JOHOR BARU: Johor is eyeing a bigger role as a regional technology hub after the state government met with global firms such as Super Micro Computer, OpenAI and Brooks Automation in the United States recently.
The meeting was to secure investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-value industries.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who led the state’s delegation on a six-day visit, said they had the opportunity to meet with global companies that have invested and will be investing in Johor.
"These meetings are crucial as they strengthen Johor’s standing in sectors such as semiconductors, AI, green technology, scientific research and digital innovation.
"These investments are not only high in value but also bring quality job opportunities, technology transfer and collaboration prospects for local small and medium enterprises," he said in a Facebook post on Monday (Sept 29).
Silicon Valley-based global technology firm Super Micro Computer Inc, for example, has set up its Asia operations hub in Senai Airport City, including a world-class research and development (R&D) and innovation centre.
He said the delegation also met with Brooks Automation Inc, a leading semiconductor automation company investing RM100mil in Pasir Gudang, creating high-paying jobs and involving local vendors in its supply chain; and Pivotal Systems Corporation, a major supplier of gas flow control technology for the semiconductor industry, which plans to establish a regional R&D centre and AI-based automation facilities in Johor.
"We had a sit-down with Keysight Technologies, a global leader in electronic design and test solutions, currently exploring investment opportunities through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
"We also discussed strategic collaboration on applying AI to boost government service efficiency and state economic productivity through our meeting with OpenAI Inc," Onn Hafiz added.
Apart from that, the delegation met with Bruker Corporation, a scientific analysis and diagnostics company interested in expanding its operations to Johor, he said.
"The state is confident that the partnerships would further establish Johor as a prime destination for international investors and a regional technology hub.
"With these collaborations, the state is set to continue emerging as the top choice for international investors, and we hope these efforts will directly benefit the people of Johor and realise our vision of becoming a developed state by 2030," he added.
