By Danial Dzulkifly
PUCHONG, Aug 6 — The semiconductor industry will help Selangor achieve its goal of becoming a RM500 billion economy in the next three years, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He emphasised the state administration’s commitment to leveraging investment and support for establishing integrated circuit (IC) design companies in the state, further cementing Selangor’s position within the semiconductor supply chain.
Amirudin said this at the launch of Malaysia’s first IC Design Park at the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre here today.
“As we launch this ambitious project, Selangor does not aim to be a bit-part player in the semiconductor space. We must have a comparative advantage; we must move up the value chain.
“I intend to see semiconductors of the future with the label, ‘Made in Malaysia, Designed in Selangor’.
“This should be our aim. This is our rallying call. This is crucial if we want to make Selangor Malaysia’s first RM500 billion economy in the coming three years,” he said in his officiating speech.
Amirudin said Malaysia and Selangor are committed to boosting the semiconductor industry, with proper policies such as the National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to provide high-impact jobs to Malaysians.
“The plans and policies we have will help our country grow wealthier and more resilient. However, the state government cannot do it alone.
“We believe in a cooperative process with the federal government, and with you in the private sector, to turbocharge this path forward. Mutually beneficial partnerships are the way forward.”
[caption id="attachment_367130" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari (left) and Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli sign an officiation plaque at the launch of Malaysia’s first IC Design Park at the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre on August 6, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Amirudin called the IC Design Park only the beginning of the state’s push towards enhancing and empowering the semiconductor industry.
“The park will be equipped with common public service tools and facilities, including affordable electronic design automation tools, servers, IP, multiproject wafer services and training programmes.
“The park’s primary goal is to promote original design manufacturing, encouraging local involvement in product design, prototyping and production,” he explained.
He said the project is not just about infrastructure, but creating opportunities and driving growth, with the Malaysia Semiconductor Accelerator and Dana Penjana VC Fund as integral components of the strategy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Also present at the launch were Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, state executive councillor for trade, investment and mobility Ng Sze Han, and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping.
In May, Sidec announced that the IC Design Park will be expanded with the addition of two new floors, for a total of five. The size of the facility was also increased from under 4,200sqm to over 6,500sqm, in response to strong interest from both local and international companies.
The IC Design Park is expected to employ some 300 engineers, with starting salaries ranging from RM5,000 to RM7,000.
