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A Well-Oiled Machinery & Equipment Sector: The Silent Strength Powering Malaysia’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence
This is not the story of flashy innovation or overnight success. It’s the story of four decades spent mastering the unglamorous but indispensable, precision robots that place components with microscopic accuracy, testing equipment that validates every nanometer, and clean room systems that maintain environments more sterile than operating theatres. Behind every chip that rolls off a Malaysian assembly line lies this web of engineering excellence, a competitive advantage so deeply embedded that even global giants struggle to replicate it.
Malaysia ranks as the sixth largest semiconductor exporter globally and commands 13 per cent of the world’s Assembly, Testing and Packaging Operations.
As Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), puts it, “When global semiconductor companies look at Malaysia, they see our competitive costs or our location, But, what really differentiates us is our comprehensive Machinery and Equipment (M&E ecosystem) — the ability to not just build but continuously innovate and maintain the incredibly sophisticated equipment that semiconductor operation depends on.
The integrated Machinery and Equipment (M&E) ecosystem has been fundamentally shaped by key Foreign Investments (FI) that serve as catalysts for local capacity building. Global leaders specialising in front-end equipment, such as LAM Research and Applied Materials, have established major manufacturing and support operations in Malaysia, creating extensive sourcing opportunities for local players. At the same time, back-end equipment innovator Besi APAC and Cohu actively collaborates with Malaysian companies, transferring expertise in high-precision manufacturing. This strategic integration has played a critical role in advancing homegrown champions such as Pentamaster, Vitrox, Greatech, Tonasco and SFP, enabling them to evolve from simple component suppliers into engineering partners capable of meeting global standards in advanced packaging and complex assembly.
This robust ecosystem, honed across generations of manufacturing excellence, is Malaysia’s quiet competitive edge. It comprises a complete value chain, supported by our foundational engineering support expertise in precision machining, tooling, and high-tolerance metal fabrication, which forms the physical backbone for more complex automated equipment and robotics. And now, as the country pivots from its decades-long dominance in downstream activities toward capturing high-value front-end segments, that machinery and equipment foundation is about to become its most potent weapon.
MIDA’s Gameplan: A Multi-Pronged Strategic Push
The shift is as ambitious as it is necessary. High-value segments such as chip design and advanced manufacturing technologies depend on specialised M&E such as lithography, deposition, and etching equipment — critical processes that define the performance and capabilities of every modern chip.
MIDA is spearheading the shift by positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for front-end semiconductor M&E manufacturing, guided by clear mandates from the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). On the international front, the agency is actively courting global pioneers in front-end equipment manufacturing to attract anchor investments that will accelerate the development of a sophisticated, high-value manufacturing ecosystem within Malaysia.
The strategic push, however, goes beyond just attracting investments. MIDA is building a thriving high-tech ecosystem to support technology transfer, knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation. The agency maps local manufacturers and facilitate high-impact business matching at key events like SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, creating direct pathways for Malaysian suppliers to embed themselves into global supply chains and engage with industry titans like ASML, Ferrotec, and Micron.
The goal is nothing less than repositioning Malaysian M&E companies from component suppliers to strategic innovation partners in the most critical segments of the global value chain.
Nurturing Homegrown Champions
Yet for all the emphasis on global partnerships, MIDA understand that Malaysia’s semiconductor future must be built on homegrown capabilities. The focus has shifted toward nurturing deep expertise in highly specialised areas such as, advanced mechatronics, precision optics, and complex process technologies. Through targeted facilitation and incentives. the government is betting that Malaysian companies can close the gap with global leaders faster than anyone expects.
Industry veterans like Chuah Choon Bin, founder and executive chairman of Penang-based Pentamaster Corporation Berhad, welcome the support. “In today’s fiercely competitive environment, where intense price competition particularly from China continues to put pressure on margins, the financial support from the government is crucial to help Malaysian companies like us to remain competitive globally,” he explains.
For Pentamaster, which has been operating since 1991, the fiscal support provided by the Malaysian Government through MIDA have been transformative. “These facilitation allow us to intensify R&D, adopt cutting-edge technologies and expand into advanced technology areas in the ATE and FAS segments.” Chuah notes. “They provide the necessary support for us to invest in next-generation technologies like advanced packaging technologies and shorten our time-to-market, which is critical in an industry driven by rapid innovation cycles,”.
