Part 9/12:
Southeast Asia’s Strategic Role
Malaysia stands out as a key player in this new semiconductor landscape, benefiting from a 50-year advantage in manufacturing and attracting significant investments from giants like Intel and Infineon Technologies. The existing ecosystem around Penang and Kulim has become a magnet for high-tech companies seeking to diversify their supply chains amid US-China tensions. The Malaysian government actively encourages local participation and investment, aiming to ascend the value chain in high-end chip manufacturing and design. Though aware of the risks associated with high volatility in tech cycles, Malaysia’s strategic location and proactive policies position it as a rising semiconductor hub.