SHAH ALAM, Feb 5 — Selangor is intensifying efforts to develop local skilled talent in semiconductor chip design, in line with Malaysia’s ambition to become a global chip design hub and reduce its reliance on assembly and testing activities.
The initiative offers training subsidies of up to RM10,000 per participant to build expertise in the semiconductor front-end sector, particularly integrated circuit (IC) design and embedded systems, which are among the industry’s highest-value segments.
State executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said the Selangor government has launched three key programmes — the National Semiconductor Excellence Programme (NSEP), Global Semiconductor Exchange Programme (GSEP) and Chip Start-up Initiative — to support the development of the IC Design Park in Puchong.
He said the move reflects Selangor’s strategic shift from purely attracting investment to nurturing a sustainable, talent-driven ecosystem.
“To become a regional hub, Selangor needs not only infrastructure and multinational companies, but also world-class talent to drive chip design and innovation,” he told Bernama today.
Ng said the programmes aim to address talent gaps in critical areas and ensure local communities gain access to high-impact skills demanded by the global semiconductor industry. Efforts are also being made to attract Malaysian talent currently working overseas to accelerate knowledge transfer and strengthen the state’s semiconductor ecosystem in a sustainable manner.
“This initiative represents a direct investment in people. The IC design sector offers high-value job opportunities with competitive starting salaries and strong long-term career prospects,” he said.
Meanwhile, MAG Auto Garage Services director Azlina Ahmad said demand for IC design and embedded systems talent is expected to grow significantly over the next five years, driven by developments in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), data centres and electric vehicles (EVs).
She said the state government’s initiative is timely in addressing the rapid expansion of the technology sector and its shift towards higher-value applications, which rely heavily on complex electronic system design and integration.
“Industry-focused training programmes like this help bridge the gap between graduates’ skills and industry requirements, ensuring they are job-ready,” she said.
Azlina added that structured talent development could support long-term growth of Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem, strengthen the domestic value chain and enhance the country’s attractiveness as a high-tech investment destination.
Earlier, Ng said the state government would provide free training worth up to RM10,000 per citizen in semiconductors, IC design or embedded systems.