Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Arm Holdings Plc will sign an agreement to establish a base in Malaysia next week, following discussions with its CEO and Softbank’s Masayoshi Son. This investment highlights Malaysia’s stability and clear policies but also presents challenges in providing a skilled workforce necessary for the tech sector’s growth.
In a significant development for Malaysia’s semiconductor sector, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Arm Holdings Plc, a UK-based leader in semiconductor design, is slated to sign an agreement to establish a base in Malaysia next week. During an online meeting with Arm’s CEO and Softbank Group Corp CEO Masayoshi Son, Anwar confirmed the impending agreement, emphasizing Arm’s global reputation in semiconductor technology.
Anwar expressed confidence in finalizing the agreement during a media briefing following a ceremony at the Nasi Kandar Restaurant chain in Putrajaya. He highlighted that Arm’s commitment reflects the attractiveness of Malaysia as a host for advanced technology investments, underscoring the nation’s political stability and clear economic policies as crucial factors in attracting such ventures.
While celebrating this investment news, Anwar acknowledged the challenges it poses, particularly the need for a skilled workforce. He identified a critical test for Malaysia in providing a sufficient number of qualified professionals to support the growth and sustainability of such substantial investments in the country, emphasizing the importance of developing a young, professional labor force.
Arm Holdings, based in Cambridge, England, specializes in the design of central processing unit (CPU) architectures, specifically implementing the Arm instruction set. The company’s establishment in Malaysia is seen as a strategic move that can bolster local employment and enhance Malaysia’s position within the global semiconductor landscape.
The anticipated agreement between Arm Holdings and Malaysia signifies a pivotal advancement for the country’s semiconductor industry. The investment underlines Malaysia’s stable political climate and well-defined policies, essential for attracting large-scale investments. However, the challenge of cultivating an adequately skilled workforce remains a significant hurdle for future success and growth in this sector.
Original Source: theedgemalaysia.com
