Empowering Talent Development for Malaysia’s Thriving E&E Industry

MIDA has played a significant role in shaping Malaysia’s economic growth by attracting high-quality investments from multinational corporations (MNCs) that prioritise sustainable operations. These investments assume a pivotal role in the country’s economic development, boasting a substantial multiplier effect.

The electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, a formidable contributor, producing 13% of global back-end semiconductors and driving 40% of the nation’s export output. With ambitious targets set at RM120 billion by 2025 in GDP growth and RM495 billion in export earnings, the industry is a catalyst for Malaysia’s economic progress.

As a major hub in the semiconductor supply chain, Malaysia is well-positioned to capture further business. The semiconductor manufacturing activity, predominantly led by MNCs, holds immense significance across various applications, from the Internet of Things (IoT) to automotive, medical, industrial, transportation, aerospace, and energy.

Highlighting this growth, a total of 86 E&E projects valued at RM57.4 billion gained approval from January to September 2023. Foreign investments constituted a staggering 98% of the total, amounting to RM56.3 billion, with domestic investments comprising RM1.1 billion, fostering the creation of 15,343 job opportunities.

However, amidst this prosperity, the industry grapples with challenges such as talent shortages and high turnover rates. A 2022 survey by the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) revealed engineers at the forefront, constituting 65% of talent shortages.

As MNCs are advancing their operations, integrating manufacturing with research and development (R&D), product design and development (D&D), marketing, and distribution, Malaysia recognises the pivotal role of cultivating local talent. MIDA, with an eye on economic growth and innovation, is committed to building capacity and talent in integrated circuit (IC) design, engineering, and testing.

The New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 stands a beacon, providing a clear direction, showcasing vast job opportunities in the manufacturing sector with higher-paying salaries. This strategic vision aims not only to attract but also to retain and cultivate talent within the fast-growing E&E industry. At its core, this vision seeks to create an abundance of high-value job opportunities, transforming Malaysia’s reliance on relatively low-cost foreign labour.

Collaboration with industry leaders, academic institutions, and training centres is integral to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the E&E industry. Embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and advanced automation, Malaysia aims to address talent shortages, mitigate high turnover rates, and create a workforce capable of driving innovation and fuelling unprecedented growth.

The rise of MNCs establishing their operations in Malaysia serves as a testament to the nation’s attractiveness for investment. These MNCs including Dyson, choose to establish global in-house capability centres, remaining cost-competitive while delivering on their brand promises. Dyson, through the Dyson Malaysia Development Centre (MDC), exemplifies Malaysia’s commitment to talent development and retention. This centre not only offers a perfect opportunity for local talent to remain in their home countries but also gain global exposure.

Initiatives like the MDC reaffirm Malaysia’s dedication to talent development, empowering skilled professionals to contribute to cutting-edge innovations. This not only strengthens the local workforce but also elevates the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage, positioning Malaysia as a hub for innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Dyson has solidified its commitment to advancing technical development and testing with the establishment of the world-class Dyson MDC. In a transformative move, the MDC was rebranded as a Global Development Campus (GDC) Johor Bahru in 2023, to reflect the evolution and global scope of its operations.

Spanning across 35,000-sqm, the GDC stands as a significant force behind Dyson’s expansion across various product categories. With an average work experience of seven (7) years and more than 80% of its staff holding qualifications in science and technology, the teams in Dyson Malaysia have been pivotal in driving the design, development and manufacturing of Dyson products.

The skilled engineers at the GDC handle crucial responsibilities; design and prototype new technology before manufacturing, conduct validation tests on components during pre-production development, and ensure the reliability of final machines through robustness testing.

Furthermore, Dyson works closely with contract manufacturers, aiding them in adopting new technologies for increased productivity and efficiency. This collaboration has supported over 30,000 jobs. The company’s commitment also extends to nurturing local talents, offering training opportunities and empowering them to make global impact from the Johor Bahru campus. the GDC is not just about creating gadgets; it’s a melting pot of ideas and innovation. Dyson’s dedication to creating this space not only benefits the people working there but also Malaysia as a whole. It signifies Malaysia’s growing role in pioneering new technology globally.

For more information, please get in touch with the MIDA Electrical and Electronics Division at https://www.mida.gov.my/staffdirectory/electrical-electronics-division/.