Penang: Coherent Corp has opened its new Datacom Research and Development (R and D) Centre in Penang, underscoring the company’s strategic commitment to serving its rapidly growing global markets.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the R and D centre will complement Coherent’s larger manufacturing sites in Ipoh, Perak and Prai, Penang, further maximising transceiver supply from Malaysian factories. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, stated that Coherent stands to benefit from the talent pipeline being developed through the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) as it works on next-generation optical transceiver technologies at this new facility.

The NSS outlines Malaysia’s plan to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor supply chain, with a focus on supporting high-value R and D and advanced technologies-areas in which Coherent is actively involved in Penang. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid emphasized MIDA’s commitment to supporting Coherent’s efforts both now and in the future.

Coherent Malaysia vice-president and managing director Jimmy Ling expressed pride in Coherent’s strategic positioning to support the company’s overall growth. He highlighted the importance of Coherent’s nearly 25-year establishment in strengthening the global value chain through ongoing expansion plans and expressed confidence that the Penang facility will drive innovation in advanced photonics technology.