KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has been chosen by AT&S, an Austria-headquartered global manufacturing leader of high-end printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuit (IC) substrates, for its first production plant in Southeast Asia.
In a statement, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the new facility at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah to produce high-end PCBs and IC substrates involves a proposed total investment of RM8.5 billion.
He said the plant will create 5,000 high-tech and high-impact jobs.
In the same statement, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said AT&S’ decision to invest in Malaysia speaks volumes of its confidence in the country’s economic capacity and promise of sustainable growth.
He expressed confidence that the nation’s skilled talent in the electrical and electronics industry, facilitative investment environment, and deep integration in international supply chains offer the ideal mix for high-tech stakeholders.
“Working hand in hand, AT&S’ footprint in Malaysia will further boost the development of our semiconductor ecosystem, enable opportunities for local vendors in the field of advanced electronics, and spur high-tech employment for Malaysians.”
The statement said the facility’s construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of the year, with commercial operations targeted to start in 2024.
AT&S chief executive Andreas Gerstenmayer said Malaysia was selected after “very intensive location scouting globally”.
He said the company will bring the latest generation of high-end technologies to Malaysia and build up the tech sector.
“Besides the manufacture of high-tech products, a significant amount of research and development activities will be executed at this new location.
“Malaysia can benefit from its position as a technology-forward country, and strengthen the region as a high-tech manufacturing hub in Asia.”
Azmin said AT&S’ latest investment is testament to foreign investors’ confidence in Malaysia’s economic prospects and human capital resources. – Bernama, June 10, 2021
