Asia Pacific, Date: In a strategic move to bolster its global footprint, semiconductor giant GlobalFoundries (GF) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art hub in Malaysia. This expansion is anticipated to fortify the semiconductor supply chain and further position Malaysia as a key player in the global electronics market.
Key Highlights:
- GlobalFoundries unveils a new hub in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.
- The facility is set to create 300 manufacturing roles, supporting GF’s operations in Singapore, Europe, and the US.
- Malaysia’s aim to capture a larger market share in the semiconductor industry by 2030 receives a boost.
- GF’s expansion underscores the growing importance of Southeast Asia in the global tech landscape.
In-Depth Analysis: Situated in Bayan Lepas, Penang, the new GF facility is strategically positioned to collaborate seamlessly with the recently inaugurated GF fabrication plant in Singapore. This move is not just a testament to GF’s growth ambitions but also highlights the increasing significance of the Asia Pacific region in the semiconductor industry.
Kay Chai Ang, the Chief Manufacturing Officer at GF, lauded Malaysia’s proactive government policies, emphasizing that they have “successfully attracted a vast reservoir of skilled talent in the semiconductor sector.” This talent influx, according to Ang, will be instrumental in diversifying GF’s global talent pool.
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Malaysia’s ambitions in the semiconductor and electronics sector are clear. The nation has set a target to increase its market share from the current 13% to 15% by 2030. The establishment of GF’s new facility is a significant step towards realizing this goal. Chow Kon Yeow, Penang’s Chief Minister, expressed optimism that this development would solidify Penang’s reputation as the “Silicon Valley of the East.”
GF, recognized as the world’s third-largest foundry by revenue, trailing only TSMC and Samsung, has an impressive clientele that includes tech behemoths like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and NXP Semiconductors. The semiconductors manufactured by GF are integral components in a plethora of devices, ranging from smartphones and laptops to automobiles and smart speakers.
As the global demand for semiconductors continues to surge, GF’s expansion in Malaysia underscores the growing strategic importance of Southeast Asia in the tech supply chain.
