The government and industry players in the semiconductor sectors must work closely in order to ensure the country can continue to produce the best talents in the industry in the future.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said a culture of innovation could only be shaped if more new companies are started by founders of good young professionals and confident enough to strike on their own to add value and innovation to the industry as a whole.
“Many semiconductor companies have told me that they are willing to absorb fresh graduates and train them on the job so that they could learn about the intricacies of the industry and the technical skills required to succeed.
“This is an important part of the puzzle of restructuring of our economy. Any economy where growth is consistent and sustained needs pronounced leaders who are ready to innovate at the cutting edge of technology. This is important if we were to pivot and focus well in the next value chain of the industry,” he said at the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association’s (MSIA) Merdeka Celebration 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, today (Aug 26).
Rafizi said the country needs more people to take risks to build their products, teams and longer-term contracts, which would add to economic growth in the long run.
“I am glad that we stand at this important juncture for the semiconductor industry in this country. The future looks bright, and I hope our country can continue with your help and contribution to lead in this high-growth, high-value sector.
“While I may not spend too much time in the overall industry per se, one of my important focus areas is to make sure that we cultivate and groom future talents for your industry because that is key to the overall design to restructure the economy to its higher complexity,” he said.
Meanwhile, MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said Malaysia is recognised as one of the primary semiconductor manufacturers in the global value chain, with 7.0 per cent of global semiconductor trade flowing through Malaysia and 13 per cent of backend semiconductor capacity located in the country.
