By Safiuddin Che Suhaimin (Assistant Manager, Technology Advocacy & Industry Interest Group) MIMOS Berhad
Behind the fast pace of Malaysia’s growing semiconductor industry are everyday challenges. Companies need to train engineers on real tools before sending them into production. They need help solving product issues, especially when they do not have full lab access. And they often struggle to innovate using outdated equipment while managing tight budgets. As Malaysia accelerates its ambitions in the global semiconductor arena, through the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), bilateral engagements such as the ARM partnership, and efforts to navigate complex global trade dynamics, a recurring question persists:
“What is MIMOS’ role in the semiconductor sector?
Before we discuss cleanrooms, tools, or emerging technologies, this article seeks to clarify our purpose: why MIMOS exists, what specific challenges we address, and how we contribute to Malaysia’s semiconductor competitiveness.
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Enabling Industry-Ready Talent Development
Despite advances in automation, the semiconductor sector remains highly dependent on skilled people. MIMOS, through its Semiconductor Technology Centre (STC), plays a central role in developing industry-ready talent.
Unlike academic laboratories, STC operates a live wafer fabrication facility that mirrors the conditions and standards of commercial fabs. Local and multinational firms regularly send their engineers to train at MIMOS to gain hands-on experience with real tools, production flows, and manufacturing constraints, without disrupting their own operations.
This capability extends to MIMOS’ Failure Analysis (FA), Materials Analysis (MA), and Reliability (REL) laboratories, which serve as both critical support infrastructure and talent incubators. Many engineers and technicians now serving in the country’s leading semiconductor firms have been trained in these environments.
In addition, the MIMOS Academy partners with industry to deliver customised upskilling and national capability-building programmes that directly address workforce gaps in high-value semiconductor roles.
To future-proof Malaysia’s workforce, MIMOS STC is advancing efforts to establish a local CMOS and MEMS ecosystem, while also exploring frontier technologies such as Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors and Advanced Packaging. These initiatives are key to strengthening Malaysia’s technological sovereignty and future-proofing its semiconductor talent pipeline.
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Providing Technical Support and Operational Solutions
Semiconductor companies face increasing quality demands and compressed product cycles. When a chip fails in the field or during validation, quick resolution is critical. MIMOS offers real-time technical support through its integrated laboratories.
From New Product Introduction (NPI) tests to customer complaint investigations, companies rely on these lab services to uncover root causes and provide evidence-based solutions. The goal is to minimise production delays, lower the risk of production stoppage, improve cycle time, and protect commercial brand reputation.
While large multinationals may have in-house diagnostic labs, many local and mid-sized firms do not. MIMOS addresses this gap by providing access to specialised infrastructure and expert technical staff without requiring companies to invest heavily in their own facilities.
Furthermore, through the Industry Technology Integration Centre (ITIC) in MIMOS Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), MIMOS supports the innovation efforts of SMEs and start-ups in the E&E sector. By offering access to high-end equipment and prototyping services, ITIC enables companies to de-risk R&D investments and accelerate time-to-market.
This integrated model of support, access, and infrastructure ensures that innovation is not limited to those with large capital reserves but is available to the broader ecosystem.
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Advancing Local Semiconductor IP and Materials Innovation
Beyond operational support, MIMOS contributes to Malaysia’s upstream semiconductor capabilities through the design and development of proprietary technologies.
Since the early 2010s, MIMOS has produced a series of strategic integrated circuits (ICs) and embedded solutions, including:
- Persona: Microprocessor Chip
- Mi-Encrypt: a secure microcontroller for encryption
- Mi-GMC: a green motion controller for energy-efficient systems
- Ultra-low power chips for IoT applications
- Neuromorphic processors for edge AI computing
These innovations reflect MIMOS’ long-standing commitment to building local semiconductor IP and nurturing national design talent. Many engineers involved in these early projects have gone on to lead design teams in IC companies and universities across Malaysia.
Another key milestone was the development of graphene-based conductive ink, which positioned Malaysia as a recognised player in advanced materials. This award-winning innovation enhanced energy efficiency and enabled progress in flexible electronics, while also catalysing local research and industrial adoption.
Looking ahead, MIMOS is developing strategic plans to strengthen Malaysia’s capability in Wide Bandgap semiconductors (e.g., SiC, GaN) and Advanced Packaging. These areas are expected to drive the next wave of global semiconductor innovation, especially in high-power applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and next-generation computing.
The goal is to build upstream capabilities — from materials and simulation to packaging design — and enable Malaysia to participate more deeply in the semiconductor value chain. These efforts will be supported through collaborations with universities, startups, and ecosystem partners to cultivate local expertise and prepare for technologies like SiC, GaN, and advanced packaging.
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Bridging Operational Realities and National Policy
Malaysia’s semiconductor strategies, such as the NSS and National E&E Strategic Plan, will only succeed if informed by ground-level technical realities. MIMOS plays a dual role: executing hands-on technical work and channelling these insights into policy discussions and ecosystem planning.
Participation in national working groups, policy committees, and industry dialogues ensures that technical feasibility, capability gaps, and infrastructure needs are reflected in strategic plans. Whether advising on talent development frameworks or infrastructure priorities, MIMOS brings an evidence-based voice to the table.
This is crucial at a time when the country is seeking to deepen its semiconductor capabilities beyond assembly, toward design, prototyping, and IP generation.
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MIMOS: A Strategic Enabler for a Semiconductor Nation
Malaysia’s narrative in semiconductors is no longer just about scale; it is about depth, quality, and resilience.
When engineers need training, MIMOS provides production-grade learning environments. When innovation faces capital barriers, MIMOS provides access to infrastructure and technical support. When quality issues arise, MIMOS offers diagnostics and validation. When policymakers need grounded insights, MIMOS delivers strategic, practical guidance.
This is what MIMOS actually does in semiconductors — quietly, consistently, and collaboratively — helping build the deep technology backbone of Malaysia’s semiconductor future.
