AEM, a global leader in test innovation, has officially expanded its operation in Penang with its new facility located in the Perai Industrial Zone.
The first plant of AEM is located in Bayan Lepas.
AEM chief executive officer Chandran Nair said the new plant comprises a 365,000sq ft area for assembly, quality assurance (QA), a warehouse, a research and development (R&D) lab and many others to develop advanced testing and handling equipment.
“This expansion comes on the heels of AEM’s highest recorded nine-month revenue level in history for 9M2022 (first nine months of 2022) at SGD$747 million.
“The new plant will also allow AEM to tap into the region’s growth opportunities and talents and bring its operations closer to existing and new customers.
“It will also allow us to scale up testing and handling capabilities to meet the growing demand for new semiconductor devices.
“And together with our centre of excellence in Singapore, I believe we will solidify our position as a hub in the region,” Chandran said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the grand opening ceremony of the new manufacturing facility today.
Also present were state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) (investment development) deputy chief executive officer Lim Bee Vian.
Chow said Penang is pleased to be the preferred location for AEM’s new manufacturing facility.
“With AEM’s expansion project, the talent in Penang is being offered not only job opportunities, but also the chance to learn from a global leader in semiconductor and electronics test solutions.
“This is believed to further enhance the local capabilities and strengthen Penang’s position as a talent magnet in the northern region,” he said.
According to Chow, the state also remains committed to building a resilient and sustainable machinery and equipment supply chain.
“AEM’s new manufacturing plant in Penang marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s roadmap to strengthen its competitiveness in the global electrical and electronics (E&E) value chain.
“The decision to expand AEM’s operations in Penang also lends credence to our conduciveness as a global semiconductor hub.
“My appreciation to Mida, InvestPenang and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for their synergistic efforts in engaging investors and facilitating project implementations.
“The state government, via InvestPenang, is looking forward to working with AEM to accelerate the development of the region’s vibrant E&E ecosystem, while simultaneously furthering the state’s Penang2030 goal and solidifying our position as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’,” Chow added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud