MSIA Launches SME–MNC Connect 2026 to Strengthen Semiconductor Ecosystem and SME Capabilities

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 28 April 2026 – The Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) today launched SME–MNC Connect 2026, a strategic platform aimed at strengthening collaboration between Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) within the semiconductor ecosystem.

Officiated by YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the initiative underscores Malaysia’s commitment to deepening industrial linkages, enhancing SME capabilities, and advancing localisation efforts in the semiconductor sector.

With the theme “Grow Local, Compete Global”, the programme brings together leading global semiconductor companies such as Micron, Intel, Infineon, Texas Instruments, TF-AMD, SanDisk and Lam Research and our local SMEs. The one day programme is designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, align expectations, and unlock collaboration opportunities across the value chain for both our SMEs and MNCs. The event is attended by 170 participants, reflecting strong industry interest
and engagement across both multinational and local players.
Aligned with Malaysia’s broader industrial agenda, including the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), SME–MNC Connect 2026 focuses on addressing the gap between SME capabilities and MNC requirements. The programme provides SMEs with direct
insights into procurement expectations, quality standards, and vendor onboarding processes, market trends and key enablers for participation in global supply chains.

Main objectives of this programme are:
• Support Malaysia Governments call to localize and minimize import.
• Bridge the perspective gap between SMEs and MNCs for better alignment within the semiconductor ecosystem
• Demystify advanced packaging complexities and evolving industry demands
• Enable MNCs to share requirements and vendor onboarding processes with SMEs
• Offer direct insights into the selection criteria and expectations applied by MNCs

“MNCs gain a more agile, cost-effective and resilient supply chain. SMEs gain the mentorship and market access they need to grow. When you combine the global scale of MNCs with the flexibility and resilience of Malaysian SMEs, both sides can become more competitive and better equipped to thrive in an
evolving industry.,” said YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin.

Participants also gain insights into advanced packaging and emerging technologies, presented by experts from Yole Group, NXP, and Silicon Connect. This is to equip them to better position themselves in high-value segments of the industry.

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the initiative emphasises meaningful engagement through a dedicated networking session, enabling SMEs and MNC representatives to connect directly, explore partnerships, and initiate further collaboration.

“A strong and competitive semiconductor ecosystem requires more than investments; it requires deep collaboration across the value chain. SME–MNC Connect is about creating that bridge, where Malaysian SMEs gain clarity on industry expectations while building the capabilities needed to meet global standards. Our goal is to support SMEs in moving up the value chain and becoming long-term partners within the global semiconductor ecosystem,” said Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of MSIA.

SME–MNC Connect 2026 reflects MSIA’s continued commitment to supporting SME capacity building and strengthening Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem. As the industry evolves into advanced packaging, automation, and digitalisation, initiatives such as SME – MNC Connect is pivotal in enabling Malaysian SMEs to enhance their competitiveness and integrate more effectively into global value chains.

For media enquiries, please contact MSIA correspondence:
MSIA Secretariat Email: secretariat@msia.org.my