Malaysia targets first ‘made by Malaysia’ chips using Arm Limited technology by 2030, says economy minister

PUTRAJAYA, August 21 — The Malaysian government has set a target of 2030 for the first "Made by Malaysia" chips to enter production, utilizing Arm Limited technology. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir announced that four companies have started designing chips using technology from British semiconductor company Arm Limited.

These companies are expected to complete their initial chip designs by 2028, following which they will transition into production and commercialization. The government aims not only for the chips to be designed locally but also produced and utilized in the semiconductor supply chain, contingent upon the companies' ability to secure customers for their products.

Eight Arm technology-access packages, including four Arm CSS and four Arm Flexible Access tokens, have been granted to five local companies under a strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Arm Limited. The initiative aims to accelerate integrated circuit design and research and development in Malaysia, particularly in areas like drones and advanced microelectronics.

The government seeks to ensure that the partnership generates benefits beyond chip design, such as local manufacturing and the development of highly skilled Malaysian engineers.