Kuala lumpur: Malaysia’s Science Endowment matching fund for the semiconductor sector amounting to RM90 million, has been launched to position the country as a global hub in advanced packaging technology, an area currently dominated by a handful of countries such as Taiwan. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stated that the semiconductor matching fund is expected to modernise Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) towards advanced packaging, aligning with the vision of the National Semiconductor Strategy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this strategic initiative aims to meet the growing global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips and boost the country’s electrical and electronics (E and E) exports. Fadillah emphasized that this initiative is not merely a government investment but an open invitation for local industries to explore new research opportunities, innovate, and strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global value chain for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing
.
He made these remarks at the 30th Anniversary of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and the 2024 and 2025 Fellow Awards ceremony. Attendees included the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Chang Lih Kang, and the President of ASM, Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen. Fadillah highlighted the country’s recent climb to the 23rd position in the World Competitiveness Ranking by the Institute for Management Development 2025 as a catalyst for enhancing local technological innovation and expanding strategic cooperation between research and industry sectors.
Fadillah noted that Malaysia is transitioning to a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy, shifting from a ‘Made in Malaysia’ model to ‘Made by Malaysia’, in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan. He stressed the need for ASM to unite expertise, coordinate resources, and strengthen cooperation between the government, industry, academia, and the community.
In line with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year, Fadillah urged scien
tists and researchers to reinforce regional cooperation networks. He announced that ASM has produced a foresight report titled ‘ASEAN Ahead: ASEAN STI Ecosystem Foresight 2035 and Beyond’, which will be launched during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October. This document will lay the groundwork for the ‘ASEAN Plan of Action for Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI 2026-2035)’.
Chang noted ASM’s unique ability to deliver evidence-based research and conduct strategic engagement across sectors and ministries to address complex contemporary challenges. This approach drives more authoritative and forward-looking decision-making at both state and federal levels. Several strategic roadmaps of MOSTI have benefited from ASM’s contributions, including the Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialisation, and Economy Roadmap.
During the event, Fadillah presented the ASM Fellow award to three individuals as Senior Fellows and 63 new ASM Fellows for 2024 and 2025, comprising scientists, engineers, and technolog
y experts. To date, ASM has 535 Fellows, including 30 Senior Fellows and 505 Ordinary Fellows, with the titles ‘Academician’ and ‘FASc’ being the highest scientific honors under the Academy of Sciences Malaysia Act 1994.