MONOLITHIC Power Systems (MPS) has officially opened its new engineering facility in Penang, marking a strategic expansion into Southeast Asia and reinforcing the state’s standing as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at GBS TechSpace in Bayan Lepas, MPS Test Engineering and Southeast Asia Operations senior director Rudy Richter said the decision to establish the company’s next engineering hub in Penang followed extensive evaluation across the region.
“Penang stood out for several reasons. It offers a mature semiconductor ecosystem, a strong pool of talent, well-developed infrastructure, and a stable, business-friendly environment,” he said.
Richter added that the presence of global technology leaders and an established supply chain network made Penang a natural extension for the company’s advanced engineering operations.
The new facility currently supports up to 60 engineers and is equipped with advanced laboratories, specialised infrastructure and collaborative workspaces to support sophisticated semiconductor development.
With optimisation, Richter said the centre could eventually expand to well over 100 engineers, with plans to grow to about 100 engineers within the next three to five years.
“Penang is not a short-term project for MPS. It is a long-term commitment. We are here to grow and we are here to stay,” he said.
He added that MPS would focus on building a strong core team before recruiting new graduates, who will undergo six to eight months of structured training both locally and internationally.
“Malaysia offers tremendous talent potential. We have already witnessed exceptional professionalism and capability here in Penang,” he said.
Richter also expressed appreciation to InvestPenang for its support throughout the establishment process, noting that the agency played an important role in helping the company set up its operations.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow welcomed the company’s presence, describing the new facility as another vote of confidence in Penang’s industrial ecosystem.
“For us in Penang, occasions like this are always encouraging because they signal continued confidence in what we have built here over the years,” he said.
Founded in 1997 and listed on NASDAQ, MPS has grown into a globally established semiconductor company with more than 4,400 employees, over 4,000 products and revenue of about US$2.8 billion in 2025.
Chow said the company’s engineering-driven culture and strong focus on research and development aligned well with Penang’s ambition to strengthen its semiconductor and digital technology ecosystem.
The new office is located within the Penang IC Design and Digital Park at GBS TechSpace, which forms part of the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (PSD@5KM+) initiative aimed at building a strong and interconnected IC design ecosystem in Bayan Lepas.
Chow noted that Penang continues to punch above its weight in attracting high-value investments despite being Malaysia’s second-smallest state.
In 2025, the state recorded 745 approved private investment projects valued at RM32.9 billion, including RM18.1 billion in foreign investments and RM14.7 billion in domestic investments.
“These figures place Penang firmly among the leading destinations for high-value investments in Malaysia and reflect the continued trust global companies have in our ecosystem,” he said.
He added that the presence of companies such as MPS complements the state’s broader plans to expand semiconductor design, advanced engineering and talent development in line with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy.
Also present at the event were InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, MPS Global Operations executive vice-president Deming Xiao and MPS Chengdu general manager and vice-president of Product Engineering Leo Wang.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En