THE International Semiconductor Executive Summit (ISES), which was inaugurated a decade ago, convened a gathering of the industry’s leaders, innovators, and experts from mainly Southeast Asia in Penang today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the event at Shangri La, Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, in Batu Ferringhi, said Penang was honoured to be chosen to host ISES Southeast Asia 2023 to provide a platform for the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of ideas, with a particular focus on semiconductor technology, innovation, and applications.
The two-day summit, themed ‘Opportunities and challenges for a flourishing semiconductor industry,’ featured a wide range of curated programmes covering topics ranging from the latest technology advancements to strategies for workforce development within the semiconductor industry.
“I am hopeful that ISES Southeast Asia 2023 will serve as a catalyst, igniting the creation of innovative technologies and effective solutions that will inspire all stakeholders to forge ahead boldly in this new and exciting era of the semiconductor industry.
“Southeast Asia’s semiconductor sector has emerged as a crucial contributor to the global technological ecosystem. It has propelled economic growth, job creation, and technological breakthroughs.
“Penang’s commitment to cultivating a supportive and dynamic business environment has been a magnet for global leading companies, drawing them to establish their operations here.
“Beyond that, our robust ecosystem also provides a competitive platform for the homegrown companies to scale and thrive. Through InvestPenang, the state pledges to uphold our strengths while fostering the growth of emerging subsectors, including penetrating the upstream activities, thereby extending Penang’s depth and breadth within the semiconductor sphere,” Chow said in his speech.
As the Silicon Valley of the East, Penang commanded over 5% of the global semiconductor sales.
Chow highlighted that from 2019 to 2022, Penang witnessed a significant influx of foreign direct investments (FDIs), amounting to RM110 billion, with RM92 billion contributed by the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) sector.
In the first half of 2023, Penang’s approved manufacturing investments reached RM4.3 billion, with the E&E sector accounting for 28% of the total. The most recent statistics from the Department of Statistics indicate that Penang remains the country’s main exporter at 34.6 per cent for the third quarter of 2023.
Furthermore, Penang has consistently contributed between 55 and 60 per cent of Malaysia’s E&E exports over the past five years.
Recognising the importance of talent development to meet the industry’s demand, Chow said Penang has carried out various programmes and initiatives to equip its workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge.
He also emphasised that Penang has always placed a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, understanding that a thriving industry should not come at the expense of its environment or the well-being of its communities.
International Semiconductor Executive Summits president Salah Nasri Taiwan expressed the organisation’s delight in collaborating with MSIA and SSIA to host the event in Penang, following its successful events in Taiwan, USA, Europe, and Japan.
“Our goal is to bridge the global community with Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, via business developments, R&D, innovation, and investment,” Salah said.
Among the distinguished people present were Sivasuriyamoothy Sundara Raja, deputy chief executive officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Investment Promotion and Facilitation; Siobhan Das, CEO of American-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM); Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, president of Malaysia Semiconductor Association Industry (MSIA) and Ang Wee Seng, executive director of Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Siew Chia En