AEM eyes expansion of its Penang operations, doubling headcount
17 Jun 2022
AEM, a global leader in test innovation, is poised to double its headcount in Malaysia following the expansion of its Penang plant in the Bayan Lepas industrial zone by exploring new roles for technicians, engineers, customer support group and supply chain management.
Among others, AEM’s Penang expansion will include a research & development (R&D) lab that will allow AEM to increase its R&D capabilities with a strong focus on delivering technologies and solutions for advanced, integrated semiconductor test needs.
“The ability to tap a diverse talent pool and the high growth potential of Malaysia and Singapore (where its head office is located) is what makes the region an attractive location for AEM,” its chief operating officer (COO) Juha Arola pointed out.
“Our expansion will allow us to better scale up our testing and handling capabilities in tandem with our customers’ needs. It also further solidifies AEM’s position as a regional hub and its position as a critical node in the global semiconductor supply chain.”
The provider of comprehensive semiconductor and electronics test solutions further noted that its decision to expand its Penang plant signifies its attractiveness as a hub in the semiconductor industry on the world stage, driven by its well-connected and vibrant local electrical & electronic (E&E) ecosystem.
With a new site in Penang and the US, AEM is seeking to expand its R&D centres in the aforementioned countries and Singapore with the new facilities scheduled to start operating by end-3Q 2022.
The expansion of AEM’s Penang, the US, and Singapore manufacturing sites will more than double its current manufacturing space in the three countries and create over 300 additional jobs.
In AEM’s view, Malaysia is strategically positioned in the heart of Southeast Asia, a regional home to top semiconductor and E&E companies along with a large technology talent pool.
Malaysia is also a crucial player and hub in the semiconductor global supply chain with approximately 7% of the total global semiconductor trade flowing through the country.
Additionally, the regional growth of the E&E sector is projected to increase by 15% in 2022, propelled by strong global semiconductor sales that are expected to grow by 13.6% in 2022.
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) CEO Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman described AEM’s expansion as providing new impetus to its efforts to further strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global E&E value chain.
“MIDA remains committed to growing our E&E and semiconductor industries, working hand in hand with our strategic investors such as AEM,” he pointed out.
“(At the same time, this also) spurs socio-economic development to our local vicinities. This is indeed a ‘win-win’ situation for both the company and our country in line with the National Investment Aspirations (NIA).”
AEM is a gold sponsor and the sole sponsor of the SEMICON University Programme at SEMICON SEA 2022 which will be held in Penang from June 21 to 23.
Source: Focus Malaysia
