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Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Supercharges NSS in Global Chip Race
Singapore was the largest foreign investor with RM43.4 billion (USD10.3 billion), reflecting strong cross-border confidence in Malaysia’s trajectory.
Over 89,000 new jobs to be created through projects spanning manufacturing, services and the primary sector. The electrical and electronics (E&E) industry stood out with RM13.1 billion in new commitments, highlighting Malaysia’s push to evolve beyond its traditional role in assembly and testing. The National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), launched in 2024, has already attracted RM54.2 billion in its first year, marking a strong start towards the government’s RM500 billion target by 2030.
“What investors are responding to is Malaysia’s ability to deliver. In semiconductors, that means proven ecosystems in Penang and Johor, strong links with Singapore, and a pipeline of trained engineers ready to take on higher-value roles. The NSS gives us a clear direction, but credibility comes from how quickly projects move from approval to operation. On that front, Malaysia is building real trust,” said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
Moving Upstream
In March 2025, Malaysia signed an agreement with Arm Holdings Plc to gain access to the UK-based firm’s design library – aiming to produce its own chips within the next decade.
Malaysia currently controls seven per cent of the global semiconductor market, with six out of the 12 largest semiconductor companies globally operating in the country.
This share is expected to increase as semiconductor players worldwide turn to Southeast Asia for a stable microchip supply chain, as the US-China trade war escalates.
A Turning Point for Local SMEs
At home, small-medium enterprises (SMEs) such as CG Global Profastex hail the NSS as “a turning point” in moving beyond traditional manufacturing into higher-value activities like advanced test development, product design enablement, and process automation.
Operating out of Penang for almost a decade now, CG Global serves both front-end and back-end semiconductor-related customers – particularly in equipment, test, and automation subsystems – in Malaysia and selected ASEAN markets.
“Traditionally, EMS SMEs operated in transactional roles—limited to basic assembly or support functions. Today, under the NSS framework, we have been actively encouraged to move up the value chain.
“It pushes us to upgrade our infrastructure, adopt advanced technologies, and build the capabilities needed to support complex, precision-driven industries,” said CG Global managing director Siti Padillah Binti Abdul Wahab.
Siti Padillah said the company plans to apply for NSS-aligned funding to scale up production capacities and adopt digital tools in order to strengthen Malaysia’s position within ASEAN semiconductor landscape.
“With the NSS as our guide, we are investing in the future—so Malaysia can lead not only in volume, but in value,” she added.
If anything, CG Global reflects the confidence boost that hundreds of homegrown enterprises have received from the NSS to pursue larger ambitions and greater appetite for growth.
Going Global as a Region
In 2024, the ASEAN semiconductor market was valued at US$95.91 billion, making up 15 per cent of the global semiconductor market that reached a record high of US$627.6 billion.
The region’s market share is set to soar in the coming months, thanks to the newly-launched Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which combines Singapore’s upstream excellence and Malaysia’s Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) strength.
Johor emerged as Malaysia’s top state for approved investments in the first half of 2025, recording RM56 billion (USD13.3 billion). Among the early movers was Japan’s Ferrotec Group, a leading supplier of materials, components and equipment for the global chip industry. The company commenced operations at its new facility in Johor in April 2025, supporting both regional and international customers.
“The JS-SEZ offers efficient cross-border logistics and connectivity with Singapore, which is critical for our operations,” said Soo Kim Fatt, director of Ferrotec Power Semiconductor Malaysia. “Its proximity to Singapore provides excellent transport accessibility, making it easier for international customers, partners, and overseas colleagues to visit Johor Bahru for meetings, technical support, and collaboration.”
“The JS-SEZ is more than just proximity. It gives investors access to Singapore’s design and R&D right next to Malaysia’s manufacturing and assembly,” said Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim. “Together with the NSS, it strengthens ASEAN’s position as a credible alternative in the global semiconductor supply chain.”
Johor’s role is also expected to strengthen further by significant technological advancements from a partnership between YTL Power International and Nvidia, focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Located at the YTL Green Data Centre in Kulai, this landmark project adds a critical digital infrastructure layer to the state’s technology ecosystem, positioning Malaysia as a leading AI hub in the region.
