BERNAMA – Local Talent Development Key To Success In Semiconductor Industry –

CYBERJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s success in developing the semiconductor industry hinges on the nation’s ability to create a highly skilled local talent pool that can meet the requirements of global investors, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that apart from having good policies and infrastructure, talent development is the most challenging component in ensuring that a national semiconductor ecosystem that is strong and sustainable.

“The most challenging part is the talent pool. What’s the point of having infrastructure, good policies, amenities, and incentives if all the workers come from overseas? In this globalised world, we can utilise all resources, but we also want to be strong internally,” he said at the launch of the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park 2 here, which is developed by Cyberview Sdn Bhd.

Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Anwar said that semiconductor projects must be supported by efficient implementation and rapid infrastructure development in order to attract more high-quality foreign investments.

“If we want to make this semiconductor project successful, the challenge lies in the ecosystem. The policies have been set, and implementation should be efficient. The infrastructure must be developed quickly and meet investors’ needs.

“For the benefit of investors, we can prepare adequate infrastructure and provide incentives that can make Malaysia an attractive destination for investments. But we also need a well-equipped, trained talent pool to protect the interests of this nation,” he added.

The Prime Minister also said that comprehensive efforts are being carried out involving collaboration between ministries, Khazanah Nasional and industry players to train young people through upskilling and reskilling programmes.

“That’s why what is being done here and the cooperation of all ministries — with Khazanah helping to bring in bright and capable young people and giving them proper training — are so important,” he said.

He also reminded the young generation that the semiconductor field is constantly evolving and requires the mastery of knowledge and a strong discipline.

“The future belongs to you. Learn as hard as possible and master this discipline because it is changing. You will determine how we can excel as a great nation with digital transformation as our thrust,” he said.

Anwar added that universities must also ensure their academic curricula are aligned with current industry needs so that graduates they produce fulfil job market requirements.

“Even in (creating) the university curriculum, we must have synergy between the industry and the universities because it is the industry that will determine and decide what type of professionals and personnel they want,” he said.

Meanwhile, he praised the efficiency of the Ministry of Higher Education and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for successfully establishing the country’s first Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in just three months, compared to the usual eight months.

“This shows that with clear direction and urgency, we can move fast. Malaysia has been quite accommodative to new industries, and this momentum must continue,” he added.

Anwar emphasised that initiatives like the IC Design Park 2 not only strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain but also provide a platform for nurturing young local talent capable of driving the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Earlier, Anwar also officiated the launch of the Advanced Chip Testing Centre at IC Design Park 2.

Amirudin, who attended the event, said the centre would be “the first world-class chip testing facility in Southeast Asia”, serving as a key catalyst in Malaysia’s efforts to build an integrated semiconductor ecosystem, from design to testing and validation.

The Advanced Chip Testing Centre is part of the national strategy to transition Malaysia from merely being a contract chip manufacturer to becoming a chip designer and technology owner.

— BERNAMA

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