On Friday, 9 May 2025, Distinguished International Associates 2024 (DIA), funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering and in collaboration with School of Mechanical Engineering, USM, hosted a Career Talk and Open Interview session with Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn. Bhd.. 91 undergraduates attended the talk, demonstrating strong support and engagement. 

Jonathan Lee, Engineering Director at Hotayi Electronic, opened by thanking USM for the invitation, then presented an overview of the company’s background, culture, mission and vision. He detailed Hotayi’s sustainability strategies in semiconductor manufacturing, emphasizing both environmental stewardship and people-centric initiatives. Then, he shared the importance of platform selection, effective leadership and a positive attitude as students transition into the workforce. Rather than academic scores alone, he highlighted that companies also prioritize the attitude, behavior and capabilities when recruiting. Jonathan Lee also introduced the concept of work-life harmony, encouraging students to integrate their professional and personal lives holistically. The formal presentation concluded with an energetic Q&A, during which students posed thoughtful questions about Hotayi’s operations and hiring requirements. 

In conclusion, the session not only deepened students’ understanding of industry expectations and sustainability practices but also strengthened the ties between academia and leading engineering employers. Attendees gained practical insights to guide their career development and left inspired to cultivate the attitudes and skills that modern engineering roles demand.