KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday that the planned huge investment by Austrian semiconductor packaging and substrate maker AT&S in his country further strengthened its position as a destination for high-impact technology investments.
"This investment is expected to further enhance the nation's semiconductor ecosystem while creating high-skilled employment opportunities for Malaysians," he said in a statement.
AT&S announced on Monday that it plans to invest between 1.5 billion euros and 2 billion euros to expand its manufacturing operations in Malaysia's Kedah state amid a surge in demand for the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
Anwar said the confidence shown by international investors such as AT&S demonstrates that clear policies, political stability, good governance, and the government's commitment to driving economic transformation are placing Malaysia on the right path to becoming a leading destination for advanced technology investments and a new engine of economic growth in the region.
"This development is particularly significant in reinforcing mutual trust and commitment towards the future of the nation's digital economy, which is now being translated into tangible, high-impact investments that will benefit the country," he added.
AT&S said in a statement that its expansion of business in Malaysia is supported by long-term commitments from key customers, including Advanced Micro Devices and another leading technology company.
The expansion will involve fitting out the existing structure of its second plant and building a new facility to produce integrated circuit substrate cores and advanced printed circuit boards. ■
