@NextDigital September/October 2025 | Page 5

September-October. 2025 |

13 MALAYSIA PLAN 05

Penang for SiC hub

CHINA ' S Zhejiang Jingsheng Mechanical & Electrical Co., Ltd.( JSG), through its Malaysian subsidiary Super- SiC( Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd( SuperSic) has officially broken ground on its first silicon carbide( SiC) wafer manufacturing facility in Penang.

The facility, which will occupy 40,000 square metres, represents a significant stride in JSG ' s global expansion. It is also set to bolster Penang ' s standing as a key semiconductor hub in the region. At the same time, the project highlights the nation ' s growing role in global high-tech manufacturing and its deepening economic ties with China.
To mark the launch of the project, SuperSic held an official ceremony with distinguished guests, including the Chinese Consul General in Penang, Zhou Youbin and InvestPenang Chief Executive Officer( CEO) Datuk Loo Lee Lian.
Also present were Malaysian Investment Development Authority( MIDA), Domestic Investment
Division Director Sukri Abu Bakar, JSG Chairman Dr Cao Jianwei, and Zhejiang Jingrui SuperSic General Manager Sheng Yongjiang.
" The groundbreaking of the SuperSiC Malaysia factory exemplifies the practical implementation of the China-Malaysia Joint Statement, injecting new vitality into the enhancement of industrial chain and supply chain cooperation between the two nations," remarked Zhou.
Construction is scheduled to commence within the year. Upon phase one completion, it ' s projected to yield 240,000 8-inch silicon carbide wafers annually, enhancing JSG ' s global supply capacity.
Furthermore, the facility is designed with a commitment to sustainable development. Environmental stewardship and employee welfare are key priorities under its corporate social responsibility.
It is also closely aligned with Malaysia ' s national blueprints, such as the New Industrial Master
BREAKING NEW GROUND: Industry leaders and dignitaries at the SuperSiC Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Plan( NIMP) 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy( NSS) 2030, and the Chemical Industry Roadmap( CIR).
" MIDA particularly values this investment as it addresses a critical gap in our semiconductor ecosystem: advanced wafer fabrication. This project will serve as a catalyst, attracting further investments in this crucial sector and strengthening Malaysia ' s position as Asia ' s premier advanced manufacturing hub.
" With SuperSiC ' s commitment, we ' re establishing a cornerstone for Malaysia ' s technological future," said MIDA CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Abdul Majid.

Young minds, big wins Google ' s RM9.4 billion push

TECH WHIZ DUO: Parsa and Rohan win gold at ITEX 2025 for their AIpowered Minecraft project.
TWO Malaysian students sparked nationwide buzz, having secured top honours at the World Young Inventors Exhibition. The exhibition was held in conjunction with the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition 2025( ITEX 2025).
Brothers, Mohammad Parsa Parhizkar and Mohammad Rohan Parhizkar, aged 12 and nine, are students of Sekolah Kebangsaan( SK) Putrajaya Presint 8-1. Their invention, Minedu AI, is a Minecraft-based learning assistant powered by artificial intelligence( AI).
It is designed to support Malaysia’ s primary school subjects, such as Science, Biology, and Geography, through interactive and gamified learning experiences.
The project outshone 144 entries from 55 local and international schools. Their innovation earned them a gold medal in the World Young Inventors Exhibition category, in addition to receiving the Best Young Inventor Excellence Award( Primary Level).
With support from Google Malaysia, Parsa and Rohan founded their startup, Minedu AI, based on their award-winning invention. This makes them among the youngest tech entrepreneurs in the country.
Minedu AI has quickly proven its commercial potential, generating revenue through plugin licensing and AI training workshops for students. It is also currently being introduced in schools via pilot programmes.
Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
GOOGLE is investing RM9.4 billion to establish the first Google data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia. According to Alphabet and Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat, this is the company ' s most significant planned investment in Malaysia so far.
This investment is set to create 26,500 jobs and deliver an estimated RM15.04 billion in long-term economic impact. Investment, Trade and Industry( MITI) Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz described the initiative as a strategic multi-sector boost.
On his meeting with Google representatives during a working
visit to Washington, United States( U. S), Zafrul said: " We discuss how Google can continue to boost Malaysia ' s artificial intelligence( AI) economy and cloud computing, strengthen cybersecurity, and invest in digital proficiency.
“ The government is committed to providing full support and ensuring a conducive environment for highquality investment."
Malaysia continues to have a positive appeal to investors, due to the country ' s consistent policy framework, robust public-private collaboration, reliable infrastructure, minimal disaster risk, and focus on sustainability. @ ND