PENANG’s robust industrial ecosystem has positioned the state as a preferred investment hub, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Hotayi BK3 in Batu Kawan today, Chow expressed his gratitude to the Taiwanese-owned company for continuously choosing Penang as the location to expand its manufacturing operations.
He praised the electronics-based company for achieving a significant milestone in shaping the economic landscape of both the state and the nation.
“Hotayi (M) Electronics Sdn Bhd is a prominent Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider in Penang, specialising in advanced manufacturing solutions for data centres, automotive, communications, and consumer products.
“Since its establishment in 1992, Hotayi has consistently invested in its operations here in Penang. Today, we witness yet another milestone as Hotayi breaks ground on its new state-of-the-art facility.
“This Phase 3 expansion will feature smart manufacturing across 380,000 sq feet, with an investment of RM500 million, and is expected to generate 1,000 high-value jobs upon completion,” Chow said in his speech.
As the country’s leading contributor to the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, Chow emphasised that the state plays a crucial role in the global supply chain.
“We account for over 5% of global semiconductor exports, housing some of the world’s leading semiconductor giants alongside an ecosystem of homegrown industry champions.
“With over 50 years of industrial excellence, Penang has established itself as a prime destination for high-tech manufacturing and innovation-driven investments,” he explained.
Last year, Penang ranked among the top three recipients of approved manufacturing investments, securing RM17.3 billion. Of this amount, RM13.8 billion, or 80%, was contributed by foreign direct investments (FDI).
“The electronics and electrical products sector remained the top-performing sector in the state, with total approved manufacturing investments of RM7.8 billion in 2024, representing 45% of the overall total,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chow also thanked Hotayi for its RM500,000 contribution to the Penang Future Foundation (PFF).
“PFF is a scholarship programme awarded by the state government with support from the private sector to outstanding and deserving Malaysians pursuing STEM-related undergraduate studies,” he said.
Chow emphasised the need for more locally educated STEM graduates and talents, urging the private sector to contribute to PFF.
Hotayi chairman Datuk Seri Lee Hung Lung expressed his delight at the company’s significant growth over the years.
“The staff and everyone here are the driving force behind the company’s growth, and I hope Hotayi will achieve even greater milestones in the future,” he said.
Lee also expressed hope that the expansion would generate more employment opportunities.
Hotayi managing director, Datuk Goh Guek Eng, acknowledged the company’s success, highlighting that it has undergone a series of expansions since 2017.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed, and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia representative Phoebe Yeh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En