Global Semiconductor Leaders to Converge in Malaysia for SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026

SEMICON Southeast Asia (SEMICON SEA) 2026, the region’s premier platform for the global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing supply chain, will return to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 5 to 7 May. Registration is now open.

The event highlights the growing strategic importance of Southeast Asia within the global semiconductor ecosystem, as the region continues to strengthen its role in advanced manufacturing and supply chain resilience. In Malaysia, the event is held in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), reflecting the country’s continued commitment to strengthening its position in the global semiconductor value chain.

SEMICON SEA 2026, themed Transform Tomorrow, will focus on accelerating next-generation technologies while addressing current structural challenges. It is expected to gather more than 20,000 innovators, policymakers, and technology experts, fostering collaboration across the international semiconductor ecosystem while delivering insights into artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, sustainability, workforce development, advanced packaging, supplier sourcing, and other key areas.

The global semiconductor industry is projected to reach USD1 trillion in annual sales by 2026, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Market analysts note that Southeast Asia has emerged as a significant growth engine for the industry, outperforming the broader market in recent years, supported by sustained expansion in manufacturing capacity, assembly, testing, and packaging activities, as well as deeper integration into global supply chains.

According to Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI, the semiconductor industry is entering a new era defined by ecosystem-wide collaboration. He noted that SEMICON Southeast Asia reflects this shift through programmes designed to bridge innovation and execution, from design through manufacturing, and expressed SEMI’s anticipation of hosting the event in Malaysia, a long-established semiconductor hub.

Linda Tan, President of SEMI Southeast Asia, said SEMICON Southeast Asia serves as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation by bringing together industry leaders, visionaries, and experts to address pressing challenges and explore emerging opportunities, enabling stakeholders to shape the future of the semiconductor industry.

In Malaysia, the semiconductor industry is entering its next phase of growth from a position of strength. The electrical and electronics (E&E) sector secured RM28.5 billion in approved investments in 2025, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the national manufacturing economy and a trusted node in the global technology supply chain. SEMICON SEA 2026 comes at a time when Malaysia is moving beyond its established strengths in assembly and test towards higher-value activities, including design, advanced packaging, and innovation-driven manufacturing.

According to Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, the semiconductor industry is at an inflection point and Malaysia intends to be at the centre of its next phase. He noted that under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, Malaysia is not only maintaining its position in the global semiconductor supply chain but actively reshaping it. He added that strong investment fundamentals, including RM28.5 billion in E&E investments in 2025, reflect continued global confidence in Malaysia, which the country is building upon through supply chain integration, local capability development, and high-value partnerships. MIDA, he said, is an active builder of the industry’s next chapter in Malaysia, working collaboratively to shape its future.

SEMICON SEA 2026 will focus on several key pillars, including artificial intelligence and intelligent manufacturing, sustainability, talent development, advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration, and supplier sourcing. These areas aim to accelerate innovation, strengthen ecosystem linkages, and support the development of a future-ready workforce.

MIDA will also lead several initiatives at the event, including a Supply Chain Integration & Capability Enhancement Forum to strengthen industry linkages and supplier capabilities, a Digital Twin & Smart Manufacturing Seminar for SMEs to enhance technological adoption, and the Handshake@SEMICON programme, which facilitates structured engagements between global industry leaders and Malaysian stakeholders to accelerate investment and partnerships. In addition, MIDA will contribute to workforce development discussions through SEMI’s TECH Zoomers programme at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), focusing on talent trends and future skills in the semiconductor sector.

SEMICON SEA 2026 is further supported by leading global industry sponsors, including GlobalFoundries, Lam Research, Micron, Sandisk Corporation, Tokyo Electron Limited, Applied Materials, Schneider Electric, SGS, Soitec, STATS ChipPAC, Advantest, ASE, KLA, Kulicke & Soffa, Siemens, and STMicroelectronics.

Registration for SEMICON SEA 2026 is now open. For full programme and conference details, please visit the SEMICON SEA website.