Latest news with #ASEMIS
Focus Malaysia
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
Malaysia's RM63 bil semiconductor push shows progress, but value chain ascent still early
MBSB Research is maintaining their neutral stance on the technology sector following their participation in the recently concluded ASEAN Semiconductor Summit 2025 (ASEMIS). The government's effort to reestablish the country's positioning in the semiconductor global supply chain has started to yield results. A year after the announcement of the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), a notable strategic investment of RM63 bil has been secured, along with over 13k talent being groom as well as wider research and development (R&D) footprint. IN 2023, the ASEAN semiconductor market stood at over USD 31 bil. By 2032, the ASEAN semiconductor market has the potential to exceed USD52 bil by moving up the value chain. To further drive growth in the Malaysia as well as the broader ASEAN semiconductor landscape, the government put forth three new measures in the areas of capital, G2G collaboration and talent. 'While we acknowledge the milestone and commitment to the target set, we view that we are still at an early stage of the progress. Thus, more time is required to climb up the semiconductor value chain,' said MBSB. The NSS was announced in May 2024 to redefine the country's position in the global semiconductor supply chain. It focuses on integrated circuit (IC) design, advanced packaging and advanced manufacturing equipment. In addition, it also seeks to train 60k high-skilled engineers and establish a global R&D hub for semiconductors. As of March 2025, Malaysia has secured over RM63 bil in semiconductor investments. Of this RM 59 bil originated from foreign investors while the remainder RM5 bil came from domestic sources. Some of the notable projects include Carsem's advanced packaging for energy efficiency, EV, connectivity and AI; NXP's semiconductor products, Infineon's world's largest 200mm silicon carbide (SiC) power fab, Syntiant's MEMS microphone and sensors; and Plexus' manufacture and re-manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards. Meanwhile, more than 13k highly skilled workers have been trained through national programmes such as CREST's ETSI and TalentCorp's MyMahir initiative. The R&D footprint is also growing, supported by including Penang's Silicon Design@5km+, Selangor's IC Design Park and Sarawak's SMD Semiconductor initiative. Firstly, the government aims to unlock more catalytic capital to support early-stage R&D, product development, and ecosystem scaling. This includes a suite of targeted financing instruments, matching funds, and customised incentives, alongside continued investments by the GLICs. Secondly, the government is also seeking deeper G2G cooperation. This will be carried out via the creation of ASEAN Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain (AFISS). The framework will revolve around policy alignment, infrastructure readiness and deeper cross-border collaboration. Thirdly, to further close the gap on talent shortage, the government will also drive stronger collaboration across public, private, and academic institutions. This also extends to intensifying R&D efforts through strategic collaboration between government, industry, and academia. —July 1, 2025 Main image: The Malaysian Reserve
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia seeks US tariff below 20 pct as talks intensify
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is in active negotiations with the United States to secure a tariff rate below 20 per cent ahead of the scheduled 25 per cent hike set for August 1. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed the discussions, stating that an announcement will follow once terms are finalised. 'Discussions are ongoing. In fact, negotiations are continuing this week, so we remain on track to meet the deadline. Once the terms are agreed upon, I believe an announcement will be made,' he told reporters at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit (ASEMIS) 2025. When asked about a potential extension of the deadline, Tengku Zafrul noted that the decision rests with the US administration under President Donald Trump. No formal talks on delaying the tariff implementation have taken place yet. 'Every country faces different challenges when it comes to what we can offer. We cannot offer things we don't have or things that we feel may be detrimental to the Malaysian industry. These are factors we must carefully consider,' he added. - Bernama
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia seeks UNSC meeting amid flare-up with Thailand
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to hold an urgent meeting in response to recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He stated this in a letter addressed to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for July 2025. In light of the recent serious incidents along the border, which pose a significant challenge to regional peace and stability, Manet "earnestly request' that the UNSC convene a meeting to address the situation. The letter was posted on his Facebook page on Thursday (July 24). Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his hope that both Thailand and Cambodia will cease military engagements along their disputed borders and enter into peace talks soon. Describing the early morning skirmish between Thai and Cambodian troops as concerning, Anwar, the current Asean Chair, said he hopes to speak with the leaders of both nations later today to express his views. "They're important members of Asean; they're very close to Malaysia, and I have been messaging both the prime ministers. The least we can expect is for them to stand down, and hopefully to try and enter into negotiations. "They have tried, but I still think peace is the only option available,' he reportedly told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025 (ASEMIS) here. - Bernama
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia semiconductor exports grow 15.7 pct in 1H 2025
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's semiconductor exports demonstrated strong resilience, expanding by 15.7 percent in the first half of 2025, significantly outpacing the country's overall export growth of 3.8 percent. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz highlighted the sector's economic impact, noting that every RM1 spent generates over RM2 in direct output across supply chains and supporting industries. Speaking at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit (ASEMIS) 2025, Tengku Zafrul emphasized the sector's role as a key economic multiplier. 'In total, the industry generated RM4.9 trillion in economic output last year, underscoring its role as a national multiplier,' he said. Despite global economic challenges, Malaysia's semiconductor industry continues to thrive, reinforcing the country's competitiveness in the global market. The minister pointed out that growth is no longer confined to traditional hubs like Penang and Selangor but has expanded to Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Sarawak. The sector's expansion is also benefiting nearly 1,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the semiconductor ecosystem. 'What makes this industry so vital is also its far-reaching impact,' Tengku Zafrul added. - Bernama
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Anwar urges peace talks amid Thailand-Cambodia border clash
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Thailand and Cambodia to halt military engagements along their disputed border and prioritise peace talks. His remarks follow fresh clashes between the two nations early Thursday, which resulted in casualties. Anwar expressed concern over the escalating conflict, stating, 'They're important members of ASEAN; they're very close to Malaysia, and I have been messaging both the Prime Ministers. The least we can expect is for them to stand down, and hopefully to try and enter into negotiations.' He emphasised that peace remains the only viable option, adding, 'They have tried, but I still think peace is the only option available.' Anwar made these comments after delivering his keynote address at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit 2025 (ASEMIS) in Petaling Jaya. The Prime Minister revealed he had previously engaged in discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's now-suspended leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month. He expressed willingness to facilitate further talks to de-escalate tensions. Thailand's political landscape has added complexity to the situation, with former defence chief Phumtham Wechayachai serving as acting Prime Minister following Paetongtarn's suspension over an ethics probe. When questioned about potential trade disruptions, Anwar dismissed premature concerns, stating, 'I think it's temporary. Both have their countries' interests at heart. Both want a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and both want to keep ASEAN engaged.' The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back decades, with an 817-km undemarcated boundary remaining a persistent source of friction. Recent clashes began on May 28, escalating after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a shootout. Tensions worsened this week as Thailand downgraded diplomatic ties following an alleged landmine explosion injuring a Thai soldier. Cambodia retaliated by reducing its diplomatic relations to the lowest level. Thursday's clash reportedly left a Thai civilian dead and three others, including a child, seriously injured. As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia is positioned to mediate, with Anwar reaffirming the bloc's commitment to stability. - Bernama