Pentamaster’s story reflects the broader heritage that makes Malaysia’s M&E sector resilient. Back then, Penang hosted a deep ecosystem in M&E, electronics, sheet metal fabrication and semiconductor manufacturing.
That heritage, Chuah said, “provided Pentamaster with access to a skilled workforce, precision engineering know-how and a strong supplier network”, advantages that continue to pay dividends today.
The Turning Point
This evolving narrative marks a crucial turning point for Malaysia: the country is ascending from an auxiliary support role to a core position in the advanced chip production infrastructure. The country that spent decades perfecting the machinery behind the scenes is stepping into the spotlight, ready to claim its place among the semiconductor elite.
For a nation that has always let its work speak louder than its words, this moment feels both inevitable and earned. Malaysia’s enduring semiconductor legacy, built on precision, persistence, and the unglamorous art of making things work, is about to be cemented on the global map.
And, the machinery that got them here is just getting started.
Hashtag: #MIDA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Etiqa Insurance Singapore Appoints Claudia Soh as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Chapter of Growth
Veteran insurance leader to accelerate growth, strengthen partnerships and drive customer-focused innovation
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2026 – Etiqa Insurance Singapore today announced the official appointment of Claudia Soh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 14 Aug 2026. Over the past six months, while serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer and continuing in her role as Chief Financial Officer, Claudia has led Etiqa Insurance Singapore through a period of sustained growth and transformation, strengthening the company’s foundations while driving initiatives focused on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity. Her appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in her leadership and vision as the company embarks on its next phase of growth.
With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industry, Claudia brings extensive expertise across finance, strategic planning, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations and auditing. Her career spans both the public and private sectors, including experience at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and senior leadership roles within the insurance industry.
During her tenure at Etiqa, Claudia has helped build on the company’s strong momentum by supporting its growth agenda while advancing new initiatives. Her collaborative leadership approach and focus on long-term value creation have contributed to strengthening Etiqa’s capabilities for the future. She has also been an advocate for transforming the finance function from a traditional support role into a strategic business partner that helps create stronger outcomes for customers, employees and stakeholders.
“We are delighted to formally appoint Claudia Soh as CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore,” said Kamaludin, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etiqa Insurance and Takaful. “Claudia has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic clarity, operational excellence and resilience. Her ability to drive innovation, build strong teams and adapt to changing customer needs will continue to strengthen our market position in Singapore to deliver long-tern value for our customers, employees and stakeholders”
On her appointment, Claudia said, “I am honoured to undertake the role of CEO at Etiqa Insurance Singapore at a time of significant change for our industry. As customer expectations continue to evolve, we must remain agile, innovative and focused on delivering purposeful value. By combining digital innovation, data-driven insights and strong partnerships, we will continue to enhance the customer experience and help more individuals and businesses build financial confidence and resilience.”
Deepening Partnerships and Empowering Financial Readiness
As a leading composite insurer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore will continue to deepen its distribution capabilities and ecosystem partnerships to make protection more accessible and relevant to customers. Beyond its longstanding bancassurance partnership, Etiqa will work closely with Maybank to deliver more integrated financial and protection solutions, leveraging the strength of the Maybank network and customer ecosystem. Etiqa will also continue collaborating with partners across Singapore to develop innovative solutions that support customers’ evolving protection, savings and financial wellness needs.
Hashtag: #EtiqaInsuranceSingapore
https://www.etiqa.com.sg/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)
Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.
EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. The company is a member of the Maybank Group.
Media OutReach
Airwallex and Air Corporate Launch One-Step Setup for Hong Kong Startups to Deliver Day-One Transaction Readiness
New partnership turns incorporation into a transaction-ready business in a single application — and sponsors 10 founders every month with a free upgrade to the fully-managed Expert package
Hong Kong SAR– Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2026 – Air Corporate, a Hong Kong-based digital corporate services provider, and Airwallex, a leading global payments and financial platform for modern businesses, have announced a strategic partnership that eliminates one of the most persistent friction points in business setup: the need to complete two separate applications for company registration and opening a payment account. Through a single application with Air Corporate, eligible founders now receive both a registered Hong Kong legal entity and a live Airwallex multi-currency account. To mark the launch, Airwallex and Air Corporate are sponsoring 10 Air Corporate clients each month with a complimentary upgrade to the fully-managed Expert package, removing the cost barrier that has historically kept early-stage founders on slower, self-managed paths.
