Penang: The Advanced Packaging Institute and Research Centre (APIRC) aims to develop 12 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the advanced packaging ecosystem and attract new investments worth RM8.5 billion by 2030. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir stated that this ambitious target would be achieved through APIRC, a key component of the NCER Technology and Innovation Centre (NTIC), developed in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, NCIA plays a strategic role as a partner and facilitator in developing the technology ecosystem, which integrates the government, industry, universities, research institutions, and technology companies within the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). Akmal Nasrullah expressed confidence that by 2030, the facility would generate an added value of RM8.5 billion, alongside producing 12 local companies within the advanced packaging sector.
APIRC is set to concentrate on advanced packaging solutions, spanning the design process to prototype production, while also acting as a platform for technology and business matching. The center aims to connect local companies with multinational corporations to commercialize intellectual property, develop new products, and enhance local capabilities in the higher value chain.
Akmal Nasrullah highlighted that NTIC integrates industry, academia, research institutions, and the government within a single ecosystem, accelerating the development of highly skilled talent, research and development, innovation, and the commercialization of technology. He noted that while semiconductors have been a staple industry in Malaysia, particularly in Penang, for over five decades, there is a need to upgrade the country's capabilities to transition to higher value chain segments, including integrated circuit design, system design, advanced packaging, automation, research and development, and commercialization.
He mentioned that approximately 60 percent of the space at NTIC is now occupied, with several companies such as Silicon Connect, Tessolve, ECTrons, Global Electronics Association, Steerix, Elliance, and FusionAP already operating at the center. Although NTIC is based in Penang, its benefits are expected to extend to Kedah, Perlis, and Perak through supply chain opportunities, SME participation, talent training, industry collaboration, and quality investments.
Akmal Nasrullah reiterated that developing high-value industries remains the government's long-term focus, despite the current global supply challenges confronting the country.