INTEL Technology Sdn Bhd and Intel Microelectronics (M) Sdn Bhd, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of a Fortune 500 listed company, will be investing RM4.4 billion in Penang, and creating some 1,593 new job opportunities.
The Northern Corridor Implementation Agency (NCIA), in its announcement today, said that Intel has invested over US$7bil in Malaysia since 1972.
Malaysia is Intel’s largest offshore location with manufacturing, product design, global shared services functions and regional sales and marketing. It has over 12,000 employees in Malaysia.
Intel is also one of the country’s largest exporters contributing 10% of Malaysia’s total Electrical and Electronics (E&E) exports annually.
The handing over of Northern Corridor Economic Region Talent Enhancement Programme (NTEP@NCER) Letter of Award (LOA) to both Intel Technology Sdn Bhd and Intel Microelectronics (M) Sdn Bhd was witnessed by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the NCER Investment Commitment Ceremony 2021, which was held virtually today.
Intel Technology Sdn Bhd and Intel Microelectronics (M) Sdn Bhd vice-president Eric Chan and NCIA chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John signified the document exchange.
Besides the combined investments by Intel Technology Sdn Bhd and Intel Microelectronics (M) Sdn Bhd, homegrown large local company (LLC) Greatech Integration (M) Sdn Bhd will be investing an additional RM1.6 billion on a new operations facility in Batu Kawan.
“Greatech is a world-leading solution provider in factory automation, machinery and equipment in the E&E industry.
“The new operations facility is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year (2021),” said NCIA in the statement.
Greatech’s investment is set to create 450 new job opportunities in Penang.
The handing over of NTEP@NCER Letter of Award (LOA) to Greatech was witnessed by Muhyiddin and Chow; while Greatech CEO Tan Eng Kee, who was calling from Michigan in the United States, and Jebasingam signified the document exchange.
Intel and Greatech were among eight companies which expressed their commitments to make high-impact investments in the northern states, namely, Penang, Perlis, Kedah and Perak. Through these commitments, NCIA secured over RM16 billion for 2021, generating 19,652 job opportunities.
Earlier, the Prime Minister, Chow, the Mentris Besar of Perlis, Kedah and Perak, and Jebasingam attended the 26th NCIA Council virtual meeting.
Jebasingam presented updates on the various socioeconomic plans, which include the NCER domestic tourism travel bubble, and the implementation of programmes in the four northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.
Chow touched on several issues during the meeting, which include the Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPVs) for the industry sector, the NCER domestic tourism travel bubble and the National Digital Infrastructure Plan (Jendela).
“We have one PPV for the industry sector that is currently operating. However, there are five approved PPVs for the industry sector that are still unable to operate.
“It could be due to the Covid-19 vaccine supplies for the PPVs. We hope the Federal Government can ensure sufficient vaccine supplies for all the states to accelerate the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP),” he said.
Chow also said that the tourism sector in Penang is greatly affected by the pandemic.
“We welcome NCIA’s effort to introduce the NCER domestic tourism travel bubble when the health situation permits.
“The effort can be a (good) start for the tourism sector in the country. I believe we can revive the tourism sector with the participation of the four northern states,” he said.
Chow then spoke about the implementation of Jendela.
“We hope that the fiberisation efforts will also be rolled out at the creative hubs in George Town, Butterworth and Batu Kawan, besides the other focused areas,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian