Malaysia aims to be electrical and electronics hub

 

Economic affairs minister Mustapa Mohamed says there are already globally competitive local companies such as SkyeChip, which produces products like silicon chips and circuits and has patent applications in the US and China. (SkyeChip pic)

PETALING JAYA: The government wants to make Malaysia the leading centre for the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry in the region and “nothing less”.

Economic affairs minister Mustapa Mohamed said there were already globally competitive local companies such as SkyeChip, which produces products like silicon chips and circuits and has patent applications in the US and China as well as Malaysia.

“We are proud to note that SkyeChip’s team of 80 integrated circuit design engineers is overwhelmingly Malaysian,” he said at a webinar on the sector’s prospects under the 12th Malaysia Plan today.

He said that while the goal of becoming the leading E&E player was “ambitious”, it was achievable “if all of us work together”.

Mustapa said the E&E sector had played a critical role in Malaysia’s industrial development and was now producing 13% of the world’s back-end semiconductor output.

“E&E accounts for 40% of Malaysian exports. In the first eight months of 2021, Malaysia’s total trade in E&E products amounted to RM477 billion,” he said.

Mustapa said that under the 12MP, the sector was projected to contribute RM120 billion to the GDP by 2025.

He said the government was committed to creating a more conducive environment for the industry’s growth.

“Despite its significant contribution to the economy, the E&E industry faces several challenges in maintaining growth and competitiveness globally.

“The issues include the shortage of skilled talent and the lack of local R&D. Going forward, these issues must be addressed if we are serious in moving Malaysia up the value chain.” - FMT