THE Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) is steadfast in empowering local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the semiconductor and Electrical & Electronics (E&E) sectors.
CREST chief executive officer Jaffri Ibrahim said that empowering local SMEs was among the efforts by the organisation, aimed at fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and strengthening the ecosystem within crucial industries.
CREST is an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI).
Jaffri, together with CREST adviser Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Hussain, Clarion managing director T.K.Tan, and CREST representative Lau Yue Hoong paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar this morning.
Jaffri briefed Chow about CREST’s roles in the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).
“The NSS aims at strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor sector besides moving Malaysia up the semiconductor value chain, particularly to the front end and R&D.
“The strategy intends to leverage Malaysia’s 50 over years of semiconductor knowledge and ecosystem to be the global powerhouse of advanced packaging,” he told Chow.
During the 30-minute meeting, Jaffri also spoke about the phases and targets of the NSS.
Chow thanked CREST for the briefing and emphasised the importance of SMEs.
“SMEs play a crucial part in driving economic growth and development. They are often the backbone of local economies, providing essential goods and services while enhancing regional development.
“The SMEs are pivotal not only to local economies but also to the global business ecosystem, playing a vital role in supporting multinational corporations (MNCs),” he said.
Chow welcomed initiatives to empower the SMEs in Penang.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En