KUALA LUMPUR: The burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, a boom in data centres and growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to drive semiconductor demand in Malaysia and beyond, said Siemens Malaysia.

Siemens Malaysia president and chief executive officer Tindaro Danze said these sectors will necessitate the expansion of data centres and advanced chip manufacturing.

Danze was commenting on the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Semicon SEA 2024 last week. 

Siemens is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Malaysia into a global semiconductor hub, aligning with the NSS. 

Backed by US$5.3 billion (RM25 billion) in fiscal incentives, the NSS aims to position Malaysia as a leader in the semiconductor industry.

"Siemens is committed to supporting the NSS and Malaysia's semiconductor industry more broadly. 

"Our comprehensive involvement in the entire value chain - from research to design and production - allows us to deliver unmatched expertise and solutions at every stage of semiconductor manufacturing," Danze said in a statement.

To address the talent gap, Siemens Malaysia is responding to the prime minister's call to nurture 60,000 engineers in the semiconductor space over the next decade. 

Siemens is partnering with Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDCx) and local universities to develop advanced syllabi for upskilling the workforce and preparing new talents.

Building sustainability into the chip value chain is a key priority for Siemens. 

According to a report by Boston Consulting Group and SEMI, electricity generation accounts for about 65 per cent of manufacturing emissions in the semiconductor industry. 

Siemens is addressing these challenges through advanced technologies like digital twins and AI to create efficiencies and adapt to changing needs.

Siemens's participation at Semicon SEA 2024 underscored its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and workforce development in Malaysia's semiconductor industry.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/06/1059369/ev-data-centre-boom-rising-ai-interest-drive-semi-conductor