AMD Doubles Down on AI in Southeast Asia with Penang Mega Hub

Global semiconductor leader AMD has officially inaugurated its new mega facility in Bayan Lepas, Penang, marking a strategic leap in its commitment to AI and high-performance computing across Southeast Asia. The 209,000-square-foot campus is designed to accelerate AMD’s innovation pipeline, bolster regional talent, and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a rising force in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

A Strategic Investment in AI and Engineering Excellence

The Penang facility will serve as a regional hub for AMD’s cutting-edge research and development, focusing on adaptive computing, AI-driven architectures, and next-generation semiconductor technologies. With capacity for over 1,200 employees, the site features state-of-the-art engineering labs, collaborative workspaces, and advanced testing environments tailored to AMD’s expanding product portfolio.

“Malaysia has long been a cornerstone of AMD’s global operations,” said Victor Peng, President of AMD’s Adaptive and Embedded Computing Group. “This new facility reflects our confidence in the region’s talent and its growing importance in the future of AI and semiconductor innovation.”

Aligning with Malaysia’s National Tech Vision

The launch aligns closely with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy, and the 13th Malaysia Plan, all of which aim to transform the country into a high-tech, knowledge-driven economy. AMD’s investment supports the government’s ambition to produce the first generation of “Made by Malaysia” chips—designed, developed, and tested locally.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the launch event, hailed the facility as a “milestone in Penang’s evolution from a manufacturing base to a global innovation hub.”

Public-Private Synergy

The project received strong backing from InvestPenang and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), both of which emphasized AMD’s role in catalyzing local innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.

“This is more than just a facility—it’s a signal to the world that Malaysia is ready to lead in the age of AI,” said Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA.

Regional Impact and Future Outlook

AMD’s Penang expansion is expected to generate high-value employment, deepen local supply chains, and foster collaboration with universities and startups. It also complements AMD’s broader strategy to diversify its global footprint and tap into emerging markets with strong engineering talent.

As AI continues to reshape industries—from healthcare to autonomous systems—AMD’s Penang mega hub positions Southeast Asia at the forefront of this transformation.