Malaysia is intensifying efforts to position itself as a global hub for the semiconductor industry.
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia is intensifying efforts to position itself as a global hub for the semiconductor industry, in line with the government’s strategic aim of moving up the value chain towards integrated circuit (IC) design and advanced manufacturing.
Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) underscores country’s commitment to strengthening its role in the global technology ecosystem through targeted investments, talent development, and strong collaboration between the government, industry players, and local startups.
“I think that is the best thing that’s happened to Malaysia because he (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in May last year) clearly stated that we really need to focus on semiconductor and move up the value chain to IC design and advanced manufacturing which provides a very solid foundation.
“With this focus, Malaysia can potentially become one of the global centres not just for semiconductor but for the supporting industries that service the semiconductor sector,” he told reporters after the International Automation Technology Exhibition (AUTOMEX) Penang 2025 here, today.
The event was launched by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Also present was Informa Markets Malaysia country general manager Gerard Leeuwenburgh.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the three-day AUTOMEX Penang 2025 features more than 200 leading brands and companies showcasing the latest developments in robotics, industrial automation, and smart factory solutions, and is expected to attract over 5,000 trade visitors.
Wong pointed out that Malaysia’s strategic location and geopolitical advantages offer significant opportunities for global semiconductor companies to expand their operations in the region.
To raise global awareness of Malaysia’s capabilities, he said the government and industry stakeholders plan to participate more actively in international exhibitions and trade shows.
Such platforms will allow the world to witness Malaysia’s strengths in semiconductor technology and supporting industries, he said.
Wong also emphasised the need for continuous promotion and collaboration so that Malaysian companies can emerge as global champions in the semiconductor value chain in the near future.
Meanwhile, Leeuwenburgh said for more than a decade, AUTOMEX has been held alongside METALTECH in Kuala Lumpur, establishing itself as Malaysia’s premier platform for automation innovation.
The exhibition’s expansion to Penang reinforces the state’s manufacturing growth and aligns with the government’s vision for Industry 4.0, and signalling a step towards Industry 5.0, where human creativity and technology work hand in hand.
Leeuwenburgh noted that amid the ongoing global trade tensions, Malaysia’s neutral geopolitical stance and political stability have made it an attractive location for global investors.
“In the industry, Malaysia is sometimes referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Asia’, a politically neutral and trusted destination.
This makes the country appealing not only to China, but also to investors from Europe, India and the United States,” he added. – Bernama
