Melaka is strengthening its role in Malaysia’s semiconductor industry through greater collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders and financial institutions.
The move was highlighted during the MSIA Dialogue & Networking Session with the Chief Minister of Melaka on 16 July 2026.
The session was jointly organised by the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Invest Melaka Berhad, Infineon Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and Maybank.
Held at Hatten Hotel, Melaka, the event gathered nearly 150 participants. These included industry leaders, policymakers, government agencies, financial institutions and ecosystem partners.
Together, they discussed investment opportunities, industry competitiveness and the future direction of Malaysia’s semiconductor sector.
Building a Future-Ready Semiconductor Hub
The dialogue was themed “Transforming Melaka into a Future-Ready Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Hub: Driving Talent, Sustainability and Industrial Excellence.”
During the session, participants explored ways to strengthen Melaka’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Melaka has more than 50 years of semiconductor industry experience. As a result, the state has developed a strong foundation in electrical and electronics (E&E) manufacturing.
Moving forward, Melaka aims to expand this foundation through the Melaka Semiconductor Strategic Plan 2026–2035.
The plan supports Malaysia’s wider National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). It focuses on several key areas:
- Improving semiconductor industry capabilities
- Strengthening supply chain resilience
- Attracting high-value investments
- Developing skilled talent
- Expanding advanced manufacturing activities
Through these initiatives, Melaka aims to become a more competitive semiconductor hub in the region.
Attracting High-Value Semiconductor Investments
MIDA CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid highlighted Melaka’s strong industrial ecosystem.
He said the state has the infrastructure, workforce and supplier network needed to attract future semiconductor investments.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) sector continues to drive investment growth.
The industry recorded RM6.0 billion in approved investments during the first quarter of 2026. This was the highest amount among all manufacturing industries.
Therefore, strengthening collaboration between the government, industry and financial sector will be essential.
According to MIDA, these partnerships can help companies expand supply chains, adopt new technologies and move into higher-value activities.
The agency’s New Incentive Framework (NIF) also supports investments that develop talent, strengthen local businesses and create long-term economic benefits.
Strengthening Melaka’s Industrial Ecosystem
Invest Melaka Berhad CEO Datuk Ginie Lim Siew Lin said the state continues to engage with industry players.
Through these discussions, Melaka gains insights into changing investment needs and business requirements.
She added that the state’s semiconductor strength was built through decades of industrial development and investor confidence.
Moving ahead, Melaka aims to connect new opportunities with the right capabilities and partnerships.
Similarly, MSIA President Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai stressed that semiconductor competitiveness depends on more than manufacturing capacity.
He said Malaysia must strengthen its overall semiconductor ecosystem.
This includes developing talent, encouraging innovation and supporting local companies.
Supporting Semiconductor SMEs Through Financing
Financial support will also play an important role in growing Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Maybank Managing Director of New Economy & Group Global Banking Sustainability, Ranita Abdullah, said the bank remains committed to supporting high-tech industries.
She highlighted the importance of helping multinational companies and Malaysian SMEs strengthen their operations.
Additionally, Maybank aims to support sustainability and digital transformation efforts in Melaka.
This aligns with the bank’s ROAR30 strategy, which targets RM300 billion in sustainable finance and RM100 billion for the New Economy across ASEAN.
Industry Leaders Share Growth Strategies
The dialogue also featured a panel discussion involving representatives from industry, government and finance.
During the session:
- Tay Kheng Chiong, Group Managing Director & CEO of Dominant Opto Technologies Sdn. Bhd., discussed the growth opportunities for Malaysian semiconductor SMEs.
- Derrick Tanggapan, Director of MIDA Melaka, shared how local companies can access higher-value opportunities through partnerships and investments.
- Zulfadhli Bin Marjo, Head of Islamic Transaction Banking Solutions & Innovation at Maybank Islamic Berhad, highlighted financing solutions for automation, technology adoption and talent development.
Melaka’s Role in Malaysia’s Semiconductor Future
The MSIA Dialogue & Networking Session highlighted Melaka’s commitment to becoming a future-ready semiconductor hub.
Through stronger cooperation between government, industry and financial institutions, the state aims to improve supply chains, encourage innovation and attract quality investments.
Ultimately, Melaka’s focus on talent, technology and advanced manufacturing will support Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry.
