K-Test's US$50 Mln Investment To Strengthen Perak's Semiconductor Ecosystem
BATU GAJAH, July 30 (Bernama) -- South Korean semiconductor testing specialist, K-Test Co Ltd's US$50 million (US$1=RM4.08) investment is expected to strengthen Perak's electrical and electronics (E&E) ecosystem while catalysing the growth of the state's high-tech manufacturing sector.
Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the company's new wafer testing facility, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of next year, will further strengthen the semiconductor industry supply chain and position the company as a key supplier to industry players in the state.
He said this to reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for K-Test Malaysia’s facility here today.
Also present were K-Test Malaysia chief executive officer Brandon Lee and InvestPerak acting chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Shahir Abdul Aziz.
Loh said one of the key factors behind K-Test's decision to invest in Perak is the state's stable workforce, as employee turnover among companies in Perak is relatively low.
“The company is involved in outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT), focusing on the downstream segment of the semiconductor industry, and it will provide OSAT services for customers not only in Malaysia but also in Taiwan, South Korea and other countries," he said.
Meanwhile, Lee said Malaysia was chosen as it is perceived as a competitive semiconductor hub with strong long-term growth prospects.
"We see Malaysia as an emerging semiconductor hub with strong growth potential. It is becoming an increasingly competitive location for the semiconductor industry, and that is why we chose to invest here.
"We will hire locals and send them to Korea in groups to undergo training. At the same time, our experienced engineers from Korea will be based in Malaysia to mentor the local workforce and strengthen their technical capabilities," he said.
He added that the company's long-term goal is to develop a highly skilled local workforce capable of taking on key technical roles.
K-Test has commenced construction of its first manufacturing facility in Ipoh in collaboration with InvestPerak Malaysia and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
The company will provide wafer testing and final testing services for memory, system, and power semiconductors, and will create 100 job opportunities for the local community.
-- BERNAMA