PENANG continues to reinforce its position as a regional semiconductor powerhouse with the official opening of MKS Inc’s Super Center Factory at Bandar Cassia Technology Park, underscoring growing international confidence in Malaysia’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who flew into Penang at 3.30am from Turkmenistan following a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, officiated the opening ceremony together with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin, MKS Inc president and chief executive officer John T.C. Lee, Charge d’Affaires at US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur David ‘Chip’ Gamble, Malaysian Investment Development Authority deputy CEO Zuaida Abullah and MKS executive vice-president and CEO James A. Schreiner.
Other distinguished guests present included Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik, InvestPenang CEO Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Mida Penang director Muhd Ghaddaffi Sardar.
In his address, Chow said the new facility represents a significant milestone in Penang’s continued evolution as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation.
Spanning 350,000 square feet on a 17-acre site, the Super Center Factory, its biggest since MKS was founded in 1961 and listed on NASQAD, is designed to support rising global demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Today, MKS technologies support more than 85 per cent of the world’s wafer fabrication equipment applications and more than 70 per cent of the key steps in package substrate and PCB manufacturing.
With an investment exceeding RM400 million, the facility is expected to create more than 1,000 high-value jobs upon completion of all phases.
Chow said the project reflects Penang’s strong industrial fundamentals, including its skilled workforce, mature supply chain ecosystem, and established infrastructure supporting high-tech industries.
The Chief Minister highlighted Penang’s continued economic strength, noting that the state secured RM4.9 billion in approved manufacturing investments in the first quarter of 2026, with 70 per cent comprising foreign direct investment.
He added that the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) and machinery sectors contributed RM3.6 billion, accounting for 74 per cent of total approved investments.
On trade performance, he said Penang remained Malaysia’s top exporting state in 2025, contributing 38.1 per cent of national exports, valued at approximately RM610 billion, driven largely by integrated circuits and other E&E products.
Chow said the state government, through InvestPenang, continues to enhance its value proposition in alignment with the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), with a focus on IC design, advanced packaging, and equipment manufacturing.
He highlighted key initiatives including the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ (PSD@5KM+) ecosystem, a Bayan Lepas-based IC design cluster launched with federal support. The initiative, backed by an RM50 million matching grant, has already produced early successes, including local semiconductor firms such as Silicon X and SkyeChip.
He also noted SkyeChip’s recent listing on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market and its strong debut performance as evidence of growing investor confidence in Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem.
In addition, Chow said the newly launched Penang ATE Campus, supported by a 10-acre land allocation via the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), will further strengthen automated test equipment capabilities and support local industry development. The state is also engaging federal partners to enhance training programmes and shared laboratory facilities.
Chow said MKS is well-positioned to contribute to Penang’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem and welcomed its participation in the ATE Campus initiative.
Chow further noted Malaysia’s recent rise to 15th place in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, describing it as a reflection of improved economic fundamentals and business conditions.
He said Penang has contributed to this achievement through policies aligned with the Penang2030 vision, focusing on efficient governance, a pro-business environment, talent development, and digital adoption.
“As Chief Minister of Penang, I would like to think that Penang has played a role in contributing to this achievement. Guided by the Penang2030 vision, we have focused on efficient governance, a pro-business environment, talent development, and digital adoption,” he said.
Reaffirming Penang’s long-term strategy, Chow said the state aims not only to attract strategic investments but also to enable local companies to integrate into global value chains while developing an AI-ready talent ecosystem.
“MKS’s presence aligns strongly with Penang’s aspiration to further strengthen our semiconductor ecosystem,” he said, adding that the state looks forward to a long-term partnership that will generate high-value opportunities and strengthen Malaysia’s technological advancement.
Anwar delivered good news when he announced that Turkmenistan, a major oil and gas development hub, and Malaysia had signed an agreement last night to entrust one of the world’s largest gas reserves to Malaysia and Petronas for management.
He said the development reflects strong international confidence in Malaysia, pointing to the country’s peace, unity, and the dedication of national companies such as Petronas, as well as the professionalism of its workforce and its commitment to national development.
“This should serve as an encouragement to all of us that vast opportunities are open if we remain attentive and ready. We must elevate our dignity through discipline, determination, and a positive commitment to nation-building,” he said.
Anwar added that the official opening of the MKS Super Centre Factory further reinforces Malaysia’s confidence, citing continued support from established international companies choosing to operate in the country, particularly in Penang.
“Congratulations to the Chief Minister and our friends in Penang. It shows why clarity in policy, efficiency in administration, cutting unnecessary bureaucratic rules, and remaining focused on what we need to do are important. We have shown that it can be done,” he said.
He also noted that while progress has been encouraging, there is always room for improvement. He encouraged MKS and other investors to continue providing feedback to the government, not only to facilitate but also to accelerate processes.
Meanwhile, John Lee said the company’s decision to establish the super centre factory in Penang was driven by the state’s vibrant semiconductor ecosystem, strategic proximity to customers and suppliers, strong infrastructure, and a highly skilled talent base.
“We are proud to contribute to Penang’s continued growth as a hub of technology excellence and to deepen our engagement in this dynamic region. This achievement would not have been possible without the strong leadership and forward-looking vision of Malaysia and the state of Penang,” he said.
He added that the facility represents more than just an expansion of operations, describing it as a symbol of innovation and shared progress.
“It will strengthen supply chain resilience, support local economic development, and create opportunities for cooperation with universities and institutions to develop future talent,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siew Chia En