Kuala Lumpur: Motorola, Inc. has announced key collaboration efforts with selected local public and private universities in Malaysia, to introduce suitable master's degree engineering programs for its employees, as well as a series of scholarship awards for deserving undergraduate and post graduate students.

These measures are part of the company's efforts to move up the value chain in Malaysia through investing in research and development (R&D) and human capital development.

In tandem with the government's vision to develop a knowledge-based workforce, Motorola is offering up to 40 employees per year that meet with eligibility criteria the opportunity to advance their studies by taking up a master's degree in engineering related courses of various disciplines aimed at enhancing their work skills and expertise, immensely benefiting their job performance and career prospects. The duration of each course will be between two to four years.

Motorola also announced its annual scholarship awards comprising the Motorola Gold Award, Motorola Scholarship Awards for masters and bachelor degrees, and Motorola Book Prize, which are worth a cumulative total of RM240,000.

These awards are available to university top achievers as part of the company's philosophy to reward all-round excellence. Additionally, award recipients will be offered internship and career opportunities at Motorola to further widen their exposure to the industry.

''Human capital development has been a crucial strategic investment in Motorola Penang's strategic role as a 'centre of excellence', responsible for the entire product lifecycle activities including R&D, manufacturing, sales and distribution and customer support for regional and global markets for its digital two-way radios and advanced wireless broadband communications solutions,'' Yew Tian Tek, managing director of Motorola Penang said.

''Motorola in Penang is the company's largest manufacturing site for two-way radio products in Asia and the only design centre for two-way radios in the region which employs over 1,000 engineers. Our excellent track record is testament to the tenacity and commitment of the team here which has enabled us to remain one of the key growth centres in Motorola's global operations. It is imperative that we continue building on this momentum through strategic investments in nurturing the next generation of local talent,'' he said.

Motorola's prime focus is to strongly promote 'Made in Malaysia' (MIM) products and solutions designed and manufactured in Penang for the global markets and Malaysia. This commitment reflects Motorola's position as a strong and long term investor, as well as a committed employer in the country.

The announcements were made at Motorola's University Appreciation Talk, a bi-annual gathering of senior Motorola executives and local university representatives to discuss current and future education needs for the industry.

Among those present at the Appreciation Talk this year were Yew and En. Kamaldin bin Nordin, Motorola Malaysia human resources country director, as well as representatives from 12 universities.

The universities represented at the event included International Islamic University Malaysia, KDU College Penang, Monash University, Multimedia University, Nottingham University, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, University Malaya, University Putra Malaysia, University Sains Malaysia, University Teknologi Malaysia, University Teknologi Petronas, and University Tenaga Nasional.

''Beyond our current pool of talent and experience, it is crucial that we look ahead and holistically groom the next generation of engineers because they will eventually form the key pillars of Malaysia's knowledge-based workforce that helps to drive this country forward,'' he added.

In addition, Motorola will participate in the National Inter-School Engineering Challenge (NISEC) 2008, which runs from 25-27 April at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak. The competition is open to all secondary schools in Malaysia, and aims to provide a platform for budding Malaysian inventors to realize their potential as future engineers and to consider the field as a career.