Latest news with #AseanSemiconductorSummit2025
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Landmark deal boosts Malaysia's semiconductor hub dream
Historic partnership: Zafrul, Syed Alwi, Anwar, Sim and Jaffri at the MoU Exchange Ceremony. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor hub received a boost as Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (Crest) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch the Engineering Talent for Semiconductor Industry (ETSI) Programme. Held in conjunction with the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025 and marking the first anniversary of the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), the MOU was signed by Crest chief executive officer Jaffri Ibrahim and HRD Corp chief executive officer Dr Syed Alwi Mohamed Sultan. The exchange was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. ETSI aims to upskill and reskill 15,000 tertiary students, graduates, workers and researchers to meet the growing demand of Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem. Led by Crest, the programme aligns with the NSS and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 by focusing on talent development across the semiconductor value chain. 'This is not just a partnership, but a national strategy in motion. 'By developing globally competitive engineers, Malaysia and Asean will be better positioned to capitalise on a sector projected to be worth US$2 trillion (RM8.46 trillion) by 2030,' said Tengku Zafrul. The ETSI programme forms part of a larger effort under the NSS, which targets training 60,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030. It also supports Malaysia's leadership in the Asean Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain (AFISS), an initiative to empower SMEs and the workforce with the skills, tools and financing needed to succeed in the high-value semiconductor sector. Sim said talent remains the driving force behind economic transformation. 'Through HRD Corp, we are implementing industry-driven, outcome-oriented training models. The race in semiconductors will be defined by the calibre of talent we nurture, not just infrastructure or investment,' he said. Sim noted that HRD Corp's training schemes, including claimable courses and employer-led initiatives, reduce the financial burden on companies. 'It's about building a sustainable talent pipeline where employers play a central role,' he added. The ETSI programme adopts a multi-pronged approach by enhancing employability through early technical exposure and curriculum alignment, boosting workforce skills and strengthening postgraduate R&D capacity. It is designed to create a resilient, innovation-ready workforce with technical depth and global outlook. 'Talent is the heartbeat of Malaysia's semiconductor ambition. Through ETSI and our Semiconductor Centre of Excellence, we are equipping engineers and researchers with cutting-edge tools and future-critical skills. 'We're building not just talent, but innovators and changemakers,' said Jaffri. The Semiconductor CoE, spearheaded by Crest, offers advanced training infrastructure to facilitate knowledge transfer and technology development, further cementing Malaysia's position in the global semiconductor value chain. Echoing the sentiment, Syed Alwi described the partnership as a strategic leap forward. 'Every technological advancement must be met with a talent leap. With initiatives like ETSI and the Industrial Skills Framework for Semiconductors, we are preparing Malaysia's workforce to lead in design, innovation and IP creation,' he said. ETSI exemplifies a whole-of- nation approach by uniting government, industry, academia and training institutions to build long-term competitiveness in semiconductors, deep tech and advanced manufacturing. As global demand surges, the Crest–HRD Corp collaboration is poised to help Malaysia deliver not only a future-ready workforce, but also homegrown innovation that will shape the next chapter of the global semiconductor industry.
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘Peace is the only option available'
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for peace and urged Thailand and Cambodia to de-escalate tensions following deadly clashes at their border that resulted in multiple casualties. As the current Asean Chair, he said Malaysia had conveyed its concerns to both nations and that he was scheduled to speak with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia yesterday. 'These two countries are members of Asean and are also close to Malaysia. The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully enter negotiations. 'Peace is the only option available,' Anwar said after attending the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025. The conflict flared up on Wednesday, with both nations accusing each other of initiating hostilities. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Cambodian military had attacked both civilian and military targets, including a hospital. Cambodia, meanwhile, accused Thai jets of bombing a road near the Preah Vihear temple and defended its actions as a response to 'armed aggression'. Tensions escalated after a landmine blast on Wednesday wounded five Thai soldiers, prompting both countries to downgrade diplomatic ties. Cambodia expelled the Thai ambassador, while Thailand had earlier done the same. Border disputes between the two countries have erupted periodically, with some of the most violent clashes occurring near historic temples like Preah Vihear. In 1962, the International Court of Justice recognised Cambodia's sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple area. Cambodia returned to the court in 2011, which led to a 2013 ruling reaffirming the decision, a continuing source of resentment in Thailand. Thailand's Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is currently acting Prime Minister following the suspension of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Cambodia is led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, who said that his country has always maintained a position of resolving problems peacefully. Asked whether Asean might mediate, Anwar said the bloc is focused on direct engagement with both governments. 'It's premature to suggest that trade will be affected, as both countries appear interested in resolving this amicably. Both nations also want to keep Asean engaged in the matter.'
