Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is intensifying efforts to position itself as a global hub for the semiconductor industry, in line with the government’s strategic aim of moving up the value chain towards integrated circuit (IC) design and advanced manufacturing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai highlighted the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) as a testament to the country’s commitment to strengthening its role in the global technology ecosystem. This is being pursued through targeted investments, talent development, and strong collaboration between the government, industry players, and local startups.
“I think that is the best thing that’s happened to Malaysia because he (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in May last year) clearly stated that we really need to focus on semiconductor and move up the value chain to IC design and advanced manufacturing which provides a very solid foundation,” Wong said at the International Automation Technology Exhibition (AUTOMEX) Penang 2025. The event was launched by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, with Informa Markets Malaysia country general manager Gerard Leeuwenburgh also in attendance.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, AUTOMEX Penang 2025 is a three-day event featuring over 200 leading brands and companies showcasing developments in robotics, industrial automation, and smart factory solutions. It is expected to attract more than 5,000 trade visitors. Wong further noted that Malaysia’s strategic location and geopolitical advantages offer significant opportunities for global semiconductor companies to expand their operations in the region.
To raise global awareness of Malaysia’s capabilities, Wong stated that the government and industry stakeholders plan to participate more actively in international exhibitions and trade shows, allowing the world to witness Malaysia’s strengths in semiconductor technology and supporting industries. He also emphasised the need for continuous promotion and collaboration to enable Malaysian companies to emerge as global champions in the semiconductor value chain.
Meanwhile, Leeuwenburgh noted that for over a decade, AUTOMEX has been held alongside METALTECH in Kuala Lumpur, establishing itself as Malaysia’s premier platform for automation innovation. The exhibition’s expansion to Penang reinforces the state’s manufacturing growth and aligns with the government’s vision for Industry 4.0, while signaling a step towards Industry 5.0, where human creativity and technology work hand in hand.
Leeuwenburgh added that Malaysia’s neutral geopolitical stance and political stability have made it an attractive location for global investors amid ongoing global trade tensions. ‘In the industry, Malaysia is sometimes referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Asia’, a politically neutral and trusted destination. This makes the country appealing not only to China, but also to investors from Europe, India, and the United States,’ he added.