Malaysia Shines As It Aims To Be A Global Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub
Malaysia once again played host to SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024.
By Sukhbir Cheema, Syazwan Bahri — 31 May 2024, 04:39 PM
Malaysia aims to play a larger role in the Southeast Asia semiconductor industry, which accounts for USD200 billion (RM941 billion) in chip exports
On 28 May, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is targeting RM500 billion worth of investments, cementing Malaysia's role in the rapidly growing industry.
The semiconductor industry plays an important role in the development of electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), computing, communication, and various electronic devices.
Malaysia accounts for 13% of global testing and packaging, making it one of the biggest semiconductor players alongside Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, the United States, and China.
The country has been attracting big-name semiconductor players such as Intel (INTC.O) and Infineon (IFXGn.DE) to invest in Malaysia due to the support of the government and the abundance of skilled workers.
So, it was no surprise that Malaysia once again played host to SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024
The industry's premier global electronics manufacturing and supply chain event was held from 28 to 30 May at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur.
Over 500 companies exhibited the latest industry developments, trends, and innovations in more than 1,000 booths.
Apart from exhibitions, young and rising stars of the Southeast Asian semiconductor industry were also highlighted and celebrated.
Two prestigious HR-driven awards, TechIdol and Emerging Young Leaders, recognised the outstanding individuals who are making significant contributions to the semiconductor industry
The TechIdol award is designed to highlight individuals passionate about advancing the semiconductor industry and inspiring future generations to join this field. Nominees had the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to a panel comprising of industry veterans and members of the SEMI Southeast Asia Workforce Development Council.
The finalists showcased their proposals at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024, where attendees voted for their favourite ideas.
Meanwhile, the Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) award honours the exceptional leadership skills and contributions of young professionals who drive innovation and growth within the semiconductor field. EYL has two categories: under 30 and under 40.
The semiconductor industry is playing an important role in making our world a better place
The inaugural TechIdol winner, Khoo Le Han, said at the heart of the semiconductor industry is the drive to constantly innovate not only in terms of performance improvement but also for sustainability.
"Through innovation, we can develop energy-efficient data centres and consumer electronics to reduce global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," she explained to SAYS.
The senior packaging engineer from Western Digital highlighted sustainability and green technology in her presentation.
According to the Malaysian, 46% of waste comes directly from packaging and she believes that packaging plays an important role in sustainability efforts due to the ease of implementation.
"Everyone can be involved. We can start at home with the 3Rs: Reduce, reuse, and recycle," she said, expressing her hope that through product packaging, the semiconductor industry can save natural resources for our future generation.
Meanwhile, TechIdol finalist Zulhilmi Abu Hassan thinks that semiconductors are enabling innovations in other areas too.
"With features such as AI, they are creating new opportunities for us to explore and how to use it well and to make sure that it has a good impact on society. These are the critical points of innovation," the Malaysian explained.
Singaporean field service engineer from Lam Research, Priscilla Chan, concurs.
"As you may know, technology is becoming more integrated in our everyday lives. It has impacted how we do things, how we communicate, and how we work. Semiconductors are what fuels all this technology," she said.
The Malaysian and Southeast Asian semiconductor industry has the potential to go far through leadership
Western Digital's senior engineer Nurr Syazwanie Khamaruzaman.
Image via Nurr Syazwanie KhamaruzamanWestern Digital's senior engineer Nurr Syazwanie Khamaruzaman said she's grateful that her company encouraged her to explore her leadership capabilities through the Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) programme.
Nurr Syazwanie was tasked and evaluated to lead a team of 15 people, comprising local and international Western Digital staff, who helped make several big-name innovative products possible.
"Leadership and communication are important in the semiconductor industry," she said to SAYS, adding that the EYL programme recognised her capabilities as a people person who was able to get people together to work on products.
UTAC Thai Limited's packaging design manager Kunakorn Kaoson concurred. Having been in the semiconductor industry for 17 years, he said leadership and communication can make or break things.
"Thankfully, under the guidance of my manager, I've been able to learn the ropes to manage and mentor my team," he said, expressing gratitude for being in the semiconductor industry.
"Every day brings new challenges and experiences. I look forward to work because there's always something new that I can solve and build," he added.
