LANGKAWI, June 18, 2025 – The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is taking the lead in positioning ASEAN at the forefront of the global semiconductor supply chain and technological advancement.
A significant milestone was achieved this week with the successful convening of the 2nd Workshop on Enhancing the Semiconductor Industry and Linking the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network, held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC), here.
The two-day workshop brought together leading policymakers, academics, and industry experts from across ASEAN and beyond. The event focused on strengthening regional cooperation to build a more integrated, resilient, and self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
Organized by the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS UKM) and ERIA, the workshop featured participation from all ten ASEAN Member States, alongside invited experts from the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Key highlights included the presentation and validation of national semiconductor development reports, in-depth exchanges on international best practices, and the introduction of a landmark regional framework aimed at deepening collaboration across the semiconductor value chain.
With seven strategic trusts, the framework represents not just a policy roadmap, but a commitment to cooperation, resilience, and innovation.
According to the Vice Chancellor of UKM, Prof. Dr. Sufian Jusoh, the aim is to make ASEAN the main semi conductor powerhouse in the global market since ASEAN is equipped with supplementary materials that can be contributed to the early development of semiconductor.
“The workshop concluded with a strong consensus on the critical need for ASEAN-wide coordination in advancing the region’s semiconductor capabilities.
“The framework will now undergo further refinement through targeted expert consultations, paving the way for its eventual adoption by member states. Among the proposed pilot initiatives are shared design centers, regional R&D hubs, and programs to promote digital talent mobility across borders,” he said.
As semiconductors remain at the core of technologies ranging from smartphones to smart grids, ASEAN’s united approach could prove transformative.
Long celebrated for its natural beauty, Langkawi now also stands as the launchpad for a bold new chapter in the region’s pursuit of technological sovereignty.
