PENANG has taken a major step forward in enhancing its industrial and innovation capabilities with the launch of SIRIM QAS International’s state-of-the-art RF (Radio Frequency) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Testing Laboratory at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).
Launched this afternoon by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the facility is set to become a vital enabler for the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector and Malaysia’s broader manufacturing ecosystem.
The lab allows local manufacturers, particularly SMEs (small and medium enterprises), to meet global compliance standards without needing to outsource testing overseas. This development is expected to cut costs, accelerate certification, and sharpen market competitiveness.
“What you have launched today will be a strategic asset, not only to Penang but to the entire nation.
“This is not just about testing. It is about access, assurance, and advantage,” Chow said in his speech during the launching ceremony at PSDC today.
He shared candidly that he initially didn’t grasp the full importance of the facility until researching it himself.
“In an era where compliance and standards are gatekeepers to international trade, RF and EMC testing are critical.
“Without it, our products do not make it to market. And if we cannot test locally, we lose time and money, especially for SMEs,” he added.
Chow emphasised that for Penang, a state where E&E and semiconductors are economic powerhouses, the lab is a concrete step in bolstering its industrial ecosystem.
He also acknowledged the current global trade challenges, including proposed tariff hikes by the United States that may disadvantage Malaysian goods.
“Malaysia is not lagging in capability but we are being boxed out geopolitically.
“I commend the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) for its principled stand in not compromising our national sovereignty. But we must also explore all channels to negotiate better terms and protect our industries,” he added.
Touching on the broader developmental vision, Chow highlighted that Penang’s aspirations for “Penang 3.0” must be grounded in a robust “Penang 2.0” foundation, strong institutions, infrastructure, and talent.
“This SIRIM facility is Penang 2.0 in action.
“And Penang 3.0 must be built not just by the government or businesses but by our youth. We must empower them to lead in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation,” he said.
Also present at the event was Miti Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong, who underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing high-value, industry-led sectors that can withstand global geopolitical shifts.
“The world is moving from ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just-in-case’.
“That means building multiple, resilient regional supply chains.
“Malaysia and ASEAN must take this opportunity to build our multinationals, our intellectual property, and our tech giants,” Liew said.
Liew projected that within the next decade, Malaysia is poised to witness more than 100 homegrown companies crossing the RM1 billion revenue mark, with some even reaching USD1 billion in global earnings.
“We are not picking winners but we are building ecosystems.
“Our focus is on creating the conditions for large Malaysian tech companies to rise and become global players. This is the moment to rise to the occasion,” said Liew.
He also confirmed that negotiations with the United States regarding import tariffs are still ongoing, while Finance Ministry officials have recognised Penang’s achievements and hinted at a larger allocation in the upcoming national budget.
Today’s event also saw the soft launch of SIRIM’s Innovation Management System Certification, a milestone Chow described as a “major step forward”, not just in product compliance but in institutionalising how Malaysia innovates.
The launch was a collaborative effort involving SIRIM Berhad, SIRIM QAS International, MITI, and PSDC, with strong support from the Penang State Government.
Also present earlier were SIRIM QAS International chief executive officer Md Adha Rahmat and SIRIM Berhad president and group chief executive officer Datuk Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad
Video by Alissala Thian