The Two-Application Problem
Until now, setting up a business in Hong Kong has required two distinct processes. A founder first incorporates the company, then separately applies to a bank or payment provider, often resubmitting the same KYC, director, and shareholder documents that were already provided during incorporation. Approval timelines vary, rejections occur, and an incorporated company may remain unable to transact after the registration is complete. For founders trying to move quickly, this gap between incorporation and payment readiness has long been an operational obstacle.
One Application, Two Outcomes: The Expert Package
The Expert package serves as the primary component of this initiative. When a client onboards with Air Corporate under this tier, Air Corporate facilitates the entire Airwallex account-opening process on their behalf, thereby eliminating duplicate paperwork and the need for separate submissions to multiple providers. This consolidated approach allows founders to proceed from incorporation to operational status in as little as one to two weeks, compared to the typical weeks to months required for traditional banking solutions.
The Sponsorship: 10 Founders Every Month
Airwallex and Air Corporate are sponsoring a complimentary Expert upgrade for 10 Air Corporate clients each month. Founders who qualify receive a fully managed Airwallex account opening service at no additional cost. This is the same service available through the paid Expert tier. Sponsorship spots reset each month, with new availability opening to qualifying founders on an ongoing basis. Eligibility applies to new Air Corporate clients proceeding with company registration in Hong Kong, and available spots can be confirmed directly with the Air Corporate team.
Why Hong Kong?
Hong Kong remains the leading jurisdiction for founders entering Asian markets. Offshore profits are not subject to local tax; there are no foreign exchange controls; incorporation is fast; and the territory serves as a direct gateway to Mainland China and ASEAN. For international businesses, Hong Kong company registration has become the standard first step in a regional expansion strategy, given that the legal, regulatory, and financial infrastructure required to operate internationally is already in place.
What Airwallex Brings to the Partnership
Airwallex provides the payment infrastructure that enables day-one operability. Its platform supports multi-currency accounts, local collection in major currencies, foreign exchange at market-leading rates, and global payouts, all managed from a single interface. For founders operating across borders, having this capability active from the moment of incorporation removes the lag that typically delays first revenue and complicates early cash flow management.
Speaker Quote
“Our goal at Airwallex has always been to empower businesses to scale globally without borders or operational friction. Partnering with Air Corporate allows us to tackle one of the earliest and most persistent bottlenecks that founders face: the lag between becoming a legal entity and actually being able to transact. By consolidating company registration and financial setup into a single, seamless step, we are giving startups day-one operability so they can focus entirely on growth and building momentum from the very start,” said Marcus Cheng, Associate Director, GTM Partnerships, SME & Growth, Airwallex Hong Kong.
Who This Is For
This solution is built for e-commerce brands, cross-border trade, professional service providers, , and first-time founders expanding into or out of Asia who need to be fully operational and able to collect payments upon registration, without having to manage two separate onboarding processes simultaneously.
Available Now
Founders can apply directly through Air Corporate and check the availability of the monthly sponsored Expert upgrade spots. Further information is available at Air-Corporate.com/hk/Airwallex. Terms and conditions apply.
Hashtag: #Air-Corporate
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
As a leading overseas payment service provider (PSP), PayerMax has integrated Rakuten Pay to enable international merchants to adopt this payment method in Japan. This integration marks a significant milestone in the technical collaboration, successfully supporting merchants in leveraging Rakuten Pay for their local operations.
The milestone not only enhances the localized payment experience for Last War players in Japan, but also demonstrates how international game publishers can leverage trusted local payment partnerships to accelerate market entry, strengthen localization and better engage Japanese consumers.
Connecting with Japanese Players Starts with Local Payments
As more global game publishers expand into Japan, localized payment experiences have become an increasingly important part of player acquisition, monetization and long-term growth.
