Semiconductor Industry Issues Will Be In Focus During Trump's Attendance At The ASEAN Summit

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Semiconductor industry issues are expected to be given major focus in conjunction with the presence of United States (US) President Donald Trump at the 47th ASEAN Summit here.

Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) deputy secretary general (trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa said investigation under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962 is currently conducted in the semiconductor industry where the justification for the imposition of the tariff is related to US economic security.

Mastura, who is also Malaysia's chief negotiator for the formal tariff negotiations with the US, said ASEAN will highlight that the semiconductor industry in the region is strong, stable and reliable, as well as truly supporting the global supply chain.

“There are several parts of the chain where ASEAN countries are major producers. At the same time, the region also has important sources of raw materials for the semiconductor industry, including critical minerals.

“So, it is also a source of supply needed by most countries in the semiconductor industry,” she said during Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled “Trump to KL: Among Principles, Influence and Prospects”, hosted by Wan Syahrina Wan Ab Rahman on Friday.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Sunday to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Mastura said that through the meeting between Trump and other ASEAN leaders, ASEAN can show the US that the region is neutral.

This is because, if there is a trade war between the US and any country that affects supplies, the US can still obtain those supplies from ASEAN countries that are open and neutral.

On digital technology, she said the US is very concerned about the security of its technology and does not want it to fall into the hands of untrustworthy parties.

So, with Trump's presence in Malaysia, ASEAN will show that the region practises trustworthy and secure trade, in addition to ensuring security of technology from the countries where the technology is sourced is guaranteed, said Mastura.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) senior manager Nur Fazrin Fatihah Adnan said Malaysia is ready to play an important role as a neutral and trustworthy hub.

“With Trump's presence in Malaysia this time, the efforts that will be carried out bilaterally are to enhance the level of bilateral relations or the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“When we (Malaysia) succeed in gaining the trust of the US, it proves that all activities carried out in this country will not affect their economic security and trade,” Nur Fazrin who was also a guest on the Ruang Bicara programme said.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held from Oct 26 to 28 under the ASEAN Malaysia chairmanship 2025 with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability".

The event will be one of the largest gatherings in the bloc's history, serving as an important platform to foster deeper cooperation and address regional and global challenges in an integrated and inclusive manner.

More than 30 heads of state and government, including ASEAN leaders and key dialogue partners such as the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, are expected to attend.

This is the fifth time Malaysia has held the ASEAN chair since 1967, after 2015, 2005, 1997 and 1977.

-- BERNAMA