resources to align and facilitate support for SMEs and local companies.
6. Talent and Ecosystem Development
Support initiatives that enhance the E&E talent pipeline through industry–university collaboration and skills development.
Mentor technical teams and researchers involved in E&E programs.
Contribute to conferences/ dialogues on technology policy and workforce readiness.
Qualifications & Experience
Strong project management skills, including experience managing budgets, timelines, and program performance evaluations.
Proven experience in leadership roles, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative team management.
Knowledge of and experience in the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) industry and R&D processes, including technology trends and innovation practices.
Ability to build and maintain partnerships across industry, academia, and government sectors.
Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
Masters or PHD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (preferred) or related disciplines.
Minimum 10 years experience in E&E industry, R&D program management or technology commercialization.
Prior experience in program management or technology-driven industries is an advantage.