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PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described Malaysia’s strategic partnership with ARM Holdings PLC as the beginning of a "second semiconductor wave," a transformative milestone that signifies a significant shift in the nation's approach to semiconductors and technology.
This partnership, he explained, will pave the way for a bold new future in Malaysia's tech industry.
Speaking at the Strategic Collaboration in Semiconductor Industry event today, Anwar said: “We have conceived one of the most ambitious technological plans Malaysia has ever seen: to pioneer 'Made by Malaysia' AI chips.
“These chips will be designed, manufactured, tested, and assembled right here in Malaysia, and sold to the rest of the world.”
“The first objective of the partnership is to establish comprehensive training programs aimed at developing 10,000 integrated circuit (IC) design engineers. This effort will create a strong talent pipeline to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor industry,” Anwar explained.
The second feature of the partnership is providing selected Malaysian companies with exclusive access to ARM's advanced technology and intellectual property (IP) portfolio.
“This access will enable local firms to leverage some of the most innovative and sophisticated semiconductor design tools available globally,” he said, adding, the collaboration seeks to promote the development of locally designed semiconductor products, contributing to Malaysia’s long-term goal of becoming a global leader in advanced chip production.
“The partnership with ARM is not just about technology,” Anwar said. “Beyond offering state-of-the-art technologies across all parts of semiconductor design, ARM is also setting up its first ASEAN office in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to expand its outreach to markets in ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand.”
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the trust that ARM’s senior management has shown in Malaysia, recognizing the collaboration as a key factor in advancing the country’s technological landscape.
“I am thankful for the trust that the ARM senior management has placed in our country,” he said., before stressing, the partnership was the result of a concerted cross-ministerial effort involving the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), the Economic Ministry, and the Finance Ministry.
The collaboration is a critical part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to boost its semiconductor industry, positioning the country as a key player in the global technology market.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of involving every aspect of Malaysia’s national infrastructure—government agencies, universities, research centers, and industries—in supporting the country’s semiconductor ambitions.
“We must ensure that the younger generation is properly trained, equipped with the right qualifications and skills, so they can benefit from the growth of giant semiconductor companies like ARM,” he said. - March 5, 2025