A global provider of low-power artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, Syntiant Corp officially opened its new manufacturing and research and development (R&D) campus at the Perai Industrial Zone today, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion in Asia and underscoring Malaysia’s growing importance as a strategic hub for next-generation semiconductor and AI manufacturing.
The new campus more than doubles Syntiant’s footprint in Penang to approximately 220,000 square feet, boosting its annual production capacity to an estimated 1.6 billion units.
Designed as an integrated facility, the campus brings together manufacturing, engineering and AI research under one roof, supporting a workforce of up to 800 employees.
It is equipped with advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processing, integrated circuit (IC) preparation, as well as comprehensive testing and assembly capabilities.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, alongside Syntiant Corp chief executive officer and co-founder Kurt Busch.
In his address, Jagdeep congratulated Syntiant on achieving this important milestone and highlighted Penang’s long-standing strengths as an industrial and technology hub.
“Backed by over five decades of industrialisation, Penang has developed a comprehensive ecosystem that continues to inspire confidence among international investors to establish and expand their presence in the state.
“We are proud to welcome Syntiant’s new campus to Penang.
“This investment will contribute to the state’s technological expertise and further strengthen Penang’s position as a leading hub for advanced electronics and AI innovation, in line with our reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East,” said Jagdeep.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid described Syntiant’s expansion as a landmark investment that places Malaysia at the forefront of next-generation AI and advanced semiconductor innovation.
“By anchoring high-value activities such as embodied AI and MEMS processing locally, this facility enhances our technological capabilities, drives innovation-led growth and creates quality jobs for Malaysians.
“It is a strong vote of confidence by global investors in Malaysia’s talent, infrastructure and industrial ecosystem, and reinforces our mission to position the country as a preferred destination for advanced electronics and high-tech manufacturing,” he said.
Busch said the new Penang facility represents a major step forward for Syntiant’s presence in Asia.
“This is where we bring our DNA of delivering faster, safer and energy-efficient solutions across consumer, industrial and enterprise markets.
“By combining world-class manufacturing with cutting-edge AI research, we can accelerate innovation, better serve our customers and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s growing technology ecosystem,” Busch said.
Syntiant Malaysia general manager Ong Lay Pean added that the investment reflects the company’s strong confidence in Malaysia’s talent pool and innovation environment.
“This new facility positions us to translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that benefit consumers and industries around the world.
“With the support of MIDA and InvestPenang, Syntiant selected Penang as the ideal location to expand our manufacturing and R&D capabilities,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Penang Mida director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed and Khazanah Nasional Berhad Head of Americas Jason Goh.