MALAYSIA must transition from being the factory of the world to becoming the brain of innovation across the value chain, says Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai.
He said that should be the nation’s aspiration at the opening of the inaugural Silicon Malaysia Conference 2025 (SMC 2025), held concurrently with the AUTOMEX Penang 2025 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Relau today.
Themed ‘Made By Malaysia’, the conference has brought together the brightest minds from across Malaysia and beyond — leaders, innovators, and partners united by one mission: to shape the future of the nation’s semiconductor and electronics industry.
“Our theme this year is not just a slogan, but a statement of intent. It reflects our purpose, capability, and ambition to lead, not only in what we manufacture, but in what we can design, develop, and imagine. In short, we aim to be a nation that not only builds technology but creates it,” Wong told attendees.
He added that MSIA was proud to partner with Informa Markets, organiser of AUTOMEX Penang 2025, as its strategic partner to create a platform “where technology meets talent, where ideas meet execution, and where partnerships take shape.”
Wong noted that global supply chains are being rapidly reshaped by geopolitical tensions, reciprocal tariffs, global conflicts, and the swift emergence of new technologies. At the same time, automation, digitalisation, and advanced manufacturing are redefining how value is created across the industry.
To remain competitive, he said Malaysia must evolve in tandem with these changes and establish a regional Brainport for semiconductors, encompassing IC design, advanced packaging, equipment innovation, and artificial intelligence.
He urged the industry to move from cost management to value creation, to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and academia, and to build local champions capable of competing globally — and to do so with speed, scale, and sustainability.
“Because when history looks back at this decade, let it say that this was the moment Malaysia dared to lead — not because we were the biggest or the most experienced, but because we were the boldest. The moment we decided that our ideas, innovation, and people would power the world’s technologies,” Wong said.
“May many Malaysian companies rise to this challenge and emerge as global innovators, proudly driven by Malaysians.”
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo; Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia; J. Philip Vincent, Special Adviser to Jagdeep; Andrew Chan, Executive Director of MSIA; Faz Adnan, Senior Manager of MSIA; Tyreal Tai, Sales Director of Monitor ERP; Ng Kok Tiong, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director of Infineon; and many industry leaders and guests.
Jagdeep, who was the guest of honour, commended Informa Markets Malaysia and MSIA for their foresight in bringing the two landmark events together to Penang. He said the events aligned perfectly with the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) — both of which aim to position Malaysia as a global hub for high-value, high-technology industries.
He noted that although Penang is Malaysia’s second smallest state, it contributes nearly 30 percent of the nation’s total E&E exports and is home to over 350 multinational corporations and thousands of SMEs.
“In the first half of this year alone, Penang recorded RM12.5 billion in approved manufacturing investments — a 150 percent increase from the same period last year. This is clear proof of Penang’s strength and Malaysia’s growing reputation as a destination for advanced manufacturing,” Jagdeep said.
To ensure that growth remains sustainable and inclusive, he said Penang is expanding Batu Kawan Industrial Park 2, developing new green-tech zones, and investing in resilient water, energy, and digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity and smart manufacturing support systems.
“Today’s events are very important. The Penang government will remain a committed partner in supporting investment, R&D, and innovation, ensuring Penang continues to be the nucleus of Malaysia’s manufacturing excellence,” Jagdeep said.
Leeuwenburgh said Informa Markets was extremely proud to partner with MSIA to co-host the Silicon Malaysia Conference. The collaboration bridges two of Malaysia’s most dynamic sectors — automation and semiconductors — creating opportunities for innovation and growth that will drive the nation’s competitiveness well into the future.
“If there is one place that captures what AUTOMEX stands for — progress, partnership, and possibility — it’s right here in Penang. And it is only fitting that AUTOMEX Penang and SMC 2025 are held here, where world-class companies are investing in automation facilities, R&D centres, and innovation hubs,” Leeuwenburgh said.
He highlighted that AUTOMEX, alongside its long-time companion METALTECH, has for the past 14 years showcased the best in automation, robotics, and precision engineering.
Leeuwenburgh also thanked the Penang state government, MSIA, and other partners for their support in hosting the events, while acknowledging the contribution of the Malaysian Automation Technology Association (Mata) as a driving force behind the nation’s automation movement, and Monitor ERP as the events’ platinum sponsor.
He expressed hope that the next three days of the conference would be filled with meaningful discussions, exciting discoveries, and new collaborations to shape Malaysia’s manufacturing future.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian