Ipoh: South Korean semiconductor testing specialist, K-Test Co Ltd's US$50 million (US$1=RM4.08) investment is expected to strengthen Perak's electrical and electronics (EandE) ecosystem while catalysing the growth of the state's high-tech manufacturing sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee stated that the company's new wafer testing facility, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of next year, will further strengthen the semiconductor industry supply chain and position the company as a key supplier to industry players in the state. He made these remarks to reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for K-Test Malaysia's facility.
Present at the ceremony were K-Test Malaysia chief executive officer Brandon Lee and InvestPerak acting chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Shahir Abdul Aziz. Loh highlighted that one of the reasons behind K-Test's investment decision was the state's stable workforce, noting the relatively low employee turnover among companies in Perak.
K-Test is involved in outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT), focusing on the downstream segment of the semiconductor industry. The company aims to provide OSAT services for customers not only in Malaysia but also in Taiwan, South Korea, and other countries.
Meanwhile, Brandon Lee expressed that Malaysia was chosen due to its perception as a competitive semiconductor hub with strong long-term growth prospects. "We see Malaysia as an emerging semiconductor hub with strong growth potential. It is becoming an increasingly competitive location for the semiconductor industry, and that is why we chose to invest here," he said. Lee also mentioned plans to hire locals and send them to Korea for training, with experienced engineers from Korea based in Malaysia to mentor the local workforce.
K-Test's long-term goal is to develop a highly skilled local workforce capable of taking on key technical roles. The company has commenced construction of its first manufacturing facility in Ipoh, in collaboration with InvestPerak Malaysia and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. The facility will provide wafer testing and final testing services for memory, system, and power semiconductors, creating 100 job opportunities for the local community.