Anwar: Enhance ecosystem to retain Malaysia’s position as semiconductor hub
08 Aug 2024
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded government agencies and learning institutions to do away with the culture of complacency to retain Malaysia’s advantage as a prominent hub for the semiconductor sector.
The prime minister pressed on the importance of building Malaysia’s resilience by enhancing the existing ecosystem comprising government efficiency, sound infrastructure and an education system to continue drawing high value investment in the electrical and electronic (E&E) sector.
“Malaysia is now regarded as the hub in the region for its ecosystem. We (are able to) compete with our neighbours because we have the edge for the last two to three decades as the ecosystem helps.
“However, it needs to be improved. I always emphasise the need for (building) resilience.
“The culture of complacency, the culture of contentment will not lead us anywhere.
“Of course I am delighted (by the current achievement), thank you again, but that is not sufficient,” Anwar said in his speech at the opening of Infineon Technologies AG’s world’s largest 200mm silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor fabrication plant in Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) today.
Present were International Trade and Industry Minister Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and
Infineon chief executive officer Jochen Hanebeck.
The German global semiconductor giant is investing RM34 billion to develop two phases of Infineon’s Kulim 3 plant over a span of 10 years.
Anwar stressed the importance of government agencies and training institutions reciprocating investors’ confidence in the country.
“This is a remarkable feat, thanks to all the players for playing their part. This shows Malaysia has now moved up the ladder, and we need to be prepared.
“But my concern is that we must not sit on our laurels… we are pushing forward and to push that agenda means all agencies, all departments, all levels of professionalism must step up.
“I believe my colleague (Tengku Zafrul) and the menteri besar (Sanusi) also share a similar sentiment that we cannot expect to be regarded as a successful player in this new technology if we continue to work at a normal pace.
“The infrastructure must be great. This includes KHTP, state government and federal agencies.
“We should not and cannot tolerate inefficiency or any delay because when companies like Infineon show interest in investing, we must reciprocate with clear commitment,” he said.
Anwar also reminded local universities and technical training institutions to be receptive and undertake changes at a faster pace.
“The learning and TVET (technical and vocational education and training) institutions in Kedah and Penang must be receptive and undertake changes at a faster pace.
“You can’t talk about digitalisation, innovation, AI (artificial intelligence) and expect to obtain good results at a normal pace of change or development,” he said.
Anwar said learning institutions must find ways to expedite the process to amend and introduce new programmes that are aligned to the current industry demand.
“As you lose that pace, you do not stand a chance in a post-normal world which require changes that are spontaneous at an unprecedented pace. Once you slow down, you lose the race.
“Therefore, setting up of, for instance, an AI department or faculty, or a new university, will require us to employ the best from the country and from the region or from the international community who can serve and contribute,” he said.
Source: NST
