Selangor has made a bold move to strengthen its semiconductor industry with the opening of an integrated circuit (IC) design park in Puchong, offering competitive salaries that rival those in Singapore and Vietnam. According to Yong Kai Ping, the chief executive officer of the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corp (Sidec), this initiative is part of the state’s strategy to secure the best engineering talent in the region.
Competitive Salaries to Attract Top Talent
Recognizing the need to match salaries offered in neighboring countries, Selangor is offering undergraduate engineers in the IC design park a starting salary of RM5,000 to RM6,000. For those holding a master’s degree, the offer increases to RM7,000. These figures are intended to keep Malaysia’s top engineering talent from leaving the country for better-paying jobs in Singapore or Vietnam.
“Malaysia and Southeast Asia are lacking talent in IC design compared to China, Taiwan, and Korea. So, we must offer salaries that match those in Singapore, otherwise, our top talent will leave for our neighbors or even to Vietnam,” Yong explained. He shared these insights following the groundbreaking ceremony of the IC design park at the Puchong Financial Corp Centre (PFCC) on Tuesday.
A Hub for Skilled Engineers
The new IC design park, which is expected to house over 400 engineers, has already attracted significant interest. It has received 3,300 resumes from candidates ranging from junior to senior levels. The park is actively recruiting skilled candidates with degrees in electrical and electronics (E&E) engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and computer sciences.
Sidec is not only focused on fresh graduates but is also assisting Malaysian and international IC companies in recruiting experienced engineers with four to eight years of experience. These seasoned professionals are expected to play a pivotal role in leading the expansion of companies within the Selangor IC design park.
Global Semiconductor Tenants and Ecosystem Partners
The IC design park in Puchong is already attracting global semiconductor companies. Current tenants include Maistorage, Skyechip, Weeroc, AppAsia ChipsBank, and SensoremTek Sdn Bhd. The park is also supported by several ecosystem partners, such as BlueChip VC, ARM Holdings, Cadence Design System, Synopsys, Siemens EDA, Keysight, and the Shenzhen Semiconductor Association.
A Strategic Move for Malaysia’s Semiconductor Industry
The establishment of the IC design park is a strategic move by Selangor to position itself as a hub for the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia. By offering competitive salaries and creating an environment conducive to innovation and growth, the state aims to attract and retain top engineering talent, which is crucial for the development and expansion of its semiconductor industry.
The move aligns with Malaysia’s broader goals to enhance its position in the global technology and manufacturing sectors. With this initiative, Selangor is not only addressing the talent gap in the semiconductor industry but is also paving the way for sustained economic growth in the region.
Conclusion
As Selangor’s IC design park in Puchong takes shape, it represents a significant step forward in Malaysia’s efforts to build a robust semiconductor industry. By offering competitive salaries and fostering a collaborative environment with global industry players, Selangor is set to become a key player in the regional semiconductor landscape. The success of this initiative will depend on its ability to attract and retain the best engineering talent, ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive in the fast-evolving world of technology.
