SHAH ALAM, Feb 5 — Selangor is ramping up efforts to develop local skilled talent in semiconductor chip design, in line with aspirations to make Malaysia a global chip design hub and reduce sole reliance on assembly and testing activities.
The initiative offers training subsidies of up to RM10,000 per participant to develop skills in the semiconductor front-end sector, with a focus on integrated circuit (IC) design and embedded systems, which are high-value segments of the global industry.
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 (GSEP), and Chip Start-up Initiative, to underpin the IC Design Park in Puchong.
He said the move reflects Selangor’s shift from attracting investment to developing a sustainable, talent-driven ecosystem.
“To become a regional hub, Selangor needs not just infrastructure and multinational companies, but also world-class talent to drive chip design and innovation,” he told Bernama today.
Ng said the programmes were designed to address talent gaps in critical sectors and ensure local communities gain access to high-impact skills needed by the global semiconductor industry.
He said efforts are also focused on attracting Malaysian talent from abroad to accelerate knowledge transfer and sustainably strengthen the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.
“This initiative represents a direct investment in the people. The IC design sector offers high-value job opportunities with more competitive starting salaries and long-term career prospects,” he said.
Meanwhile, MAG Auto Garage Services director Azlina Ahmad said demand for IC design and embedded systems talent is set to grow over the next five years, driven by AI, IoT, data centres, and electric vehicles, adding that the state government’s move is timely in addressing the rapidly growing technology sector and its shift towards high-value applications.
She said these sectors rely heavily on complex electronic system design and integration, boosting demand for local engineers with specialised skills and industry experience.
“Industry-focused training programmes like this help close the gap between local graduates’ skills and industry demands, ensuring they are job-ready,” she explained.
Azlina added that structured talent development could drive long-term growth in Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem, strengthen the domestic value chain, and enhance the country’s appeal as a hi-tech investment hub.
Earlier, Ng said the state government would offer up to RM10,000 per citizen for free training in semiconductors, IC design, or embedded systems.
