Penang: Reliable and sustainable power infrastructure, smart energy management, and a skilled talent pool are critical to sustaining the growth of Penang's semiconductor and electrical and electronics (EandE) sector amid the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom, ABB said. ABB vice-president for Electrification Distribution Solutions (Medium Voltage) Adeline Soh highlighted the energy-intensive nature of semiconductor manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of power capacity, reliability, and sustainability as the sector's investment accelerates. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Soh stated that adopting smart electrification and energy management solutions could help semiconductor manufacturers improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. She noted the increasing demand for AI, urging companies to employ smarter solutions for improved efficiency. ABB already serves several semiconductor clients in Malaysia, including Penang, providing switchgear, uninterruptible power supply, and other electri fication solutions. ABB also maintains a robust presence in the semiconductor industry across the Asia-Pacific region. Soh identified a shortage of skilled talent as another critical challenge for Malaysia's semiconductor industry, calling for closer collaboration among the government, industry, and educational institutions. Through the ABB Jrgen Dormann Foundation for Engineering Education programme, ABB offers scholarships to Universiti Malaya students, supporting engineering careers and building a strong talent pipeline for the industry. During the upcoming ABB Innovation Day in Penang, scheduled for Sept 8, technologies designed to enhance power efficiency, reduce operating costs, and advance digitalization will be showcased. Predictive maintenance solutions will allow manufacturers to remotely monitor equipment, identify potential failures, and minimize production disruptions. Soh explained that ABB's solutions are accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, with offerings tailored to customers' specific requirements. Penang's continued industrial growth necessitates stable electricity supply and smarter energy solutions to ensure reliable power for the semiconductor sector over the next decade. Looking forward, Soh anticipates a significant technological transformation in semiconductor manufacturing through the convergence of AI, digitalization, and intelligent electrification. Future semiconductor facilities are expected to become more autonomous, connected, and predictive, with cloud-based systems enabling equipment and infrastructure monitoring without solely relying on manpower for inspections. This evolution aims to improve efficiency and predict potential equipment failures while enhancing the electrical infrastructure's intelligence and visibility to the industry.