TWENTY years ago, a young man from Sekinchan, Pua Khien Seng, made world history.
He created the world's first USB flash chip that changed the global data storage landscape. Now his company, Phison, controls over 45% of the world's USB flash market.
However, many do not know that in 1999, Pua tried to bring his vision to Malaysia to become the world's leading microchip design hub.
But his dream was hindered by bureaucracy, limited policies, and an immature and unprepared ecosystem.
"So he chose to go to Taiwan, where his idea was given the opportunity to grow.
"Two years ago, I had the opportunity to have lunch with Pua. Although he is a successful entrepreneur who has made a name for himself on the world stage, his heart is still tied to Malaysia.
"Pua told me that he could have chosen to invest in any other country. However, he still wanted to return to serve his beloved homeland," said PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
She said Pua aims to bring in RM100 million in investment and RM1 billion in technology transfer to enable Malaysia to lead the way in microchip design.
“I want to see Malaysia emerge as a digital tiger in the ASEAN region,” Pua had said enthusiastically.
However, according to Izzah, Pua said something that really moved her - “I can unravel the complex world of microchips, but I still fail to understand the mentality and political landscape in Malaysia.”
"So, I decided to help him drive Malaysia’s technological progress forward.
"I supported his efforts by connecting him to the relevant policy ecosystem and agencies and ministries.
"I also put him in touch with the right individuals and parties, including the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC), because our aim is to make Selangor the Silicon Valley of Malaysia," she said.
Izzah said it wasn’t an easy journey, but it finally paid off.
Two months ago, Pua launched MaiStorage in Malaysia - a company that designs and manufactures advanced microchips and data storage technologies.
"We managed to bring home a global technology giant and a local who is willing to train our engineers for the future of the country," she added.
To prevent more Malaysian talents from migrating abroad, Pua is offering a starting salary of RM6,000 for new graduates, while salaries for experienced engineers are in the five-figure range. Pua’s goal is to take the company to an IPO listing by 2028.
"I was invited to MaiStorage’s new office two days ago. Pua smiled and said, “I have fulfilled my promise. Thank you Puan Izzah for believing in me and guiding me when I needed help.”
"This is the story of a Malaysian who returned home with hope ... the hope to make Malaysia not just a consumer of technology, but a creator of the future.
"A dream that started in Sekinchan and is now making history for the country," said Izzah. - July 27, 2025
