The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), through Mimos Bhd, is sharpening its focus on integrated circuit (IC) design, advanced packaging and other high-value technologies as Malaysia pushes to deepen its role in the semiconductor value chain, according to Malaysia’s state-owned news agency Bernama.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Mohammad Yusof Apdal said the move is aimed at helping local companies transition into original design manufacturers (ODMs) and technology owners, reducing reliance on assembly-based activities.

He said Mimos has put in place a strategy spanning research and development (R&D) infrastructure, intellectual property (IP) strengthening, technology transfer and talent development to support the journey from research to commercialization and market expansion.

“These initiatives will reinforce Malaysia’s shift from an assembly-driven economy to one centered on technology creation and ownership, in line with the National Semiconductor Strategy and the High Growth High Value agenda,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address for the ministry in the Dewan Negara on Wednesday.

It is noted that through Mimos Academy, training programs are being offered in IC design, wafer fabrication, reliability engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet the manpower needs of fast-growing technology firms.

Mimos’ Semiconductor Technology Center and Industry Technology Innovation Centre (ITIC) in Kulim provide shared facilities including wafer fabrication, IC testing, failure and materials analysis, reliability testing and co-design capabilities.

According to Mohammad Yusof, ITIC organized 19 technical training sessions and seminars in 2025, benefiting about 400 participants from 60 local industry players and academic institutions.

He added that ITIC is currently undertaking several proof-of-concept (POC) projects with local electrical and electronics (E&E) companies, offering technical expertise and access to shared equipment.

The initiative is designed to validate emerging technologies, strengthen the domestic value chain and accelerate the commercialization of semiconductor innovations.

With more than 1,400 patents filed — including 330 related to semiconductors — Mimos supports technology transfer through licensing, co-development with industry and spin-offs, he said.

Beyond semiconductors, Mosti is also backing startups through Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd.

Its CIP Spark and CIP Sprint grants provide funding for prototype development and commercialization, covering product development, market validation and scaling preparation.

As at Dec 31, 2025, 72 percent of CIP Spark grant recipients had successfully commercialized their products, while CIP Sprint recorded a 100% commercialization rate, he said.

Meanwhile, 101 products have been commercialized under the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) between 2020 and 2025.

In the aerospace segment, Mohammad Yusof said the Malaysian Space Industry Consortium (Masic) is working towards a strategic collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to explore joint project development.

The consortium has also undertaken business exploration missions and strategic engagements in South Korea, Japan, Türkiye, Scotland, Poland and Argentina. Delegations have conducted working visits to Türkiye, Scotland and Japan, and are scheduled to participate in the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye this year.

Masic currently comprises 10 corporate members from the local space industry.

Following approval at its extraordinary general meeting in February 2026, the consortium has expanded its focus from the upstream segment to cover the full space sector value chain, including midstream and downstream activities.

Its revised constitution is pending approval from the Registrar of Societies before taking effect, with an annual general meeting expected in April 2026 to formalize new member participation, he added.

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