In a bold move aiming to solidify its position in the global semiconductor arena, Malaysia has announced plans to establish a massive semiconductor design park, signalling its ambition to transition from being a manufacturing hub to a leading player in chip design.
Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, unveiled the ambitious project on Monday, underscoring Malaysia’s determination to expand its footprint in the lucrative semiconductor market.
With a rich history as a prominent player in semiconductor manufacturing, Malaysia has carved out a niche, accounting for approximately 13 percent of global back-end manufacturing, according to industry data from Bosch.
However, recognizing the evolving dynamics of the semiconductor industry, Malaysia seeks to pivot towards becoming a hub for chip design, aiming to attract world-class anchor tenants and collaborate with industry giants such as Arm, the British chip design powerhouse.
“I am pleased to announce the largest IC (integrated circuit) Design Park in Southeast Asia, that will house world-class anchor tenants and collaborate with global companies such as Arm,” stated Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, during his announcement, highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative in fostering collaboration and innovation within the semiconductor ecosystem.
The proposed semiconductor design park will be situated in Selangor state, although specific details regarding costs and timelines have yet to be disclosed.
The project represents a significant milestone for Malaysia, which has long been synonymous with chip manufacturing, particularly in its northern island of Penang, often referred to as the country’s Silicon Valley.
The timing of Malaysia’s foray into semiconductor design comes amidst escalating tensions between major powers, notably the United States and China, over advanced technology, particularly semiconductors.
These geopolitical dynamics have prompted many multinational corporations to explore alternative manufacturing destinations, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and India, as part of efforts to diversify their supply chains and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties.
The Malaysian government’s proactive approach to attracting investment in the semiconductor industry underscores its commitment to capitalizing on emerging opportunities and positioning the country as a preferred destination for high-tech investments.
Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, acknowledged past missed opportunities in technology investments, emphasising the need for strategic reevaluation and realignment to harness the full potential of the semiconductor sector.
“The fact is that we have experienced missed opportunities in technology investments, making it imperative for us to re-strategize,” remarked Prime Minister, Anwar, highlighting the imperative of seizing opportunities and leveraging Malaysia’s strengths in technology and innovation to drive economic growth and competitiveness.
As Malaysia embarks on its journey to establish the largest semiconductor design park in Southeast Asia, the initiative holds immense promise for catalyzing innovation, fostering collaboration, and positioning Malaysia as a key player in the global chip industry.
With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive regulatory environment, Malaysia is poised to chart a new course in semiconductor design, shaping the future of the industry and driving economic prosperity for years to come.
