SEMICON SEA 2026 Opens in Kuala Lumpur, Showcasing Southeast Asia’s Rising Power in Global Chip Supply Chains

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its position in the global semiconductor landscape as SEMICON Southeast Asia (SEMICON SEA) 2026 officially opened in the capital, spotlighting the region’s accelerating shift toward high-value innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the three-day event gathers over 20,000 participants, including policymakers, global industry leaders, manufacturers, investors, and emerging talent. The platform serves as a hub for strategic dialogue, cutting-edge technology showcases, and cross-border business collaboration.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, alongside key stakeholders such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and representatives from leading global semiconductor firms.

Under the theme “Transform Tomorrow”, this year’s edition focuses on shaping the future of the semiconductor industry. Key discussions revolve around:

Scaling advanced manufacturing capabilities, Advancing next-generation chip packaging Driving intelligent and automated production, Strengthening talent and workforce development

These priorities reflect rising global demand fuelled by artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and next-generation electronics.

MIDA Chief Executive Officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid highlighted Malaysia’s strategic transition from traditional backend semiconductor roles into high-value segments such as chip design, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.

He revealed that Malaysia secured RM28.5 billion in semiconductor investments in 2025, underscoring strong global investor confidence. The country continues to enhance supply chain resilience, develop local capabilities, and build strategic international partnerships.

SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha emphasised that deeper global collaboration is now essential, as innovation increasingly depends on alignment across design, materials, and manufacturing sectors.

He noted that SEMICON SEA has evolved beyond an exhibition into a dynamic platform for turning ideas into actionable partnerships and real-world solutions.

The event features a range of high-impact programmes aimed at strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, including: Executive Leadership Summit , MIDA Strategic Semiconductor Forum, Sustainability and Energy Summit, TechZoomers Challenge, TalentCONNECT

These initiatives focus on leadership development, sustainability practices, and preparing a future-ready workforce.

SEMICON SEA 2026 also celebrates more than 12 years of collaboration between MIDA and SEMI, built on three core pillars: Integration into global semiconductor supply chains, Scaling capabilities of local enterprises, Advancing talent development

Running from May 5 to 7, the event features participation from companies and organisations across Asia, the United States, and Europe, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s growing influence in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

As Malaysia continues its transformation, SEMICON SEA 2026 positions the nation at the forefront of a regional shift toward becoming a high-value technology powerhouse—ready to meet the demands of the next digital era.