"AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE RISE OF SILICON PENANG" PREMIERES IN PENANG

A 40-Minute Documentary Chronicles the Remarkable Evolution of Penang into a Global Semiconductor Powerhouse

Penang, 25 February 2025 – The Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) proudly hosted the exclusive premiere of Against All Odds: The Rise of Silicon Penang, a powerful documentary capturing the extraordinary journey that transformed Penang into a global semiconductor hub. Conceptualized by Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of MSIA, and produced by Loo Shun Ming under Image Farm Productions, the film was unveiled before an esteemed audience of approximately 80 distinguished guests, including key policymakers, industry pioneers, and thought leaders. The event, held at Anjung Seri Mutiara, was made possible through the gracious support of H.E. Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang.

A Story of Vision, Resilience, and Industrial Transformation

The documentary Against All Odds: The Rise of Silicon Penang was born out of a fundamental question: How did Penang, a small state, emerge as a global semiconductor powerhouse? Recognizing the existence of multiple versions of this story, Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of MSIA, sought to present a comprehensive and authentic narrative of Penang’s industrial transformation.

The film takes viewers on a journey through Penang’s pivotal moments, beginning with the bold leadership of the late Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Lim Chong Eu, who navigated the state through economic uncertainty following the loss of its free port status. His visionary moves to establish the Penang Free Trade Zone in the early 1970s set the stage for the arrival of the “Eight Samurais”—a pioneering group of multinational semiconductor firms that laid the foundation for Penang’s industrial ascent. The documentary highlights how subsequent Chief Ministers have continued to build upon this legacy, positioning Penang as a premier global hub in the semiconductor sector.

Distinguished Guests in Attendance:

• YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang
• YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, Former Chief Minister of Penang
• YB Tuan Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State EXCO for Infrastructure, Transport & Digital
• YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI)
• Mr. Lim Chien Cheng, son of the late Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Lim Chong Eu, Former Chief Minister of Penang II

Key Highlights of the Documentary:

The film features first-hand insights and reflections from individuals who played a pivotal role in Penang’s industrial success, including:

• YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow – Current Chief Minister of Penang
• YB Lim Guan Eng - Former Chief Minister of Penang - IV
• Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon – Former Chief Minister of Penang - III
• Dato’ Seri Chet Singh a/l Karam Singh – Former General Manager of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC)
• Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai – President of MSIA
• Dato’ Seri Lee Kah Choon - Industry and economic strategist
• Muhamed Ali Hajah Mydin – CEO, Walta Ideaville Automation Sdn Bhd, Independent Non-Executive Director at YGL Convergence Berhad
• Mr. Ng Foo Seng – Former Managing Director of Intel Penang

Panel Discussion: “Second Take-Off” – Charting Penang’s Future

Following the film, an insightful panel discussion titled "Second Take-off" was held. Moderated by Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, the panel featured:

• YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI)
• Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, Chairman of the George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies (GIOAS), Wawasan Open University (WOU)
• Mr. Lee Eng Keat, General Manager of Lam Research International Sdn Bhd
• Mr. Suresh Kumar Dass, Vice President, General Manager, Intel Malaysia Design Center

The discussion provided deep insights into Penang’s future in the semiconductor industry, addressing global trends, strategic opportunities, and challenges in maintaining its leadership in the digital economy.

A Celebration of Penang’s Legacy and Future

The premiere of Against All Odds: The Rise of Silicon Penang was more than just a film screening—it was a celebration of Penang’s rich industrial heritage and an exploration of its future potential. The event fostered meaningful dialogue on how Malaysia can leverage its semiconductor strength in the global economy, ensuring Penang remains at the forefront of industry innovation.

As Penang continues to play a vital role in shaping the semiconductor industry’s global landscape, this documentary serves as a tribute to the pioneers whose perseverance, vision, and determination transformed a bold dream into an enduring reality.

For media enquiries, please contact MSIA correspondence:

MSIA Secretariat
Email: secretariat@msia.org.my

Ms. Dayana Afiqah
Email: dayana.arif@msia.org.my