KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is strengthening its semiconductor ecosystem amid geopolitical uncertainties, with semiconductors now increasingly viewed as a matter of national interest.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said that the global environment is rapidly evolving, with value increasingly concentrated at the front-end of the supply chain rather than back-end activities.
“Countries that build strength in these areas will not only capture greater value, but also shape the future of industry.
“That is why moving further up the value chain is no longer optional; it is central to Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness, resilience, and economic relevance in this sector,” he said in his speech at the SemiconStart Malaysia pre-launch ceremony held at the World Trade Centre here yesterday.
In addition, he said that the National Semiconductor Strategy or NSS, reinforced by Budget 2026, showed that the country is taking deliberate steps to strengthen its position in higher-value segments of the ecosystem, including integrated circuit or IC design, advanced packaging and other upstream capabilities for long-term competitiveness.
“This reflects a national commitment, not only to participate in the semiconductor industry, but also to build impactful capabilities in the areas that will shape its future.
“However, policy alone is not sufficient. What matters is execution, whether we can translate intent into real companies, real technologies and real capabilities,” he said.
Hence, Mohammad Yusof said SemiconStart Malaysia represents a structured and deliberate effort to build something Malaysia has long needed – a consistent and credible pipeline of semiconductor ventures.
“This is not just about supporting startups, it is about building Malaysia’s capability to develop semiconductor technologies at the highest level.
“It is about building companies that can develop technology, generate intellectual property, create high-value talent and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s long-term industrial strength,” he said.
The programme is implemented by Malaysian Technology Development Corp in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK via a 260-day incubation track, providing participating companies with access to grants of up to RM1mil per firm. — Bernama
