Intel CEO Meets Penang CM, Signalling New Phase of Semiconductor Leadership

Penang’s status as a global semiconductor hub received a boost today when Intel Corporation chief executive officer Tan Lip-Bu held a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. - PIC CREDIT: FB/ChowKonYeow

Penang's status as a global semiconductor hub received a boost today when Intel Corporation chief executive officer Tan Lip-Bu held a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

The discussion marked a key step in the state's transition toward advanced packaging and next-generation semiconductor technologies.

For more than 50 years, Intel's presence in Penang has been a cornerstone of Malaysia's rise as a world-class semiconductor hub.

During the meeting, Chow expressed deep appreciation for Intel's longstanding commitment, crediting the tech giant for cultivating a world-renowned engineering ecosystem, a robust supply chain and generations of homegrown talent.

"Intel's investments and trust in Penang have shaped the trajectory of our industry and our people," Chow said, acknowledging the company's role in accelerating Malaysia's competitiveness on the global stage.

The session also included a presentation by InvestPenang, highlighting new opportunities for strategic collaboration.

With Penang striving to position itself at the forefront of advanced packaging, IC design and other high-value semiconductor activities, the state is seeking continued partnership with Intel to strengthen its industrial transformation.

Tan reaffirmed Intel's alignment with both Penang's ambitions and Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), describing the policy as a catalyst for elevating the country's role in the global chip supply chain.

He emphasised shared priorities in talent development, R&D expansion and supply chain resilience.

One of the meeting's key milestones was Intel's update on its advanced packaging plant in Penang — a flagship investment valued at RM12 billion.

The facility, now 99 per cent complete, represents one of the company's most significant commitments in the region and is poised to enhance Malaysia's capabilities in cutting-edge chip manufacturing technologies.

Intel leaders expressed appreciation for the Penang government's consistent support, crediting close public–private collaboration as a major factor in the project's rapid progress.

Also present were vice president of foundry manufacturing and supply chain, and Intel Malaysia managing director AK Chong, and vice president of design engineering and Malaysia Design Centre general manager Suresh Kumar Dass, alongside InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and officers from both organisations.

As Penang continues its journey into the next era of semiconductor innovation, today's meeting signals a deepening partnership between the state and one of its most influential technology anchors —one that is likely to shape Malaysia's global semiconductor footprint for decades to come.

Source: www.nst.com.my