MIDA Frankfurt’s Visit to the Netherlands: Fostering New Collaborations in the Semiconductor Sector

MIDA Frankfurt had the pleasure to facilitate the visit from the Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) delegation led by its President Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, on a four-day visit to the Netherlands. This strategic visit aimed to forge new collaboration between the semiconductor industries of both countries, leveraging the Netherlands’ position as a global technology hub and Malaysia’s role as a growing leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

A key highlight of the trip was the delegation’s visit and business matching session at the Brainport Industry Campus (BIC) in Eindhoven, a thriving center for high-tech industries and advanced manufacturing. Both countries recognised the immense potential for collaboration, as Dutch innovation complements Malaysia’s strengths in semiconductor manufacturing. The business matching session which was attended by ten (10) companies from the Eindhoven region, provided an invaluable opportunity for the Malaysian companies to connect directly with potential Dutch partners, further enhancing prospects for collaboration.

The delegation’s tour to Neways, a leader in electronics manufacturing, provided a first-hand look at cutting-edge practices that could be applied in Malaysia’s own industry. Neways, which has just recently established its facility in Malaysia, shared the advantages of doing business in Malaysia, their motivations for choosing Malaysia as their investment destination, and underscored the importance of a robust local supply chain to bolster their operational capabilities.

The visit’s success was further underscored by high-level meetings with key players in the semiconductor industry, including NXP Semiconductor and ASML. Both companies expressed a strong interest in exploring partnerships with Malaysian firms, particularly in areas such as research and development, technology exchange, and supply chain resilience.

The signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and MSIA marked a significant milestone in the visit. This agreement sets the stage for deeper cooperation in ecosystem development, market access, and talent exchange, which will enhance Malaysia’s position as a competitive player in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The delegation’s visit concluded on a high note with a tour of Hittech Group’s state-of-the-art facility in The Hague. With an existing presence in Malaysia, Hittech showcased how Dutch companies are leveraging Malaysia’s manufacturing capabilities to enhance their global operations.

The collaboration between MIDA Frankfurt and MSIA, coupled with the support rendered by the Malaysian Embassy in The Hague as well as MATRADE Rotterdam towards this trip, proved to be a resounding success. Through a series of insightful company visits, strategic meetings, and networking events, the delegation was able to explore numerous collaboration opportunities that will undoubtedly benefit both nations’ semiconductor industries. Malaysia’s position as a growing semiconductor hub was well-received by the Dutch companies, and the delegation’s interactions have set the foundation for future partnerships that promise to enhance technological innovation, strengthen supply chains, and foster economic growth in both countries.

MIDA Frankfurt remains committed to facilitating such collaborative efforts, ensuring that Malaysia continues to be a key player in the global semiconductor industry while simultaneously strengthening its relationships with leading technology nations like the Netherlands.