Malaysia Targets First ‘Made by Malaysia’ Arm Chips in Production by 2030

Malaysia aims to have its first locally developed chips, built with technology from British semiconductor company Arm Limited, enter production and the country’s semiconductor supply chain by 2030, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said on Aug 21. Four companies have so far begun designing chips using Arm technology, with the government hoping initial designs could be completed by 2028.

The 2030 production target

Akmal Nasrullah said companies that received technology access through the collaboration would need about three years to develop chip designs before producing their first products, and that the timeline would vary depending on the technology and market targeted. The target also accounts for the time needed to ensure the chips can be marketed and accepted by customers the companies have identified.

“We are setting the target to produce the first one by 2030,” he said at a press conference following the Economy Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya.

Companies and technology access

In line with the target, the government handed offer letters to Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd and Alphaswift Industries Sdn Bhd for access to Arm Compute Subsystem (CSS) technology and the Arm Flexible Access (AFA) programme, respectively, under Malaysia’s strategic cooperation with Arm Limited.

So far, eight Arm technology-access packages, comprising four Arm CSS and four Arm Flexible Access tokens, have been offered to five local companies. The access is intended to help local firms accelerate integrated circuit design and research and development, including in areas such as drones and advanced microelectronics. Companies are assessed according to their technical capabilities, identified markets, potential customers and commercial prospects.

Talent development

On the workforce side, Akmal Nasrullah said 1,530 participants had so far undergone Arm On-Demand Training, out of a target of training 10,000 people over four years. The Arm training programme offers a 200-hour online course, in addition to integrated training conducted with the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia under the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC).

He said some graduates of programmes run jointly with SIRIM’s Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Design and Application Centre (SIDAC) in Selangor had secured starting salaries of about RM5,500, potentially rising to between RM8,000 and RM9,000 after two to three years of experience. The government has also reached an agreement with 12 universities for a more structured rollout of the Arm On-Demand Training programme.

Why it matters

The initiative reflects Malaysia’s push to move up the semiconductor value chain from manufacturing and packaging into chip design and intellectual property. By tying technology access to domestic hiring and manufacturing requirements, the government aims to multiply the value created, not only through locally designed chips but also through the engineers and supply-chain linkages built around them.

FAQ

When does Malaysia want its first home-made chips?

The government targets having the first “Made by Malaysia” chips using Arm technology enter production and the semiconductor supply chain by 2030, with initial designs hoped to be completed by 2028.

How many companies are involved in the chip designs?

Four companies have begun designing chips, and eight Arm technology-access packages have been offered to five local companies so far.

What is the arm training target?

Malaysia aims to train 10,000 people over four years through Arm On-Demand Training, with 1,530 participants having completed the programme so far.

Source: Malay Mail · The Star

Cover image generated by AI for illustrative purposes only.