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Shine a spotlight on our semiconductor makers'
Beacon of the region: Anwar (third from left) visiting booths at the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025, accompanied by Tengku Zafrul (second from left). — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysians must take pride in having not just 'Made in Malaysia' goods but also those that are 'Made by Malaysians' such as semiconductors, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'Our mindset must shift from just having 'Made in Malaysia' products to creating 'Made by Malaysian' products.' 'In terms of growing 10 semiconductor firms with revenue of more than US$1bil and 100 others with revenue less than RM1bil, I am proud to share that Malaysia now has at least 13 homegrown companies (across the semiconductor value chain) emerging as potential national champions. 'Less than 50 years from now, we want Malaysia to be able to look back at this moment as the tipping point when the country began grooming its very own Fortune 500 tech companies.' Malaysia is currently the world's sixth largest exporter of semiconductors. Anwar, who spoke at the closing of the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025 here yesterday, said investors are always welcome but Malaysia would be more strategic and prudent by choosing partners 'who strengthen our supply chains, transfer their knowledge and technologies, and deliver real value to Malaysians'. He also pointed out that the National Semiconductor Strategy launched last year has proven to be successful as Malaysia has secured more than RM63bil worth of investments for the industry as of March this year. This comprised RM58bil from foreign sources with the rest from domestic sources. 'Our established semiconductor ecosystem is well-poised to help us move beyond an FDI-first model and focus on building homegrown champions. 'We want long-term collaborators who grow with us. The most important target now is to deliver the 10+100. 'This means building 10 Malaysian semiconductor and supply chain companies with revenues between RM1bil and RM4.7bil, and nurturing at least 100 more to approach the RM1bil mark. 'These companies will not only export Malaysian products to the world, but also bring our knowledge, value creation and talent into Asean and the global markets. They will be our flag bearers abroad, rooted at home.' Anwar said more than 60,000 engineers would be created in a partnership between the Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and HRD Corp under the Human Resources Ministry with an allocation of RM1.2bil over five years. He also called on Asean countries to work as a community to address the shortage in skilled workers for the semiconductor industry. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said 'Made by Malaysia' is a vision that requires a whole-of-nation effort. 'Every RM1 spent triggers over RM2 in direct output across the economy – through supply chains, supporting sectors and household incomes. 'In total, the industry generated RM4.9 trillion in economic output last year, underscoring its role as a national multiplier,' he said. He also said Asean countries must move beyond fragmented efforts and instead embrace a collective 'race to the top,' leveraging each nation's unique strengths.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia targets ‘lowest possible' tariff deal
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains in active negotiations with the United States to secure the lowest possible tariff by the Aug 1 deadline, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Putrajaya is seeking to lower US tariffs to 20%. However, Tengku Zafrul told the media yesterday that '20% is definitely not the target' and that 'the direction is to get as low as possible', bearing in mind also that 10% is the floor. 'We have seen that Japan's tariffs are 15%. The updated news on the negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United States may also see the EU with 15% tariffs. We have also seen tariffs for Indonesia at 19%, Vietnam at 20% and the Philippines at 19%. 'So we know roughly, if we give certain concessions, what kind of tariffs we would get. If we give certain concessions, we might get 20% or 19%. If we give all (the concessions), we may get 10% because there is a floor,' he told the media on the sidelines of the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025. Tengku Zafrul said he is 'not confident' of securing a lower-than-20% tariff, stating 'I do not decide the numbers.' Further, he said that every country faces different challenges when it comes to what it can offer in the negotiations. 'We are not able to offer things that we do not have, or things we feel that may be judgmental to the Malaysian industry. 'However, I think we can get to a number which we feel is fair for both parties,' Tengku Zafrul said. Earlier this month, Malaysian exports to the US were slapped with a 25% tariff that is set to take effect on Aug 1. In the meantime, the government is in active negotiations with the US to lower the tariff. 