Tapping the Talent Pool
Beyond infrastructure and investments, Malaysia is also actively positioning itself as a regional talent magnet and a training hub for semiconductor expertise.
As of mid-2025, Malaysia has trained over 13,000 high-skilled semiconductor talents – more than one-fifth of the 60,000 target outlined in the NSS.
The government sees this as part of a regional effort. During the one-year anniversary of the NSS, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s training and upskilling initiatives are part of a “broader, regional, ASEAN-wide push”, pointing to deep STEM pipelines in Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. Under Malaysia’s chairmanship, initiatives such as the ASEAN Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chains (AFISS) are promoting cross-border training and collaboration.
MIDA is working with investors to align training and academic programmes with industry needs. “Talent is the decisive factor for the next phase of growth. Our priority is to make Malaysia both talent-rich and talent-ready, while attracting the best from around the region,” said Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim.
The Test Ahead
The NSS has given Malaysia a running start, drawing global names, lifting SMEs and tying national ambition to ASEAN’s broader potential. Its early success lies not only in billions invested but in the alignment, it has fostered between government, industry and regional partners.
Hashtag: #MIDA
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The Reality of the Raya Rush
The lead-up to Raya is a whirlwind of grocery runs, deep cleaning, and late nights in the kitchen. By the time the first open house begins, most women have already put in an incredible amount of effort for their families. The quiet moments in between are not just a break. They are earned.
XIXILI’s pajamas are made for those moments. Easy to move in, soft enough to wear through the night, and the kind of pieces that make coming home feel like something to look forward to. Designed to fit a wide range of body types, every woman can find something that feels as good as it looks.
“Raya is everything. The food, the family, the laughter. And at the end of it all, she deserves to rest just as well as she celebrated,” says Tara Tan, Marketing Director at XIXILI.
Comfort That Carries Through the Season
Raya may bring the occasion, but the shift happening in Malaysian wardrobes goes further than that. Women are increasingly treating sleepwear as a considered part of their self-care, not just something to change into before bed.
“We often talk about the joy of gathering, but we rarely talk about the exhaustion that comes with it,” Tara Tan adds. “Our goal for Raya 2026 is to ensure that when the last guest leaves, every woman has a high-quality piece of loungewear to retreat into. It is about honouring the work she does by giving her the rest she deserves.”
Quality loungewear for the wind-down, the slow morning, and every quiet moment in between has become one of the most considered purchases a woman makes this season.
Made to Be Worn, Not Just Owned
Good sleepwear should not sit tucked away at the back of a drawer. It should be the first thing she reaches for at the end of a long day, worn in and looked forward to. XIXILI’s range is built for exactly that, styles that settle naturally into her routine and carry her well beyond the festive season.
The full sleepwear collection is available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. To shop the range, visit www.xixili-intimates.com.Hashtag: #XIXILI
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About XIXILI
A homegrown Malaysian brand, XIXILI offers beautiful fashion lingerie and shapewear in Malaysia that prioritises fit and comfort. With an extensive range of bra sizes from A to I and bands 65 to 110cm, XIXILI caters to women of all shapes and sizes. Expert fitters are dedicated to helping each customer find the perfect bra, boosting confidence and enhancing silhouettes.
XIXILI became the first Malaysian lingerie brand to introduce a Try-On in 3D avatar tool, allowing customers to virtually try on XIXILI lingerie using a 3D avatar tailored to their specific body type and measurements. Whether for everyday wear or something special, XIXILI ensures women always look and feel amazing.
Specifically, in addition to the existing incentives currently available, customers who switch from old gasoline vehicles to new VinFast electric vehicles during the program period will receive an additional 3% discount for cars and 5% discount for scooters. The program will be applied across all four markets: Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
In line with VinFast’s pioneering spirit, GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company has also announced an immediate 10% reduction in fares for electric mobility services on the Xanh SM platform in Vietnam and Green SM in Indonesia from March 11 to March 31, 2026. This initiative offers customers a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective transportation option.
The program may be extended depending on international developments and future fuel price movements.
Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, stated: “The special ‘Trade Gas for Electric’ program launched in March across four key markets is VinFast’s timely response to geopolitical volatility that is affecting socio-economic conditions in many countries around the world. As one of the pioneering manufacturers leading the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast together with companies in Vingroup’s green ecosystem aims to help reduce the impact of fuel prices on people’s daily lives while also lowering environmental pollution through smarter, more sustainable, and more cost-efficient mobility solutions.”
The special “Trade Gas for Electric” program will be implemented in parallel with and combined with other available incentive programs in each market. Through layered incentives, Vingroup and companies within its ecosystem aim to create favorable conditions for customers to transition quickly to electric vehicles, reduce dependence on gasoline, stabilize daily life, and contribute to building a cleaner and more civilized living environment.
Hashtag: #Vingroup
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Media OutReach
Singapore University of Social Sciences Expands Regional Footprint in China with Launch of Success Academy in Chongqing
New Academy and Shenyang satellite office strengthen SUSS’ visibility and partnerships across Western and Northeast China.
CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) today launched the SUSS Success Academy in Chongqing in collaboration with Raffles Young Academy (RYA) Pte Ltd and announced the establishment of a satellite office in Shenyang. Building on its Success Academies in Beijing and Shenzhen, the Academy strengthens SUSS’ presence in China and supports its growing engagement across Western and Northeast China.
The launch was commemorated with an opening ceremony at the CCI Gallery, attended by close to 70 guests from China and Singapore, including representatives from institutions of higher learning, and industry and community partners. The ceremony was presided by Vice-Consul (Political) Ms. Mavis Tan, Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore, Chengdu and Mr. Li Xunfu, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.
Success Academy to connect partners from Singapore and China
Anchored in SUSS’ commitment to lifelong learning and creating social impact, the Academy will serve as a key nexus for academic and industry partners from both countries. Through cross-cultural collaboration and practice-oriented learning, it also aims to develop future-ready talent equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
RYA is an education and talent development organisation aimed at nurturing future-ready talent through industry-oriented learning and international exposure. RYA will bring its networks and local expertise to support and enhance the Academy’s initiatives.
Through the Academy, SUSS will provide opportunities for students from SUSS and other Singapore pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions to co-learn and co-innovate with peers in China. These include interdisciplinary global learning courses, impact startup and venture builder programmes, industry-based immersions and student exchanges. SUSS students will also gain regional exposure through internships and other workplace learning opportunities. In addition, the Academy will support SUSS in working with universities and organisations in China to jointly design and deliver industry-relevant courses and programmes for students and executives.
Extending engagement into Northeast China with Shenyang satellite office
To further deepen its engagement in Northeast China, SUSS will launch a satellite office in Shenyang on 11 March 2026 under the Success Academy in Chongqing. This office will support SUSS’ initiatives in Liaoning Province and surrounding areas, including Dalian. In addition, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with the following organisations:
- Shenyang University of Chemical Technology (SYUCT): Collaborative development of a Master’s degree programme in Social Work, fostering cross-border knowledge exchange, curriculum innovation, and talent development to address evolving social service needs.
- North-East Institute of Population and Social Development: Joint research endeavours, professional development programmes, and meaningful academia-industry partnerships to generate evidence-based solutions, build capabilities, and promote active ageing ecosystems that benefit individuals and communities.
Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said, “China is an important partner for SUSS as we expand opportunities for our students and strengthen collaboration across Asia. The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing allows us to work more closely with universities, industry and community partners in Western and Northeast China, and to deliver applied, practice-oriented education that responds to real-world needs. Our partnership with Raffles Young Academy reflects our shared commitment to developing future-ready talent and supporting professional growth across the region.”
Mr. Samuel Ng, Executive Chairman, RYA, said, “Our collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences reflects a shared belief in applied, practice-oriented education and in preparing students and enterprises to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Chongqing’s strategic position as a gateway to Western China and a hub for industry and connectivity makes it an ideal location for immersive, industry-linked education. This partnership represents a long-term commitment to building enduring bridges between students and industry, between academia and practice, and between Singapore and China.”
The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing is part of SUSS’ broader expansion across Asia. Since 2023, SUSS has established Success Academies in Beijing, Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Mumbai.
For more information, visit www.suss.edu.sg/success-academy.
Hashtag: #SUSS
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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