On February 28, 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that ARM Holdings Plc is set to sign an investment agreement to establish a base in Malaysia next week. The investment reflects the country’s political stability and coherent policies. However, challenges concerning the supply of a professional workforce were emphasized as crucial for maximizing the opportunities presented by such foreign investments.
On February 28, 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that ARM Holdings Plc, a prominent semiconductor firm from the United Kingdom, is set to formalize an agreement to establish a base in Malaysia in the coming week. This announcement follows a recent online discussion between Anwar and ARM’s CEO, which also included Masayoshi Son, the CEO of the SoftBank Group Corp, a significant Japanese investment holding entity.
During an event at the Putrajaya Nasi Kandar Restaurant, Prime Minister Anwar expressed optimism about finalizing the agreement soon, stating, “Insya-Allah, we will finalize the agreement next week, and it will be signed.” He emphasized ARM’s excellent reputation in the semiconductor design and manufacturing landscape, acknowledging the company’s decision to choose Malaysia as its new base, saying, “ARM has chosen to base itself in Malaysia, Alhamdulillah.”
The Prime Minister underscored that such investment opportunities arise from Malaysia’s political stability and coherent policies. He further acknowledged the challenges that accompany this investment influx, particularly in the need for a substantial supply of young professionals. Anwar remarked, “This is a major test — can we provide tens of thousands of young professionals?”
ARM Holdings Plc, headquartered in Cambridge, England, specializes in semiconductor and software design, primarily focusing on CPU architecture that utilizes the ARM instruction set. The anticipated investment will not only bolster Malaysia’s economy but also test the nation’s capacity to cultivate a skilled workforce to meet the demands of such high-level industries.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that ARM Holdings Plc will sign an investment agreement to establish a base in Malaysia. This initiative reflects Malaysia’s attractive investment climate due to political stability and clear policies. However, it also highlights the pressing challenge of providing a competent workforce to support and sustain such developments, which is crucial for the country’s economic growth.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
