THE 27th edition of the prestigious SEMICON Southeast Asia (SEA) 2022 is opening its doors for three days of regional industry engagement, spotlighting critical issues including sustainability and supply chain resilience.
Returning to Penang for the first time in three years due to Covid-19, the event will connect semiconductor manufacturing equipment companies, private and public partners, and other key industry stakeholders to explore new collaboration and growth opportunities.
It is the region’s premier event for the global electronics manufacturing and design supply chain.
SEMICON SEA 2022 is now being held at the Setia SPICE Arena and Convention Centre from June 21 to 23.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the theme for this year, ‘Forward as One – Building A Resilient and Sustainable Electronics Supply Chain in Southeast Asia’, was paramount in addressing the current agendas that were pertinent to the industry players, while aptly setting the tone for all visitors to exchange ideas and to connect.
“I am hopeful that SEMICON SEA 2022 can ignite the creation of innovative technologies and effective solutions, inspiring all stakeholders to forge ahead in this new and exciting era.
“We are honoured to host SEMICON SEA 2022, a return after our previous hosting from 2015 to 2017,” he said in his opening address at Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.
Chow said as the economic powerhouse of Malaysia, Penang has been making a name for itself, especially in the global electrical and electronics (E&E) sector.
“Despite being the second smallest state in Malaysia, Penang commanded over 5% of the global semiconductor sales and made up about 60% of the country’s E&E exports.
“The state is also known as a key regional hub for front-to-back-end equipment manufacturing, serving the needs of the E&E enterprise along the value chain.
“Penang’s well-developed E&E ecosystem not only enables the state to move up the value chain but also opens up countless opportunities in other areas.
“In this regard, Penang has become a hub for the medical device industry in this region, having the highest concentration of medical technology companies in Malaysia and SEA,” he said.
Chow added that Penang’s world-class industrial parks equipped with excellent amenities have strengthened the state’s position as a strategic site for companies with a stake in advanced manufacturing, R&D and knowledge-intensive Industry 4.0 operations.
“This, coupled with the state’s strong emphasis on sustainability, has rendered us the capacities and capabilities to support the needs of industrial players’ next-generation technologies and growth strategies.
“We are proud to be home to over 350 multinational companies and 4,000 SMEs.
“The strong linkages of the MNCs with our domestic economy has created numerous supply chain localisation opportunities for our homegrown players.
“I understand that there are exclusive tours to selected factories in Batu Kawan, on the mainland of Penang, as part of the agenda in SEMICON SEA 2022. For those who are visiting, do check out what the state has to offer,” Chow said.
Chow said that the vibrant industry in Penang was not an overnight occurrence or by chance, but a culmination of strategic planning and execution.
“To remain competitive in the global arena, the Penang government pledged to be the leader, the enabler, and the propeller by offering a competent platform for players across different industries to participate and more importantly, to thrive.
“We acknowledge that incorporating tripartite public-private-people partnership is crucial in paving the way to becoming a high-income economy and creating quality jobs.
“On this note, I wish to assure all investors that the state government, through InvestPenang, Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and other relevant state machinery, is committed to providing unwavering support to our investors.
“Feel free to approach the teams from InvestPenang and PDC at their respective booths for investment enquiry over these three days,” he said.
SEMI Global president and chief executive officer Ajit Manocha said the SEMICON SEA 2022 underscored the significance of the E&E industry in Malaysia and the SEA region.
“SEMICON SEA 2022 will drive the conversation in this space, while also discussing the importance of sustainability and building stronger supply chains.
“This milestone highlights both the ongoing innovation and tremendous resilience of the local industry, which has withstood unprecedented challenges these past couple of years due to Covid-19 and the geopolitical issues,” he said.
In addition, Ajit spoke about SEMI’s role in strengthening the global microelectronics supply chain and an update on the industry.
Another speaker, Micron corporate vice-president Amarjit Sandhu, also delivered his speech at the opening ceremony.
Also present were Ministry of International Trade and Industry (industrial development division) senior director Datuk Hanafi Sakri, and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) chief executive officer Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman.
Others include Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, who is the special investment adviser to the Chief Minister, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and SEMI SEA president Linda Tan.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis