UKM Leads ASEAN Push For Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is spearheading efforts to position ASEAN at the forefront of the global semiconductor supply chain and technological advancement. 

A major milestone was achieved this week with the successful organisation of the 2nd Workshop on Enhancing the Semiconductor Industry and Linking the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network, held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC). 

UKM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh said the initiative aims to establish ASEAN as a leading global hub for semiconductor development, given the region's available resources and strategic potential.

"The aim is to make ASEAN the main semiconductor powerhouse in the global market since ASEAN is equipped with supplementary materials that can contribute to the early development of semiconductors," he said in a statement. 

He noted that the workshop concluded with a unified agreement on the importance of coordinated action at the ASEAN level.

"The workshop concluded with a strong consensus on the critical need for ASEAN-wide coordination in advancing the region’s semiconductor capabilities,” he said.

The two-day workshop brought together key policymakers, academics and industry experts from all 10 ASEAN Member States, alongside invited participants from the United Kingdom, Singapore and Taiwan.

Jointly organised by the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) at UKM and ERIA, the event focused on strengthening regional collaboration to build a more integrated, resilient and self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

Key highlights included the presentation and validation of national semiconductor development reports, knowledge exchanges on international best practices and the introduction of a landmark regional framework aimed at deepening cooperation across the semiconductor value chain.

Sufian said the framework will now undergo further refinement through targeted expert consultations, paving the way for its eventual adoption by member states.

“Among the proposed pilot initiatives are shared design centres, regional R&D hubs, and programmes to promote digital talent mobility across borders," he added. 

He said the proposed framework, built upon seven strategic thrusts, represents more than just a policy roadmap, but also reflects a strong commitment to cooperation, resilience and innovation. 

With semiconductors playing a central role in technologies ranging from smartphones to smart grids, ASEAN’s unified approach could mark a transformative step in asserting regional technological sovereignty.

Long celebrated for its natural beauty, Langkawi now also serves as a strategic launchpad for a bold new chapter in ASEAN’s pursuit of innovation and high-tech leadership.

-- BERNAMA