10,000 IC engineers to be trained in Malaysia over next 4 years as part of new partnership with ARM Holdings

The partnership is expected to produce a highly skilled workforce that will become the backbone of the semiconductor industry’s long-term sustainability.

Malaysia's government has sealed a strategic partnership with ARM Holdings, a British semiconductor and software design company. 

According to a Facebook post by Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, this collaboration not only reinforces the country’s position in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries but also sets the stage for Malaysia to evolve from being a chip manufacturing hub to a leader in technology innovation.

The partnership seeks to reshape the local tech landscape with a key achievement of the ‘Made by Malaysia’ microchip. This milestone, PM Anwar noted, is seen as not just a breakthrough in high-tech manufacturing but a proof to the skill and ability of Malaysia's workforce, positioning the country as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

One of the most impactful aspects of the agreement is the commitment to produce 10,000 integrated circuit (IC) engineers over the next four years. This initiative is expected to produce a highly skilled workforce that will become the backbone of the industry’s long-term sustainability, ensuring that Malaysia is equipped with the talent to support and drive future technological advancements.

The collaboration also opens up exciting opportunities for local companies. By gaining access to ARM’s technology and intellectual property (IP) portfolio, Malaysian businesses will be able to compete at a global level with stronger innovation capabilities in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from this agreement, gaining access to the high-tech sector and contributing to the development of a more resilient local semiconductor supply chain. As highlighted by the PM, this will lead to the creation of new semiconductor products designed and manufactured in Malaysia, with a strong potential for international market reach.

The PM acknowledged that this strategic partnership represents a strong foundation for Malaysia to become a recognised hub of technological innovation in the region, adding that "with the expertise, sincerity, and solid support of all parties, the country will continue to move forward as a key player in the semiconductor and AI arena at a global level."

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