PETALING JAYA: Syntiant Corp., a global provider of low-power artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, opened its new manufacturing and research and development (R&D) campus in Penang today.
The expansion marks a major milestone in Syntiant’s growth in Asia and reinforcing Malaysia’s rising role as a strategic hub for the next-generation semiconductor and AI manufacturing.
The new campus more than doubles Syntiant’s footprint in Penang to about 220,000 square feet, increasing annual production capacity to around 1.6 billion units. The facility brings together production, engineering and AI research in one location, supports a workforce of up to 800 employees, and features advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processing, IC preparation and test and assembly capabilities.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said, “Backed by over five decades of industrialisation, Penang has cultivated its comprehensive ecosystem which continues to command confidence by international investors to establish presence and expand within the State. We are proud to welcome Syntiant’s new campus to Penang which will contribute to Penang’s technological expertise and further strengthening the State’s position as leading hub for advanced electronics and AI innovation, aligned with our reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East.”
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said Syntiant’s expansion in Penang is a landmark investment that positions Malaysia at the forefront of next-generation AI and advanced semiconductor innovation.
He added that by anchoring high-value activities such as embodied AI and MEMS processing locally, this facility strengthens technological capabilities, drives innovation-led growth and creates quality jobs for Malaysian.
“It is a clear vote of confidence from global investors in Malaysia’s talent, infrastructure and ecosystem, and reinforces our mission to make the country a preferred hub for advanced electronics and high-tech manufacturing,” he said.
Syntiant Corp CEO and co-founder Kurt Busch stated, “Our new Penang manufacturing and R&D campus represents a major step forward for Syntiant in Asia where we bring our DNA in producing faster, safer and energy-efficient solutions across consumer, industrial and enterprise markets. By combining world-class manufacturing with cutting-edge AI research, we can accelerate innovation, better serve our customers and contribute to Malaysia’s growing technology ecosystem.
Meanwhile Syntiant Malaysia general manager Ong Lay Pean emphasised that investing in Penang reflects their confidence in Malaysia’s talent and innovation ecosystem.
This new facility positions us to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that benefit consumers and industries globally. With the support of Mida and InvestPenang, Syntiant selected Penang as the ideal location to expand its manufacturing and R&D capabilities,” he added.
Syntiant’s expansion aligns with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, supporting high-value job creation and advanced technology development. Following its 2024 acquisition of the Knowles Consumer MEMS Microphone business, the company has strengthened its capabilities in embodied AI and intelligent sensing solutions.
The company develops ultra-low-power AI solutions that integrate sensors, neural decision processors and software for IoT, consumer, automotive and industrial applications, with more than 20 billion SiSonic MEMS microphones shipped globally to date.
