The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), via its minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, has recently engaged in discussions with Intel, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its footprint in Malaysia. The meeting signals continued confidence in the country’s semiconductor ecosystem, which has played a key role in the tech giant‘s global operations since it first set up in Penang in 1972.
On his official social media accounts, Zafrul said Intel’s investment in Malaysia has reached RM50 billion to date, supporting over 12,300 local jobs. He highlighted that the discussion focused on its reinvestment plans and further expansion, underlining the country’s role as one of the tech giant’s key investment destinations outside of the US.
The minister added that the Malaysian government, through MITI and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), remains committed to supporting Intel’s growth. This commitment aligns with national frameworks such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), both aimed at developing a resilient and advanced industrial ecosystem.
In a separate update, Zafrul also revealed that a US-based manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, Vishay Intertechnology, is looking to expand its operations in Malaysia. The company already operates a facility in Melaka, and its planned expansion would contribute to the country’s growing base of high-tech semiconductor facilities.
For the uninitiated, Vishay Intertechnology was founded in 1962 and headquartered in Pennsylvania, known for producing a wide range of electronic components used in industrial, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military and aerospace applications. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers in its field, supplying components that are essential to modern electronics and power management systems.
