CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow says Penang looks forward to strengthening its long-standing collaboration with Intel as the multinational’s new facility in Bayan Lepas nears completion.
Chow said the state has been closely tracking Intel’s progress in Penang over the past few years, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, and noted that the company’s latest project is “almost completed”.
“We understand that the development is progressing well and will be obtaining its Certificate of Completion soon,” he said after receiving a delegation from Intel Corporation, led by its CEO Lip-Bu Tan, together with senior members of his management team, during a courtesy visit at Komtar today.
On 1 December, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Intel Corporation had pledged an additional RM860 million (US$208 million) investment to strengthen its assembly and testing operations in Malaysia during his meeting with Malaysian-born Tan in Kuala Lumpur.
Chow added that the state is ready to provide any necessary support to ensure the smooth finalisation of the project.
“If there is anything the state can assist with, we are prepared to help. We look forward to seeing the facility completed, especially as it will be an important asset for the Bayan Lepas area,” he said.
Chow said Intel has long been an integral part of Penang’s industrial ecosystem and supply chain.
“Intel is part of Penang, and Penang has grown together with Intel. Their presence has helped us nurture and build a robust supply chain, earning us recognition as the Silicon Valley of the East,” he said.
Chow said the state administration is encouraged by Intel’s ongoing engagement and future plans in Penang.
“A year ago, we were keen to understand Intel’s vision for its next phase of investment in Penang. We appreciate the announcement made by the Prime Minister and the confidence shown in Penang,” he said.
Tan, who visited the facility earlier this year, highlighted the company’s deep historical ties with Malaysia, noting that Intel first established operations in Penang in 1972.
Tan said Intel continues to maintain a strong global position, with significant operations built up in Mexico and Malaysia, and Penang remaining a critical node.
“Advanced packaging is a critical part of the manufacturing supply chain, and Penang is very important to us. I have come to Penang many times over the years and will continue to do so,” he said.
He also noted that artificial intelligence would reshape industry and supply networks.
“AI is transforming everything. The whole supply chain will face its biggest challenges in the next two years,” he said.
Tan added that Intel remains heavily engaged with Malaysian universities, especially in engineering and data science programmes, to strengthen talent development and research collaboration.
“I take pride in the people we have picked up and developed here,” he said.
Among those present were InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and members of Intel’s delegation.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian