Malaysia and Arm host industry briefing to accelerate IC design capabilities
PUCHONG, 6 May 2025 — The Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park, in collaboration with Arm, today hosted an Industry Briefing and Engagement Session aimed at advancing Malaysia's ambitions in front-end semiconductor design and innovation. Held at Four Points by Sheraton, the event brought together policymakers, global industry leaders, and local semiconductor stakeholders for a day of strategic discussions, knowledge sharing, and ecosystem-building.
The landmark partnership between Malaysia and Arm, announced in March 2025, is a key pillar of Malaysia's broader strategy to transition from traditional manufacturing towards an IP-driven innovation economy. Anchored by initiatives such as the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park, the collaboration seeks to catalyze talent development, stimulate high-value research and development, and position Malaysia as a globally competitive hub for next-generation technologies.
The event was officiated with opening remarks by Mr. Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), followed by special remarks from Mr Alex Lee, Strategic Business Development Director ARM.
Participants gained valuable insights into the government's initiatives for the semiconductor industry through a session led by James Chai, Special Officer (Policy) representing the Ministry of Economy Malaysia. The session highlighted the government's commitment to supporting local design firms and elevating Malaysia's position within the global semiconductor value chain. Additionally, this session also outlined the application process and qualifying criteria for companies to participate in this high-impact initiative, ensuring industry players are well-informed on how to engage with and benefit from the program.
James Chai, Special Officer (Policy) representing the Ministry of Economy Malaysia
A key highlight of the session was a session of Arm's Flexible Access (AFA) program and Compute Subsystem (CSS) solutions, showcasing how Malaysian IC design companies can leverage Arm's cutting-edge intellectual property, including high-performing Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and advanced system interconnects. Arm's emphasis on common software standards and customizable hardware architectures offers Malaysian companies a trusted platform to innovate and differentiate in a rapidly evolving global semiconductor landscape.
This engagement forms part of Malaysia's national strategy under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, which identifies the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) sector as a critical engine of future economic growth. By focusing on research, development, and system-on-chip (SoC) design, Malaysia aims to move up the value chain and retain a greater share of value creation within its borders.
"The Malaysia–Arm partnership is a catalyst for developing a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem where local innovators can thrive," said Mr. Yong Kai Ping. "Through access to world-class technology platforms and global best practices, we are empowering Malaysian companies to take ownership of their future in the global semiconductor industry."
The session concluded with Arm engaging in discussions with several Malaysian IC design companies to explore collaboration opportunities, further reinforcing the Government's commitment to accelerating industry transformation and building a resilient, future-ready semiconductor sector.
This content is provided by SIDEC
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysia Sun
3 minutes ago
- Malaysia Sun
Malaysia's expanded SST seen having minimal impact on inflation, markets
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), set to take effect next month, is expected to have minimal impact on inflation and a neutral effect on markets, economists said, citing exemptions for essential goods and relief measures for businesses. The Malaysian government announced that the expanded SST, effective July 1, aims to strengthen fiscal sustainability. The revised framework includes an increase in the sales tax rate on selected imported and luxury goods, while keeping essential items zero-rated. In addition, the scope of the existing 6 percent service tax will be broadened to cover fee-based financial services, leasing, main contractor construction services, as well as beauty, wellness, and certain private healthcare and education services. Maybank Investment Bank estimated that the changes to the SST framework could add up to 0.25 percentage points to the inflation rate at most, while continuing its project inflation at 2 percent. The bank emphasized that exemptions and cost pass-throughs would play a crucial role in mitigating inflationary effects. CIMB, in a separate note on Tuesday, said the previous service tax hike in March 2024 resulted in a modest 0.1 percentage point increase in services inflation, which quickly eased, indicating limited second-round effects. With external uncertainties, slowing gross domestic product (GDP) growth momentum, and a narrowing output gap, CIMB noted that the inflation outlook does not pose a significant hurdle to potential monetary policy easing. Maybank said the tax changes are likely to have a neutral impact on most sectors, including consumer staples, discretionary goods, construction materials, and agriculture.
