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- InvestPenang said the 36,000 sq ft innovation hub, located in Bayan Lepas, serves as a one-stop centre for local integrated circuit (IC) design startups, offering access to advanced infrastructure, high-performance computing environments and collaborative development programmes.
KUALA LUMPUR (July 1): The Penang government, through its investment promotion arm InvestPenang, on Tuesday launched the Silicon Research & Incubation Space (SRIS) and announced several chip innovations by its occupants.
InvestPenang said the 36,000 sq ft innovation hub, located in Bayan Lepas, serves as a one-stop centre for local integrated circuit (IC) design startups, offering access to advanced infrastructure, high-performance computing environments and collaborative development programmes.
"The launch [of the SRIS] marks a strategic leap forward in the nation’s drive to empower local IC design companies, enabling them to build, test and scale next-generation chips proudly 'Made by Malaysia' in Penang, aligning with the National Semiconductor Strategy," the agency said in a statement.
SRIS is a key component of the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ (PSD@5KM+) initiative, which aims to position Penang as a regional IC design hub. Other components include the Penang IC Design & Digital Park and the Penang Chip Design Academy.
"[SRIS] provides access to high-spec server environments, cutting-edge labs and industry-standard EDA tools and equipment, alongside a robust support ecosystem of technical consultation, expert mentorship and collaborative development programmes," said InvestPenang.
It said five companies that are set to benefit from the initiative—which have also been selected as inaugural SRIS occupants at the GBS TechSpace—are local startups Filpal, Infinecs Lab and Silicon X, and expanding companies SkyeChip and Sophic Automation.
During the launch, SkyeChip unveiled two new technologies, namely HBM3E (High Bandwidth Memory) for AI and cloud computing applications and Network-on-Chip (NoC) technology to optimise efficiency in AI, smart devices and automotive systems.
Meanwhile, Silicon X, a homegrown chip designer, is currently developing Malaysia’s first proprietary chip, with its “power-on” milestone expected soon.
Since 2024, the number of IC design companies in Penang has more than doubled, with over 45 firms now operating in the state, noted InvestPenang. The PSD@5KM+ initiative, it said, aims to further scale this growth as Malaysia pushes toward greater chip sovereignty, semiconductor self-sufficiency and regional competitiveness.
The Penang government has committed RM60 million, with an additional RM50 million in federal co-funding. Eligible local IC design companies may have access to subsidies to support operating expenses such as rental, utilities, multi-project wafer services, testing and talent development.
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