India and Malaysia are set to deepen ties in the semiconductor industry, leveraging complementary strengths for innovation and trade growth. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong highlighted the potential during the India-ASEAN Strategic Dialogue, noting Malaysia’s interest in joining India’s semiconductor push. The countries aim to sign a memorandum of cooperation, led by Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy, to boost joint ventures and market access.
Malaysia’s semiconductor sector contributes 13% to its GDP and has drawn $6 billion in investments amid global reshoring trends. India targets a $100 billion market by 2030, excelling in design, manufacturing, and R&D, while Malaysia leads in assembly and testing. This synergy could elevate bilateral trade from the current $18 billion, creating new supply chains less reliant on the US, China, and Taiwan. A key step is the recent MoU between Malaysia’s Advanced Semiconductor Academy (ASEM) and IIT Madras Global, signed in Shah Alam.
The partnership focuses on resilience amid global disruptions, with initiatives launching in 2026. These include a graduate skilling program in Computer Architecture and RISC-V Design, and a semester exchange with University of Selangor (UNISEL) for joint certificates. Expected to train 350 participants initially, the programs target emerging tech like AI and edge computing, where RISC-V could claim 25% of the global market by 2030. Witnessed by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, this collaboration enhances Malaysia’s design economy and India’s global footprint.
The tie-up promises economic gains, job creation, and tech advancement for both nations. It aligns with broader ASEAN-India goals for peace, human development, and shared technology progress ahead of the 2025 ASEAN-India Summit.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
- What drives the India-Malaysia semiconductor collaboration?
Complementary ecosystems—India’s design and R&D strengths pair with Malaysia’s assembly expertise—to boost trade from $18 billion and tap India’s $100 billion market by 2030. - What is the recent MoU between ASEM and IIT Madras?
A strategic partnership to train engineers in RISC-V design and offer joint certificates, reducing reliance on major powers and enhancing Malaysia’s global semiconductor role. - What programs will launch in 2026?
Graduate skilling in Computer Architecture and RISC-V, plus semester exchange with UNISEL, training 350 participants for AI and edge computing innovations.