Orchestra 
DIGITAL WORLD
BRICS+ Media Centre 
MODERN RUSSIAN 
15.07.2617:00 
15.07.2616:30 
Malaysia launches advanced semiconductor packaging push to climb global value chain
New national consortium aims to build domestic high-end chip packaging capability within two years
Malaysia has launched an ambitious national initiative to develop domestic capability in advanced semiconductor packaging within the next two years, marking a strategic move to move further up the global chip value chain, as reported by BERNAMA, a partner of TV BRICS.
The initiative is being driven through the establishment of the Malaysia Advanced Packaging Consortium (MAPC), a coordinated national framework bringing together government support and industry expertise under a “whole-of-nation” approach to strengthen the country’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.
Officials confirmed that the programme is supported by a combined investment of approximately US$39 million. The consortium brings together five domestic technology and engineering firms, each contributing specialised capabilities across semiconductor design, automation, instrumentation and advanced manufacturing processes.
According to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, the primary goal is to transition Malaysia beyond its traditional role in outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing and develop its own advanced packaging expertise – a critical segment in modern chip production.
He noted that advanced packaging is a highly specialised field currently dominated by only a small number of countries, and successful development would significantly enhance Malaysia’s technological sovereignty while generating new economic opportunities, investment inflows and skilled employment.
The government expects the initiative to strengthen the domestic semiconductor ecosystem, retain local talent and support long-term industrial upgrading. If successful, the project could also enable Malaysia to retain greater intellectual property ownership within its technology sector.
Officials emphasised that semiconductor development is a key pillar under the country’s broader national development strategy, with increasing focus on research and development alongside physical infrastructure investment.
Industry representatives highlighted that Malaysia already ranks among the world’s leading semiconductor exporters, but its packaging technologies have remained largely unchanged for decades. The new initiative aims to modernise this segment and position the country as a regional hub for high-value chip packaging, testing and export activities.
Malaysia’s commitment is part of a broader trend among BRICS member states and partners, which have also been increasing investment, launching initiatives and strengthening national capabilities in the fields of semiconductors and advanced technologies.
In India, efforts to develop the semiconductor industry have also made progress in training a skilled workforce. In just four years, the country has achieved its national target of training 85,000 semiconductor design engineers, a goal initially set to take a decade. According to the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS, the government has introduced advanced chip design automation tools in over 300 universities and set up testing laboratories that offer students practical experience across different stages of the value chain, from design to validation.
Vietnam has also announced the creation of a national industry covering the entire semiconductor value chain. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty, expand its self-sufficiency in the sector, and increase its participation in global digital supply chains. The information was released by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.
In Brazil, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has entered into a global partnership to boost microelectronics applied to the semiconductor sector. The initiative focuses on professional training, strengthening technological entrepreneurship and advancing research in the field. The strategy includes human resources training, encouraging the creation of technology-based start-ups, and developing joint innovation projects.
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