TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) organised a Seminar titled “Semiconductor: The Beginning of a New Era” at Menara MATRADE today. The eminar was part of MATRADE's continuous effort to engage with Malaysian companies in the Electrical & Electronics (E&E) as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in bringing them the latest insights on market trends and the future of the industry going into 2017. 

The seminar which was launched by MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer Dato' Dzulkifli Mahmud, involved speakers such as Dr. David Lacey the Director for Research & Innovation from Osram Opto Semiconductors; Mr. Ng Kai Fai the President Southeast Asia for SEMI Singapore; Mr. Mohd Parid Sulaiman the Program Director for Malaysia Design Center; and Mr David Khor, MATRADE’s market linker. 

The main objective of the seminar was to assist Malaysian companies strategise their business plans in increasing the value of their exports particularly by leveraging on Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Industry 4.0 (current trends in automation and exchange of information for the manufacturing industry). Additionally, the participants were also exposed to the future of LED Lightings and how technological advancement will shape the lighting industry.

According to Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, the year 2016 has been a challenging year for a lot of businesses around the world, including Malaysia, who are still weathering the effects of currency fluctuations, the fall in oil prices and slow economic growth. “As Malaysia’s exports promotion agency, MATRADE plays a pivotal role in helping the local companies cushion the impacts of these challenges to their global venture. “Capacity building initiative such as this is essential in ensuring our exporters remain competitive in running their export business. Knowledge on trends and latest technology can greatlyhelp them chart their future plans,” Dato’ Dzulkifli said.

Within the manufacturing industry, the E&E remains one of the top contributors for Malaysia’s exports. In 2015, the exports of E&E recorded an 8.5 percent increase to generate RM277.92 billion. In the first nine months of 2016, the exports of E&E were valued at RM 207,893.00 and the top five exported products were 1) Semiconductor devices, ICs, transistors and valves, 2) Automatic data processing machines & unit thereof; magnetic & optical readers, 3) Telecommunication equipment & parts, 4) Parts & accessories for office machines & automatic data processing machines, 5) Electrical apparatus for electrical circuits & printed circuits. Apart from the semiconductor products, which has a share of 49.5 percent in the E&E exports, Malaysian E&E companies also have a strong capability in the area of telecommunication, network devices and IoT solutions. 

Over the years, the semiconductor sector has developed in various ways and contributed to many industries namely medical technology, space exploration, digital devices, and transportations. Withthe emergence of Smart Cities and digital applications through Big Data, the sector is set to be the main mover in world’s e