Malaysia seeks collaboration in semiconductors, deep tech

Bengaluru: The Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, on Tuesday hosted a high-level delegation from Penang, Malaysia, to explore avenues for strategic collaboration across semiconductors, deep tech, space technologies, smart cities, skilling, and innovation-led industrial growth.

The delegation was led by Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II, Penang, and included senior officials from the Penang State Government, representatives from the Penang Island City Council, and officials from the Consulate General of Malaysia, Chennai.

During the interaction, the delegation held discussions with IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge, and Manjula N, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, along with other senior officials from the department.

The meeting focused on identifying areas of strategic collaboration between Karnataka and Penang, with the state’s strengths in software, R&D, chip design, startups, deep tech, and talent development, and Penang’s globally recognised leadership in electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, advanced materials, and industrial scale-up.

The Penang delegation expressed strong interest in progressing discussions towards a formal MoU to institutionalise collaboration. Both sides agreed to identify a focused set of priority areas — including semiconductors and chip design, skilling and talent exchange, deep tech, space applications, and smart cities — and take discussions forward through structured engagement.

Speaking at the meeting, Kharge said, “Karnataka’s success has been built on strong, integrated ecosystems — education, skilling, startups, R&D. Penang has created an unparalleled hardware and semiconductor ecosystem."