'We have meetings every day with the United States. 'However, we must bear in mind that we are not the only country negotiating with the United States. Many other countries are also in talks with the United States, so I do not think they can engage with all parties at the same time. 'However, what is important to us is that we are going to finalise it, to see how both leaders discuss and agree on the final tariff rate,' Tengku Zafrul said. Currently, Tengku Zafrul said there were no discussions on the extension of the deadline. Meanwhile, Maria Monica Wihardja, Visiting Fellow and Co-coordinator of the Media, Technology and Society Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said it is 'really difficult' for Asean countries to coordinate to respond to the US reciprocal tariffs, given as member countries 'come from different starting points and have different stakes in their negotiations with the United States'. 'Right now, Vietnam has a 20% tariff rate, Indonesia is 19%, down from 32%. However, if you look at their stakes in terms of dealing with the US reciprocal tariffs, Vietnam's export to gross domestic product is 86%, compared to Indonesia's, which is below 25%. 'Indonesia's trade balance with the United States is only 1% of their gross domestic product, while Vietnamese trade balance with the US is 20%. 'Hence, these countries have completely different stakes,' she said during the panel discussion titled, 'Navigating Geopolitical Headwinds: Government Strategies to Strengthen Asean's Semiconductor Supply Chain'. From an economic perspective, Maria said the coordination among Asean countries would 'obviously be quite tricky to implement'. 'Intra-Asean competition is perhaps what US President Donald Trump is looking for, in order to obtain bigger and more concessions from Asean countries,' she said. Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said Asean's strength lies in unity, underpinned by its strategic location, vibrant workforce, strong innovation and manufacturing capabilities, as well as a growing digital economy. Liew noted that policy alignment, infrastructure readiness and cross-border collaboration is needed to realise this potential. He noted that a stronger Asean cannot be only dependent on signing more trade deals among each other. 'We are going to improve on our current trade deals, but that is only part of the action. We have to come together and ask ourselves what we want to see in Asean in the next 20 years,' he said. Liew noted that ultimately, countries need to be determined that they want to see Asean as a middle-class society. 'Think about this, why are we dealing with Trump in a bilateral fashion? 'It is very much because over the last 80 years, the Asean society grew rich by exporting to the United States. 'We are seeing the United States as the consumer of the last resort and in many instances, as the consumer of the first resort. 'This is not just restricted to Malaysia or Asean countries. Up until today, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, they are all seeing the United States as the consumer of the first resort,' he said. Liew added that the challenge now is in changing that and part of the effort is that Asean must not only exist as a production site. 'Asean countries need to be richer in order for the region to become a market. 'To do this, we need to rewire how we think about wages and how we think about each other,' he said.
The Star
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia seeks UNSC meeting amid flare-up with Thailand
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to hold an urgent meeting in response to recent developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He stated this in a letter addressed to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for July 2025. In light of the recent serious incidents along the border, which pose a significant challenge to regional peace and stability, Manet "earnestly request' that the UNSC convene a meeting to address the situation. The letter was posted on his Facebook page on Thursday (July 24). Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his hope that both Thailand and Cambodia will cease military engagements along their disputed borders and enter into peace talks soon. Describing the early morning skirmish between Thai and Cambodian troops as concerning, Anwar, the current Asean Chair, said he hopes to speak with the leaders of both nations later today to express his views. "They're important members of Asean; they're very close to Malaysia, and I have been messaging both the prime ministers. The least we can expect is for them to stand down, and hopefully to try and enter into negotiations. "They have tried, but I still think peace is the only option available,' he reportedly told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025 (ASEMIS) here. - Bernama
