APIRC Aims To Develop 12 SMEs, Attract RM8.5 Bln Investments By 2030

By Farhana Poniman

GEORGE TOWN, June 10 (Bernama) -- The Advanced Packaging Institute and Research Centre (APIRC) aims to develop 12 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the advanced packaging ecosystem and attract new investments worth RM8.5 billion by 2030.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the target would be implemented through APIRC, which is one of the main components of the NCER Technology and Innovation Centre (NTIC) developed in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).

He said NCIA’s role is a strategic partner and facilitator in developing the technology ecosystem which brings together the government, industry, universities, research institutions and technology companies in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).

“By 2030, we expect this facility to successfully generate an added value of RM8.5 billion, in addition to producing 12 local companies in the advanced packaging ecosystem,” he said after officiating at the NTIC here today.

He said APIRC would focus on advanced packaging solutions, covering the design process to prototype production as well as serving as a platform for technology and business matching.

According to him, the centre will connect local companies with multinational companies to commercialise intellectual property, develop new products and enhance local capabilities in the higher value chain.

Akmal Nasrullah added that NTIC brings together industry, academia, research institutions and the government in one ecosystem to accelerate the development of highly skilled talent, research and development, innovation and commercialisation of technology.

“Semiconductors are not new or foreign to Malaysia, especially Penang, as this industry has been established for over five decades, but we need to improve the country's capabilities to be able to move to higher value chain segments including integrated circuit design, system design, advanced packaging, automation, research and development and commercialisation,” he said.

He said about 60 per cent of the space at NTIC is now occupied, with several companies such as Silicon Connect, Tessolve, ECTrons, Global Electronics Association, Steerix, Elliance and FusionAP already operating at the centre.

Although NTIC is based in Penang, he said its benefits are expected to be felt in Kedah, Perlis and Perak through supply chain opportunities, SME participation, talent training, industry collaboration and quality investments.

Akmal Nasrullah said the development of high-value industries remained the government's long-term focus even though the country is currently facing the challenge of a global supply crisis.

-- BERNAMA