Kuala lumpur: Malaysia’s semiconductor exports experienced significant growth, increasing by 15.7% in the first half of 2025, surpassing the overall export growth rate of 3.8%, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He highlighted that each RM1 spent in the semiconductor industry generates over RM2 in direct output, benefiting supply chains, supporting sectors, and household incomes.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the semiconductor industry contributed RM4.9 trillion in economic output last year, emphasizing its importance as a national economic multiplier. Tengku Zafrul, speaking at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit (ASEMIS) 2025, noted that Malaysia’s semiconductor sector remains competitive globally despite challenging international conditions. He also mentioned that the growth is not confined to major regions like Penang and Selangor but is extending to Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Sarawak.
The minister emphasized that nearly 1,000 small and medium enterprises are benefiting from the industry’s expansion, forming a crucial part of Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem. He stated that the industry’s impact is widespread, contributing to investments, job opportunities, technology, and knowledge transfer as part of the National Semiconductor Strategy.
Tengku Zafrul elaborated on Malaysia’s progress in collaboration with stakeholders, including state governments, multinational companies, and universities, to strengthen the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain against global market challenges. He noted that both the public and private sectors are committed to supporting the industry through various funding platforms.
Malaysia is also advancing its ASEAN Framework on Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain (AFISS), aiming for a unified regional approach. Tengku Zafrul urged ASEAN countries to move beyond fragmented efforts and work collectively to enhance regional competitiveness by harmonizing policies, fostering talent mobility, and attracting strategic investments, which would result in a robust and integrated semiconductor ecosystem that benefits the entire region.