Selangor has initiated a 0.6-hectare semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) design park in Puchong as part of Malaysia’s strategy to advance in the semiconductor industry and achieve “Made by Malaysia” goals.
The Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park was officially launched three months after its initial announcement at the KL20 Summit in April. This swift progress underscores the dedication and efficiency of all parties involved, according to Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) CEO Yong Kai Ping.
Established in partnership with the federal government, international semiconductor companies, and venture capitalists, the design park aims to position Malaysia as a major player in the global IC design industry. The initiative capitalizes on Malaysia’s technological strengths and resources, fostering innovation and enhancing the nation’s reputation in high-tech manufacturing and design. The location in Klang Valley was carefully selected based on factors such as size, power capacity, building status, office fittings, potential for expansion, and public transport accessibility.
The park is set to accommodate over 400 IC design engineers from five local, international, and joint venture companies. Key tenants include Maistorage, Skyechip, Weeroc, AppAsia ChipsBank, and SensoremTek Sdn Bhd, supported by ecosystem partners such as BlueChip VC, ARM Holdings, Cadence Design System, Synopsys, Siemens EDA, Keysight, and Shenzhen Semiconductor Association.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, at the launch, stressed the importance of Malaysia developing its semiconductor design capabilities rather than relying solely on imported chips. He outlined the government’s strategic direction to enhance the entire semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on original design manufacturers (ODM). He noted that while the country is attracting significant investment into data centers, there is a need to complete the ecosystem with locally designed chips. This, he said, would encourage data centers in Malaysia to consider using “Made by Malaysia” chips.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari emphasized that Selangor aims to be a significant player in the semiconductor industry, aspiring to produce future semiconductors labeled “Made in Malaysia, Designed in Selangor.” He stressed the importance of this goal in making Selangor Malaysia’s first 500 billion ringgit economy in the next three years. He added that the park’s objective is to promote original design manufacturing, encouraging local participation in product design, prototyping, and production. This initiative, he said, is not just about infrastructure but also about creating opportunities and driving growth.
The park is actively seeking skilled candidates with degrees in electrical & electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and computer science, offering competitive salaries. Entry-level positions range from RM5,000 to RM6,000 for fresh graduates, while those with a master’s degree or extensive industry experience can earn up to RM7,000.
