全球投資與策略合作
Global Investment & Strategic Partnerships

Exploring Penang’s Semiconductor & Technology Ecosystem

On June 10, 2024, ASJ participated in Invest ASEAN, hosted by Maybank in Penang for the first time. The program focused on Penang’s technology and industrial ecosystem through corporate meetings, industry discussions, and site visits, providing insights into the region’s semiconductor, electrical and electronics (E&E), industrial real estate, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Penang has long been an important hub for Malaysia’s electronics and semiconductor industries. Against the backdrop of global supply-chain realignment, the discussions highlighted the importance of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), strengthening the local technology and talent ecosystem, and expanding Malaysia’s role within global semiconductor and high-technology supply chains.

The program also examined the industrial real estate, infrastructure, and sustainability requirements associated with Penang’s continued industrial expansion. As investment in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing grows, supporting infrastructure—including industrial parks, energy, logistics, and related services—is becoming increasingly important.

For ASJ, Invest ASEAN Penang provided an opportunity to better understand the connections between semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, cross-border investment, and infrastructure at the industry level, while deepening our perspective on Malaysia’s technology ecosystem and ASEAN’s evolving supply chains.

Building Market Entry & Landing Capabilities in Thailand

In response to clients’ growing interest in expanding into Thailand, ASJ has been developing market entry and landing services centered on Bangkok and its surrounding industrial areas. In June 2024, ASJ conducted an on-the-ground market assessment covering industrial parks, commercial and residential properties, and other resources relevant to companies establishing operations in Thailand.

The assessment covered Bangkok and surrounding areas with industrial and business potential, focusing on industrial sites and park infrastructure, transportation and logistics connectivity, commercial locations, and residential requirements for relocating personnel. The visit also provided an opportunity to establish relationships with local partners and service providers.

For industrial and manufacturing projects, ASJ evaluated factors including supply-chain positioning, infrastructure, logistics access, and future expansion potential. Commercial and residential options were also reviewed to better understand the broader requirements involved in supporting companies and their teams entering the Thai market.

The site assessment strengthened ASJ’s local network and execution capabilities in Thailand, supporting a broader cross-border service platform covering market assessment, site selection, local resource coordination, and implementation support for companies expanding into Thailand and the wider ASEAN market.

Exploring the Johor–Singapore Growth Corridor

From September 24–27, 2024, ASJ participated in Invest Malaysia 2024, combining investment forums, corporate engagement, and site visits to gain deeper insights into Johor’s rapidly evolving investment landscape and its growing economic integration with Singapore.

The program focused on high-growth sectors including data centers, healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial infrastructure, providing first-hand perspectives on major developments and investment activity across Johor. As the movement of capital, talent, industries, and infrastructure between Singapore and Johor continues to deepen, the region is emerging as an increasingly important hub for cross-border investment.

A key area of interest was the development of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Singapore’s established financial, technology, and international business ecosystem complements Johor’s advantages in land, energy, industrial capacity, and operating costs, creating the potential for a more integrated cross-border economic corridor.

For ASJ, Invest Malaysia provided more than an overview of Malaysia’s investment landscape. It offered an opportunity to examine first-hand the growing connections between data centers, energy, infrastructure, and cross-border capital, while strengthening engagement with local companies, financial institutions, and industry partners across Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.