KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Semiconductor Accelerator and IC Design Park: Selangor Hub, an initiative of the Selangor government through its digital economy arm, is expected to bring in economic returns of RM500 million to RM1 billion.
Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC) Chief Executive Officer Yong Kai Ping said the integrated circuit (IC) hub in Puchong, Selangor is expected to begin operations and contribute to the state’s economic growth in July.
He added that the state-of-the-art facility – developed in collaboration with the Federal Government – will open up professional career opportunities especially in the engineering field with attractive wage offers.
Yong was speaking to reporters after signing a letter of intent with four strategic partners, namely Softbank subsidiary ARM Ltd, Phison Malaysia (MaiStorage), SkyeChin Sdn Bhd and the Shenzen Semiconductor Industry Association.
The collaboration with these influential entities is aimed at leveraging global expertise and resources to boost local capabilities in semiconductor design.
“Within the first year of operations, we expect more than 300 IC design engineers will be employed and the number will increase in the following year,” he said.
The IC Design Park, located in a 45,000 sq ft building initially, will be expanded up to 60,000 sq ft later to accommodate industry needs, Yong said.
“From 3-storey, we will expand the building to 6 storeys. We have already received strong demand from international investors,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Selangor Investment, trade and Mobility Committee Chairman Ng Sze Han expressed his hope for the hub to be the largest IC design park in Southeast Asia.
“It is an excellent initiative as it will create job opportunities, even in support sectors like logistics as well as the food and beverage sector,” he added.
The primary goal of the park is to promote original design manufacturing, encouraging local involvement in product design, prototyping and production – shifting from “Made in Malaysia” to “Made by Malaysia”.
— BERNAMA
