Malaysia will invest US$250 million over ten years through a partnership with Arm Holdings to foster an AI and semiconductor ecosystem. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will announce the initiative, aiming to create Malaysia’s first local chip and enable local enterprises to access significant technology resources. The collaboration reflects global investor confidence in Malaysia’s tech policies and is expected to boost local skills and industry competitiveness.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) — Malaysia is set to invest US$250 million over the next decade through a strategic partnership with Arm Holdings Plc, aimed at developing a new ecosystem in artificial intelligence (AI) and the semiconductor industry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to formally announce this collaboration today.
This initiative will facilitate the establishment of Malaysia’s first local chip, providing a platform for Malaysian enterprises to access Arm Holdings’ extensive intellectual property (IP) network, alongside technology transfer and know-how. The goal is ambitious, with plans to foster up to 10 chip companies that could generate an annual revenue of US$20 billion.
Currently, Malaysia is recognized as a critical hub for chip testing and packaging; however, it has not significantly engaged in chip design to date. Arm Holdings boasts an impressive portfolio, with 6,800 patents granted and an additional 2,700 applications pending, along with the sale of over 300 billion Arm-based chips globally.
Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, senior press secretary to the Prime Minister, confirmed that this collaboration marks a significant milestone for Malaysia in the global technology landscape, potentially transforming its AI and semiconductor sectors. He emphasized that Malaysia will be the first Southeast Asian nation to host an Arm office.
The Prime Minister perceives this partnership as a strategic advancement for Malaysia’s technology ecosystem, positioning the nation as a prominent player in the global tech arena. This collaboration offers Malaysia the opportunity to become Arm’s first technology ecosystem partner, thereby establishing it as a pivotal hub within ASEAN.
The MADANI Government initiative is being executed by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Economy. It aims to empower Malaysian companies with advanced semiconductor technology, while simultaneously developing a skilled workforce locally.
This strategic collaboration is expected to accelerate the growth of a highly skilled workforce, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the national technology industry. It also reflects global investors’ confidence in the MADANI Government’s policies and commitment to fostering high-value partnerships with Malaysia.
In conclusion, Malaysia’s US$250 million investment with Arm Holdings is poised to establish a transformative AI and semiconductor ecosystem within the country. This collaboration aims to enhance local expertise and forge a robust technological landscape, positioning Malaysia as a leader in the ASEAN region. With ambitious plans for growth and development in the semiconductor industry, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to attract global investment and support local innovation.
Original Source: www.bernama.com
