All smiles: Johari posing for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the 11th World Fujian Convention at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — FAIHAN GHANI/ The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian semiconductor industry enjoyed its moment under the spotlight at the 11th World Fujian Convention when two state executive councillors spoke about the industry’s roadmap in the country.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said 50 years ago, the state had started developing the semiconductor industry, which has proven to be a boon, as he believed the future would be dominated by other sectors reliant on semiconductor chips, such as electric vehicles.
Malaysia’s neutral stance in the US-China trade war, coupled with its cordial relations with both nations, has placed it in an advantageous position, he added.
“The world of semiconductors is not just about Penang or Selangor; it is affected by global geopolitics, including the US-China trade war or the high tariffs and sanctions imposed by the US.
“So they have to seek out other factories in South East Asia to ensure the effective implementation of any policies. At least the entire industrial chain will not be affected, and Malaysia will benefit from it,” Wong said.
While he is certain that Donald Trump’s victory in the US election will affect the global semiconductor industry, it remains to be seen whether it will be positive or not.
However, he maintained that it would be an opportunity for Malaysia to further boost the semiconductor industry within the country.
Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han said Selangor has also started investing heavily into the semiconductor industry with the launch of an integrated circuit park, among others.
He said the first integrated circuit park in Selangor received an enthusiastic response, and as such, there are plans to open a second one soon. Details of this would be announced in the first quarter of next year.
He said the state has also established the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia to nurture new talents in the industry.
The 11th World Fujian Convention, organised by the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia, was officiated by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Some 10,000 participants from all over the world attended the event, said the convention’s chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San.
Lim said this was the second time Malaysia has hosted the convention, the first being in 1996.
“I would like to encourage all the delegates to capitalise on this valuable opportunity to engage and foster connections,” he said.