As one of the flagship payment services within the Rakuten Ecosystem, Rakuten Pay plays a central role in Japan’s digital commerce landscape. The Rakuten Ecosystem connects more than 100 million registered members across e-commerce, financial services, travel, mobile and offline retail, and Rakuten Pay has become one of Japan’s most widely adopted local payment methods.
For international game publishers, integrating Rakuten Pay is about more than offering another payment option. It provides access to one of Japan’s most established consumer ecosystems, allowing games to deliver payment experiences aligned with local player preferences while building stronger engagement in one of the world’s most competitive gaming markets.
Supporting Last War Highlights PayerMax’s Local Payment Expertise in Japan
As one of the fastest-growing strategy games worldwide, Last War continues to expand its global footprint, with Japan representing one of its key strategic markets. As expectations for localized payment experiences continue to rise, enabling familiar and trusted local payment methods has become an important part of enhancing player experience and supporting sustainable growth.
With support from PayerMax, Last War successfully integrated Rakuten Pay, becoming a leading overseas game to support the payment method and offering Japanese players a more localized and seamless payment experience.
Designed to support international businesses entering Japan, PayerMax provides a unified payment solution that bridges the gap between global merchants and the local ecosystem. By leveraging PayerMax’s integration with Rakuten Pay, PayerMax serves as a gateway for international businesses to establish a strong presence in the Japanese market.
Faster Market Entry
Through PayerMax’s system integration with Rakuten Payment, eligible merchants benefit from a standardized integration pathway that shortens implementation timelines and accelerates go-to-market execution in Japan.
Reliable Compliance and Fund Management Enablement
Leveraging the established business relationships between PayerMax and Rakuten Pay, merchants are empowered to integrate Rakuten Pay through a streamlined, standardized pathway which is aligned with Japan’s local regulatory and operational requirements, thereby delivering a payment experience that resonates with the everyday spending habits of Japanese players. Furthermore, within this collaborative framework, PayerMax and Rakuten Pay facilitate the unified orchestration of critical processes including KYC, anti‑money laundering (AML) and fund management, effectively alleviating the operational complexities and associated costs of local payment execution. This enables merchants to refocus their resources on sustainable business growth and enriched player engagement.
Access to Japan’s Consumer Ecosystem
Through PayerMax, businesses can better engage local consumers, strengthen brand presence and build sustainable long-term growth in Japan.
The successful integration for Last War not only demonstrates the commercial value of the partnership between PayerMax and Rakuten Payment, but also provides a proven reference for more global game publishers and digital content companies expanding into Japan.
Executive Quotes
Hiroki Sogawa, Executive Officer, Rakuten Payment, said:
“We are pleased to partner with PayerMax and to see Last War, a leading title, successfully integrate Rakuten Pay as a payment option. Through this collaboration, we look forward to supporting more international businesses and digital content providers in delivering trusted, localized payment experiences for Japanese consumers.”
Will, APAC General Manager of PayerMax, said:
“Integrating with Rakuten Pay marks an important milestone in PayerMax’s expansion of local payment capabilities in Japan. The successful launch of Last War reflects the strength of our partnership and demonstrates our ability to help global game publishers and international businesses localize faster through trusted local payment infrastructure. Looking ahead, we will continue working with leading local payment partners worldwide to deliver secure, compliant and scalable payment solutions for global merchants.”
Strengthening Local Payment Infrastructure for Global Growth
The partnership with Rakuten Payment represents another important milestone in PayerMax’s strategy to strengthen local payment infrastructure across key global markets and further expand its local payment capabilities in Japan.
Today, PayerMax supports businesses across more than 150 markets and offers access to over 600 payment methods worldwide, backed by an extensive network of local payment partners spanning Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and other high-growth regions.
Rather than simply aggregating payment methods, PayerMax focuses on connecting businesses with the local payment ecosystems that shape consumer behavior in each market. By combining enterprise-grade payment technology with trusted local partnerships, PayerMax enables international businesses to localize faster, operate more efficiently and achieve sustainable global growth.
Hashtag: #PayerMax #RakutenPay
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