BusinessToday
an hour ago
- BusinessToday
Malaysian Businesses Rethink Strategy Amid Rising Trade Costs, HSBC Survey Reveals
Malaysian companies are feeling the pressure of rising trade costs and global supply chain disruptions, forcing a strategic shift in operations and investment plans, according to HSBC's 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey. The survey, which captured insights from over 5,700 companies across 13 markets — including 250 from Malaysia — revealed that 55% of Malaysian businesses cite rising costs from tariffs and trade policies as their top concern. In response, 42% have already refocused on domestic markets, with another 40% planning to follow suit. Meanwhile, 37% have increased inventory levels to cushion against supply disruptions, with nearly half preparing to do the same. Despite these challenges, Malaysian firms remain optimistic as 91% believe they can grow international trade, surpassing the global average of 89%. Encouragingly, 73% revealed that trade uncertainty has prompted innovation and business evolution, while 55% are actively seeking strategic advice on restructuring, supply chain realignment and overseas expansion. 'The uncertain tariff and trade landscape is driving Malaysian businesses to adapt with remarkable resilience. 'While global supply chains are shifting, Malaysia's strong trade links, particularly in Asia, offer significant growth potential,' HSBC Malaysia Chief Executive Officer and Head of Banking Datuk Omar Saddiq said. The survey also shows a clear pivot in trade focus, with Malaysian businesses increasing engagement with China (61%), South Asia (55%) and North Asia (44%). Interest in markets outside of Asia remains steady, with 32% planning increased trade with both Europe and the US, especially in high-value sectors like electronics and semiconductors. As they navigate cost pressures, 64% of Malaysian firms have adopted new technologies, while nearly half (48%) have developed new products or services to remain competitive. Strategic shifts toward regional growth (57%) and internal efficiency improvements (54%) are also gaining traction, the survey showed. To manage working capital under strain, the survey highlighted that businesses identified cash and liquidity management (64%), better payment terms (56%) and supply chain finance (55%) as the most helpful support measures. With over 70% expecting prolonged cost increases and facing an average 18% drop in revenue, the path forward is clear: Businesses must stay agile and form strong strategic partnerships to thrive in an increasingly complex global trade environment. Related
Malaysian Reserve
2 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Cuckoo Malaysia's IPO sees modest retail demand, oversubscribed by 1.42 times
CUCKOO International Bhd, the Malaysian arm of South Korea's Cuckoo Homesys Co Ltd, has recorded modest public interest in its initial public offering (IPO), with an overall oversubscription rate of 1.42 times ahead of its Main Market debut on Bursa Malaysia scheduled for June 24. The company received 7,908 applications for 69.33 million shares, against the 28.66 million shares offered to the Malaysian public. 'The positive response for our IPO is both humbling and encouraging despite the market volatility and the rescheduling of our IPO to June 24, 2025,' said CEO Hoe Kian Choon in a statement today. 'It reflects the confidence investors have in Cuckoo Malaysia's vision, business model, and long-term growth potential.' Cuckoo had earlier revised its IPO issue price down from RM1.29 to RM1.08 per share, following the bookbuilding process and in light of a two-month deferment of its listing date due to market conditions. The Bumiputera public portion of the IPO saw an undersubscription of 0.35 times with 2,646 applications, while the remaining public portion drew a healthier response at 2.49 times oversubscription with 5,262 applications. Meanwhile, the institutional offering of 143.28 million shares was fully placed out to Malaysian and foreign investors. The 14.33 million shares reserved for eligible persons were also fully taken up, following a reallocation from the clawback of 179.1 million offer shares originally allocated to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti). Notices of allotment will be issued on June 23, and successful retail applicants will receive a refund of 21 sen per share due to the downward price revision. The IPO is expected to raise RM154.74 million in gross proceeds, which will be channelled toward rental business expansion, loan repayments, new Brandshops, IT upgrades, and regional growth in Singapore. RHB Investment Bank is the principal adviser and sole managing underwriter, while it jointly acts as global coordinator and bookrunner alongside AmInvestment Bank. –TMR
