SCHOTT Marks 50-year Milestone In Malaysia, Reaffirms Continued Investment In Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- International technology group SCHOTT recently celebrated 50 years of operations in Malaysia, reaffirming its commitment to advancing innovation in high-end specialty glass for the semiconductor, augmented reality (AR), medical and industrial sectors.

The milestone event, held on May 23 at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town, Penang, was attended by the Honorary Consul of Germany for Penang, Datuk Hans Peter Brenner, representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), industry partners and members of the media.

SCHOTT’s manufacturing facilities in Penang and Kulim are key production sites in Asia, delivering high-precision glass processing for global markets.

Its Penang facility, established in 1975, was the company’s first glass processing hub in Asia, while the latest plant in Kulim, Kedah, began operations in September 2024 to meet rising demand.

“In the 1970s, as the SCHOTT brand grew in global prestige and recognition, we wanted a site that could service markets within the Asian region. Due to its strategic location, we decided to set up our first Asian production site here in Penang,” said SCHOTT Penang site manager Peter Berberich in a statement. 

“Since opening our doors in 1975, we have grown from strength to strength, with a tenfold increase in the number of employees and a substantial expansion of our offerings for diverse high-tech industries, from AR gadgets and foldable devices, next-generation chips, space exploration to medical technology,” he added.

Berberich also highlighted SCHOTT’s commitment to nurturing local talent through ongoing training and innovation initiatives, supported by sustained investments and facility enhancements in Malaysia.

SCHOTT Malaysia plays a vital role in the group’s global supply chain, delivering advanced glass-based solutions for next-generation semiconductors and AR devices.

The company is also exploring emerging applications, including waveguides for smart glasses and glass core substrates for chip packaging, technologies that are key to advancing AI, high-performance computing and autonomous systems.

MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said SCHOTT’s continued investment supports Malaysia’s aspirations under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.

“I am truly delighted to celebrate SCHOTT's 50th anniversary in Malaysia, a remarkable milestone that speaks to the power of enduring partnerships. For five decades, SCHOTT has been an integral part of our country's industrial fabric, bringing innovative technologies, expertise and a commitment to creating meaningful jobs.

“What I find particularly inspiring is how their continued investment in Malaysia aligns with our aspirations for the future... together, we can achieve great things and create a brighter future for our people,” he said.

Brenner echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the longstanding partnership between Germany and Malaysia.

“SCHOTT’s presence in Malaysia is a great example of how both countries have come together, combining resources and manpower to create products and services that shape the future of technology in the world.

“As time goes on, we hope to continue this incredible partnership with Malaysia, further strengthening our ties through teamwork and resilience,” he said.

The event also featured exhibits showcasing SCHOTT’s ongoing projects, offering guests a preview of its future-oriented innovations in AR and semiconductor solutions.

Founded in 1884, SCHOTT is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Carl Zeiss Foundation and operates in over 30 countries with a global workforce of more than 17,000 employees. 

-- BERNAMA