Sparking the way forward
02 Jul 2022
The 27th edition of Semicon South-East Asia (SEA) 2022 in Penang saw three days of regional industry engagements to highlight critical issues including sustainability and supply chain resilience.
The region’s premier event on the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain brought together semiconductor companies and key industry stakeholders seeking opportunities for collaborations and growth.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hoped the event themed “Forward as One – Building A Resilient and Sustainable Electronics Supply Chain in South-East Asia” would ignite the creation of innovative technologies and solutions to help stakeholders forge ahead.
He was giving his opening address at the event held at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
He said Penang as an economic powerhouse of Malaysia had been making a name for itself, especially in the global electrical and electronics (E&E) sector.
“Despite being the second smallest state in Malaysia, Penang commanded over 5% of the global semiconductor sales and contributed about 60% of the country’s E&E exports.
“The state is also known as a regional hub for front-to-back-end equipment manufacturing, serving the needs of E&E enterprises along the value chain.
“Penang has also become a regional hub for the medical device industry, having the highest concentration of medical technology companies in Malaysia and South-East Asia,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Chow said Penang’s world-class industrial parks had given the state the capacity and capabilities to support the needs of industrial players creating next-generation technologies.
“We are proud to be home to more than 350 multinational companies (MNCs) and 4,000 small and medium-sized enterprises.
“The strong links of the MNCs with our domestic economy has created numerous supply chain localisation opportunities for our home-grown players.
“I understand exclusive tours to selected factories in Batu Kawan on the Penang mainland will be conducted as part of Semicon SEA 2022.
“Do check out what the state has to offer,” Chow urged.
He said the vibrant industrial scene in Penang was created through decades of strategic planning and execution.
“To remain competitive in the global arena, the Penang government pledges to be the leader, enabler and propeller by offering a competent platform for players across different industries.
“We acknowledge that incorporating tripartite public-private- people partnerships is crucial in paving the way to becoming a high-income economy and creating quality jobs.
“I assure all investors that the state, through investPenang and Penang Development Corporation, is committed to providing unwavering support to all our investors.”
SEMI president and chief executive officer Ajit Manocha said the event underscored the resilience of the E&E industry in Malaysia and the SEA region.
In addition, Ajit spoke about SEMI’s role in strengthening the global microelectronics supply chain.
Another speaker was Micron corporate vice-president Amarjit Sandhu.
Also present were International Trade and Industry Ministry (industrial development division) senior director Datuk Hanafi Sakri and Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman.
Other visitors included Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, who is special investment adviser to the Chief Minister, investPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and SEMI SEA president Linda Tan.
Source: Bernama
