Malaysia's Prime Minister Celebrates New Infineon Chip Plant

German chipmaker Infineon has officially commenced the first phase of a new semiconductor fabrication facility in Kulim, Malaysia, which is projected to become the world's largest silicon carbide factory. The announcement was made during an opening ceremony attended by Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who emphasized the country's growing appeal as a hub for chip manufacturing. He highlighted Malaysia's political stability and clear industrial policies as key factors attracting foreign investment. Prime Minister Anwar noted that Infineon's investment reflects a strong vote of confidence in Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem. He stated that the government's strategic policies, particularly in energy transition and semiconductor development, have generated significant interest from global investors. This development comes at a time when many companies are diversifying their operations in response to escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. The Malaysian semiconductor landscape has been bolstered by previous investments, including a notable $7 billion commitment from American chip giant Intel to establish a chip packaging and testing facility in the country. Intel's history in Malaysia dates back to 1972, when it launched its first overseas production site, and has since expanded its operations significantly. Addressing concerns about the availability of skilled labor, Prime Minister Anwar expressed confidence in the capabilities of Malaysian professionals and students. He reiterated the government's commitment to attracting skilled Malaysians back to the country to support the burgeoning semiconductor sector.