GEORGE TOWN – After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it comes as no surprise that Semicon Southeast Asia 2022 (Semicon SEA 2022) has announced a sold-out event, which is to be held in Penang from June 21 to June 23 this year.
Featuring more than 250 companies with 400 booths, Special Investment Adviser to the Chief Minister of Penang Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, said the overwhelming response is due to the pent-up demand from the manufacturing sector that continued to grow during the lockdown.
“During that time, almost 40% of the national export was coming from the manufacturing sector, with a big component from the electric and electronics (E&E) sector.
“To put it very bluntly, E&E saved the Malaysian economy during the pandemic,” he told a press conference announcing the Semicon SEA 2022 event alongside Penang’s 50th year anniversary of manufacturing excellence.
He added that Penang is an economic powerhouse, which contributes over 5% of global semiconductor sales. Though it may seem little, Lee said that considering Penang’s land size and population of 1.8 million, the state is punching above its weight in terms of global E&E production contribution.
Hence, Penang has become a very focused area for the E&E industry to invest or collaborate with the companies here.
President of Semi SEA, Linda Tan, said today that although the past few years have been challenging, it is heartening to organise another exhibition in Penang after seeing it grow from strength to strength.
“The health and strong industrial environment in Penang have actually led to the investment of companies from all around the world, pushing its potential demand to the forefront.
“That is the reason why we are back here again after four years,” she said.
Semicon SEA 2022 is a three-day event expected to attract over 8,000 attendees from all over the world. Tan said the whole Setia Spice Convention Centre had to be let out to cater to the growing demand that is now much stronger than it was during the past years in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Titled Forward as One – Building a Resilient and Sustainable Electronics Supply Chain in Southeast Asia, it will feature highlights that include the Smart & Sustainable Manufacturing Tour; an exclusive tour for international delegates to advanced factories in Penang’s Batu Kawan Industrial Park and special Industry VIP Networking at Khoo Kongsi in George Town.
As one of the strategic partners of Semicon SEA 2022, Invest Penang will also be hosting several events on top of what is planned.
This includes a demonstration on Penang’s transformation and core competencies through its journey towards 50 years of industrialisation along with the Workforce and Talent Development Pavilion, boasting 70 career booths for 600 university students in Malaysia. – The Vibes, May 24, 2022
