“Malaysia launches Southeast Asia’s first Advanced Chip Testing Centre and IC Design Park 2 in Cyberjaya to boost local chip design, testing, and talent development — part of the nation’s semiconductor strategy.”
Cyberjaya, 07th November 2025, 10.00am – Malaysia has officially launched the Advanced Chip Testing Centre and Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park 2 (IC Park 2) at CoPlace 9, marking a major step in the nation’s effort to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor value chain.
The new facility is the first world-class chip testing centre in Southeast Asia, supporting Malaysia’s long-term vision to transition from contract manufacturing to local chip design, testing, and ownership.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, witnessed by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and spearheaded by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) under the state government’s digital economy strategy.
💡 Building Malaysia’s Semiconductor Future
The Advanced Chip Testing Centre comprises four core divisions:
- Advanced Chip Inspection, Test & Metrology Centre
- Advanced Chip Design, Emulation & Prototype Centre
- Advanced Chip Validation & Robotics Centre
- Advanced Chip Research & Training Centre
These divisions will work collaboratively to strengthen Malaysia’s semiconductor R&D, innovation, and workforce readiness.
International and local technology partners include Arm, Synopsys, AWS, Keysight, Ansys, Cadence, Sicada, QES, Tekmark, DF Automation, IIT Madras, and Shenzhen Xinhou Research Centre — forming a shared lab ecosystem at IC Park 2 to drive cross-border semiconductor innovation.
Cyberjaya, known as Malaysia’s “Silicon City,” will also host the Advanced Semiconductor Malaysia Academy (ASEM), aimed at producing 20,000 semiconductor engineers over the next decade. The event also celebrated the graduation of seven ASEM cohorts, representing hundreds of newly trained local talents.
💰 New Fund to Boost Local Startups
In conjunction with the launch, the Selangor state government unveiled the Selangor Semiconductor Fund, targeting over RM100 million in capital to invest in at least seven homegrown semiconductor startups beginning November 2025.
Additionally, the state introduced a Local Economy Development Policy requiring 30% local content in all new data centre investments — aligning with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy, New Industrial Master Plan 2030, and the National Energy Transition Roadmap.
🗣 Anwar: Malaysia Must Execute Faster
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that while Malaysia’s industrial transformation policies are in place, efficient execution remains the biggest challenge.
“Malaysia’s policies are clear, but the key challenge lies in fast and efficient execution across ministries and agencies,” he said.
“We’ve inherited a system that sometimes fosters complacency — that’s what we must break.”
Anwar also hinted that IC Design Park 3 could soon be developed in Selangor, following the success of the first two phases.
🎓 Talent Development Key to Long-Term Growth
Touching on the nation’s talent strategy, Anwar stressed the importance of nurturing homegrown expertise rather than relying heavily on foreign talent.
“We can collaborate globally, but our strength must come from within,” he said.
He urged for continuous reskilling and upskilling initiatives, particularly among youth, to support Malaysia’s semiconductor and digital ambitions.
