[Press Release] GlobalFoundries Announces Opening of New Malaysia Office to Support Global Manufacturing Operations

By InvestPenang – Sept 26, 2023

A version of this article was first published on InvestPenang

Engineering team in Penang, Malaysia is part of a strategic hub network that will provide round-the-clock support for GF’s global manufacturing operations
Penang office will utilize the latest digital manufacturing technologies such as remote access and state-of-the-art Factory Control Tower
New site will create 300 new jobs for engineering and manufacturing support roles in Penang

September 26, 2023 – GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF) today announced the official opening of a new hub facility in Penang, Malaysia. This new facility will create 300 high-value manufacturing support roles, including technicians, engineers, administrative and support functions.

The GF Malaysia office is part of a strategic hub network that leverages the Company’s global footprint and complements GF’s global fab operations by provide engineering resources to supplement operations on a real-time basis. This site will utilize the latest digital manufacturing technologies such as remote access, Industry 4.0 solutions and GF’s state-of-the-art Factory Control Tower.

The event was graced by Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, guests from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and Kay Chai (KC) Ang, Chief Manufacturing Officer of GlobalFoundries, amongst others.

The new Penang operation will ensure that all of GF’s global manufacturing sites in Singapore, the U.S., and Europe have fundamental round-the-clock support enabling the company to maintain supply chain resiliency and sustainability for global operations, as GF continues to deliver on our commitments to meet the market demand for GF chips.

“Our newly opened Malaysia operations will leverage the strengths of our existing global manufacturing footprint and harmonize operations across all sites, offering customers truly world-class global operations,” said Mr. Kay Chai (KC) Ang, Chief Manufacturing Officer, GlobalFoundries. “Penang is a vibrant location at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing innovation. The forward-thinking policies of the government have built a strong ecosystem and attracted a large base of highly skilled talent in our industry that will enable us to diversify our talent pool,” he added.

YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, stated, “At a time where business and supply chain resiliency are key priorities, GlobalFoundries’ global manufacturing footprint sets the company ahead of the pack. Particularly, the Company’s emphasis on digital manufacturing also aligns with Penang’s goals and roadmap as we continue to anchor our position as the Silicon Valley of the East.”

Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) said, “MDEC is elated to welcome GlobalFoundries onto our shores. The establishment of its new hub facility signifies confidence in Malaysia’s robust and enabling ecosystem, our pool of digitally skilled talent and world-class infrastructure that affirms Malaysia’s position as the digital hub of ASEAN. Through the Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative and PEMANGKIN programs, we look forward to supporting GlobalFoundries’ expansion in Malaysia, transforming our digital capabilities, creating job opportunities, and further enhancing growth in the digital economy.”

Malaysia hopes to achieve a 15% market share in the semiconductor and electronics industry by 2030, up from 13%. The State, via InvestPenang, strives to provide continuous assistance and facilitation for all investors in Penang, while spearheading the development of a sustainable industrial ecosystem, and GF stands ready to support this effort with the opening of its new office.

The GF Malaysia office is located at Bayan Lepas, Penang, and will be a complement to the recently opened GF Singapore fabrication plant. The close proximity between both countries provides opportunities for cross-border initiatives and broadening the talent pool.