Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, has inaugurated its largest wafer testing facility in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
This strategic expansion underscores Melexis’ dedication to addressing the rising demand for semiconductors and enhancing its foothold in the Asia-Pacific region.
The establishment of Melexis’ facility in Malaysia marks a significant milestone in the company’s 35-year history, aiming to meet the burgeoning global demand for semiconductors, which is projected to double over the next decade. The facility houses 90 semiconductor wafer test equipment for Integrated Circuits (ICs).
The choice of Kuching in Sarawak, a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), situates the facility strategically between Eastern and Western markets and next to X-FAB’s wafer foundry, a key supplier to Melexis. This location optimises logistics and reduces the company’s ecological footprint. Additionally, Kuching’s diverse, multilingual, entrepreneurial, and skilled workforce enhances recruitment potential.
Sustainable and future-proof facility
The new four-storey building, designed by Belgian architect Sebastian Mortelmans and Sarawakian architects DNA, spans 4,500 square metres, making it the largest Melexis wafer testing site globally. The modern design, inspired by local longhouse architecture, features advanced energy-saving systems, a solar installation generating 30,000kWh per month, and minimises environmental impact.
Like a traditional longhouse, the facility is designed for future expansion, ensuring adaptability and scalability. It will also support the Research & Development activities Melexis has recently initiated in Kuching. The building respects local traditions, promoting the well-being of its occupants with natural light throughout the offices and manufacturing areas, and offering views of the nearby Sarawak river and Mount Santubong.
Françoise Chombar, Chairwoman of the Board at Melexis, highlights the significance of the sustainable and future-proof building, stating: “Our continuous search for better solutions led us to this new, beautiful building that embodies the values of Melexis: innovation with heart, keeping in mind our people and the planet. We are proud of how sustainable the building is, having learned from previous experiences. This expansion will allow Melexis to serve the steadily increasing global demand for semiconductor solutions and signals our continued commitment towards our Asian customers.”
Strategic importance of Malaysia
Malaysia is an ideal choice for Melexis’ expansion in the Asia-Pacific market due to its geographical, cultural, and economic advantages. Both the Sarawak state government and the federal Malaysian government actively support initiatives to grow the semiconductor ecosystem.
YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) stated: “The opening of Melexis’ largest global wafer testing facility in Sarawak reflects Malaysia’s strong execution of investment projects, while further strengthening the country’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. As Melexis helps drive Malaysia’s technological advancement, it will also create significant socio-economic spillover that will benefit the surrounding businesses and communities, contributing to more inclusive and broad-based growth outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.”
The Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Sarawak added: “Melexis has made the right choice to invest in Sama Jaya High Tech Park, Kuching, Sarawak. With political stability, Sarawak is business friendly and welcomes investments that can create mutual benefits. Sarawak Government has always been very supportive of investors both foreign and domestic. It is among the most preferred destinations for investment in Malaysia. Sarawak possesses many comparative advantages for businesses to grow and prosper such as strategic location, availability of green energy, talented workforce, and suitable land for industrial activities.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), commented on the new Melexis facility, stating: “The new Melexis facility highlights MIDA’s role in ensuring seamless support and collaboration with international investors. By providing comprehensive assistance, we aim to create a conducive environment for technological growth and sustainability. This includes facilitating access to necessary resources and streamlining administrative processes that align with our national vision. We assure to facilitate Melexis’ integration into our ecosystem, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive and contribute significantly to our technological landscape.”
Looking ahead: innovation and growth
The grand opening, attended by the Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak and Melexis Chairwoman Françoise Chombar, highlighted Melexis’ gratitude to all contributors to the rapid expansion in Kuching, including local and federal authorities.
Melexis is pursuing further collaborations with universities and partners to foster regional innovation and growth. One notable initiative is the Local Pioneer Talent Program, launched in collaboration with universities and Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD), a government agency focused on research and development, which officially began in 2023.
The opening further emphasises the growth and innovation ambitions of Melexis. Marc Biron, CEO of Melexis said: “With an investment of €70 million, this opening underscores the ambition of Melexis and will ensure future growth. With Melexis, we are at the forefront of innovation, and this opening will support us in the markets that we serve.”
