Kuala Lumpur:A total of 21,391 individuals have been trained in the semiconductor sector in Malaysia as of June 2026, through various talent development programmes facilitated by higher education institutions and technical training providers, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry emphasized that these efforts are part of the government's broader strategy to cultivate 60,000 highly skilled workers in the semiconductor field by 2030. This initiative aligns with the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which aims to bolster Malaysia's workforce to support its transition towards more advanced semiconductor activities.

The ministry highlighted the significance of developing highly skilled talents to ensure that local expertise can meet the industry's evolving needs. It also aims to enhance graduate employability and empower local companies to master technology and develop their intellectual property (IP).

In response to a query by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (PN-Kemaman) regarding Malaysia's plans to improve its standing in the global semiconductor supply chain, MITI stated that the government is committed to enhancing the country's strategic capabilities. The ambition is to shift from a 'Made in Malaysia' approach to 'Made by Malaysia,' ensuring that the country not only serves as a production hub but also owns the technology, expertise, and IP, fostering globally competitive local tech firms.

Efforts to fortify the semiconductor ecosystem include initiatives like the 10+100 local champions programme, the development of an integrated circuit (IC) design ecosystem, and the formation of the Malaysia Advanced Packaging Consortium (MAPC). MITI stressed the importance of nurturing talent in IC design to boost local companies' ability to create proprietary chip designs, reducing reliance on foreign technology.

The government is optimistic that with the NSS's implementation, Malaysia will enhance its self-reliance, transitioning from merely a chip manufacturing and testing site to a nation capable of designing chips, developing and owning its IP, and producing semiconductor equipment.