Malaysia unveils six homegrown chips worth RM300m as it shifts from making to designing semiconductors

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia recently showcased six homegrown semiconductor innovations with a projected combined sales value of RM300 million. The government aims to transition the country from chip manufacturing to semiconductor design and ownership. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir highlighted that while the innovations demonstrated growing capabilities, further efforts were required to secure customers, meet industry standards, and transform designs into commercial products.

The six chips were developed by companies within the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park and cover applications such as artificial intelligence, automotive electronics, satellites, and autonomous drones. Notable innovations include SkyeChip's MARS1000, an edge-AI processor for cameras and robots; MaiStorage's aiDAPTIV+, storage solutions for AI PCs and servers; SiliconX's first homegrown FPGA; Infinecs' Maxwell, an automotive-grade power regulator; Weeroc Space's power controller chip for satellites; and Alphaswift's FC Mini flight controller for drones.

The government is investing in talent development and collaborations, such as with Arm Limited, to expand the semiconductor ecosystem and train 60,000 engineers through initiatives like the National Semiconductor Strategy and Arm On-Demand Training. The development of local chip-design capabilities relies on combining talent, technology, and capital, with state governments working together to amplify Malaysia's strengths as a nation.