Chow (centre) briefing the media on the upcoming APSSE 2024 event, flanked by Wong (left) and Huang during the press conference.
PENANG will host the prestigious 2024 Asia-Pacific Semiconductor Summit and Expo (APSSE) from Oct 16 to 18.
It is organised by Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) in partnership with China Electronic Production Equipment Industry Association (Cepea).
The event will be held at SPICE Convention Centre and marks a significant milestone for the state, country and region as it will foster crucial exchanges and collaborations.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the event was at an ideal juncture with the global semiconductor sector currently undergoing rapid transformation.
Innovations in integrated circuits, semiconductor devices, TFT panels, photovoltaic energy storage and LED technology are key factors driving the modern, digital economy forward.
“Penang, with its strategic location, comprehensive industrial support, technical talent and strong government backing, has become a key player in this landscape,” Chow said.
He stressed that his administration was committed to fostering an open, transparent and conducive business environment with strong policy support for the sustainable development of the industry.
“We look forward to collaborating with global industry players to create a brighter future for the sector,” he said.
Chow was speaking at a press conference to announce the event following a dialogue session with MSIA members at a hotel in George Town.
APSSE 2024 is themed “Gathering in Penang, Inspiring the Asia-Pacific Semiconductor Industry” and is expected to attract several thousand attendees from across the electrical and electronic (E&E) supply chain.
It will see participants engage in keynote reports, seminars, round-table discussions, technical exchanges, business matching and networking.
These are aimed at amplifying the state’s influence in the semiconductor sector, spawn new collaborations and spur greater innovation among industry enterprises.
MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said Cepea selected Penang as the venue after surveying other locations in the country, owing to the state’s strong E&E track record.
“APSSE will be a crucial platform for stakeholders to converge, exchange ideas and explore advancements.
“There will be spillover effects for the ecosystem,” he noted.
Chow said the state had recently seen a significant rise in interest from Chinese tech companies looking to invest, though nothing firm had materialised yet.
He said the caution was understandable as this would involve significant capital outflow from China.
However, he said Penang was ready to accept, should the companies choose to come.
Wong welcomed this interest, pointing out that the industry here needed more sub-sector firms that handle technologies that are not yet present in Malaysia.
“China has a lot of such companies that can really enhance our ecosystem, such as in materials, thermal interface and insulation layers.
“There are many smaller elements and processes within semiconductors besides assembly and testing.
“Attracting these firms here will certainly add value,” he said.
Also present at the press conference was Cepea branch secretary-general Steven Huang.
