Anwar: Strong Global Partnerships Key To Malaysia’s Semiconductor, E&E Growth

CYBERJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and ASEAN can only achieve true success if regional trade and investment continue to strengthen, alongside greater focus on new areas such as digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said these efforts should also be supported by strong international ties, particularly with economic superpowers such as the United States (US) and China, to ensure that the nation’s electrical and electronic (E&E) as well as the semiconductor industries continue to thrive.

“Malaysia’s exports to the US are exponential. About 25 per cent of its E&E and semiconductor demand is met by Malaysia, valued at nearly RM200 billion, involving thousands of supply chains and tens of thousands of workers.

“At the same time, we uphold the ASEAN centrality policy, which is why we maintain close ties with China, given its potential for rapid industrial and technological growth,” he said at the launch of the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park 2.

The event was co-organised by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and the Selangor state government here today.

Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Anwar noted that as a trading nation, Malaysia must continue expanding its trade networks and exports to new markets.

“We must also strengthen our traditional trade and export networks. There is tremendous potential in Africa and Latin America, and we have started breaking new ground through ties with Brazil and South Africa — all of this is for the future,” he said.

Anwar also emphasised that political stability and efficient policy execution are the two key pillars for the success of Malaysia’s semiconductor strategy.

“Our political system must remain stable. Equally important is having a clear plan -- whether through an industrial roadmap or a defined semiconductor strategy -- to outline the country’s next steps.

“We should be grateful because not many countries receive the level of attention we are getting now. These are opportunities, and when they come, our responsibility is to respond with clear policies and fast, efficient implementation,” he said.

He noted that one of the main challenges facing the nation is ensuring effective policy execution while avoiding a ‘culture of complacency’ that could hamper progress.

“Our country is peaceful, the economy is resilient, and conditions are fairly good — but that’s what we call the culture of contentment or complacency. This is our challenge.

“I see the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Selangor state government have been successful in attracting investors, researchers and participants, proving that we are on the right track,” he said.

On semiconductor investments, Anwar said Malaysia has the capacity to provide sufficient infrastructure and competitive incentives to position the country as an attractive investment destination.

“At the same time, we must nurture a highly skilled workforce to safeguard national interests.

“We need a talent pool that is well-trained and equipped with up-to-date skills. The younger generation has the capacity to adapt and excel in this field,” he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that the semiconductor ecosystem should be viewed holistically, focusing on clear policies, efficient implementation and homegrown innovation.

“If we want this semiconductor agenda to succeed, the ecosystem must be strong. Malaysia is a trading nation, so we must open wider avenues for investment.

“We’ve reached the point where we need to enhance our economic value-added -- not merely producing basic goods like textiles or assembling for others, but creating our own.

“This forms the foundation of our digital and AI transformation policy, because innovation and creativity must become the pillars of our economy,” he said.

-- BERNAMA