(From left) Kaltech chief executive officer Teng Kong Leong, Elliance managing director Cheng Boon Seng, Liew, Wong, Estek Automation chief executive officer Jacky Lee and SkyeChip chief operating officer Chong Lai Hock during the MOU signing. — CHAN TAK KONG/ The Star
MALAYSIA has recorded RM491bil in export value of semiconductor products between January and October, reflecting the country’s aim to be a major player in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry.
This amount represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year, according to Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai.
“This year has been very good for the semiconductor industry and we hope to hit RM600bil in export value by the year’s end,” he said during his speech at the launch of MSIA National E&E Forum 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
In its fourth instalment, the forum brought together MSIA member companies, government agencies and representatives from foreign embassies, among others, to discuss new developments in the E&E sector.
Wong said he was optimistic that the sector would play a main role in Malaysia’s economic growth.
He said the sector was further supported by the National Semiconductor Strategy introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Unveiled on May 28, it comprises three phases backed by a RM25bil fund aimed at elevating Malaysia’s competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.
The initial phase has targeted to secure RM500bil in investment from both domestic and foreign companies in manufacturing ventures.
Lauding this move, Wong said the semiconductor industry could create many high-paying jobs in the country.
The forum also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Elliance, Skyechip, Kaltech and Estek Automation.
The signing marked their strategic partnership to design and produce Malaysia’s first edge artificial intelligence (AI) system.
Wong said the MOU was a significant milestone in Malaysia’s technology development and would bring more opportunities for local firms.
Guest of honour Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said Malaysia should maximise on recent developments in technology, notably AI, to grow its semiconductor industry.
“The boom in AI usage will drive demands for semiconductors, which are a crucial technological component,” he said.
Liew, however, reminded stakeholders to adapt amid geopolitical tensions which were expected to disrupt global supply chains.
“We must accept that the international political landscape is changing and that this will have consequences on trading activities.
“However, this situation has also opened up an opportunity for Malaysia to grow its semiconductor industry,” he added.
To ensure Malaysia remained relevant, Liew said the country must prioritise innovation of local products and companies.
He said Malaysia should look beyond serving as an outsource manufacturing hub, by developing local capabilities.
“To become a global powerhouse, we must be able to create new technologies and not simply be a user,” he noted.
