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.

NTT Data to Acquire Majority Stake in Malaysian Payment Firm GHLSystems to Further Expand among ASEAN Countries

NTT DATA, a global IT services provider, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in GHL Systems Berhad, a leading Malaysian payment service provider. The acquisition involves a 58.73% share and is valued at RM724 million. This move is part of NTT DATA's strategy to expand its payment business across the ASEAN countries.

The agreement includes an unconditional share purchase from vendors Actis Stark (Mauritius) Ltd, APIS Growth 14 Ltd, Loh Wee Hian, and Tobikiri Capital Ltd, who collectively own the majority stake . Following the acquisition, NTT DATA will also extend a mandatory take-over offer to acquire all the remaining shares not already held by the company at RM1.08 per share.

This strategic acquisition is expected to strengthen NTT DATA's position in the Southeast Asian market by leveraging GHL Systems' established payment service network. The completion of the acquisition is anticipated within two market days from the date of the notice.

This acquisition positions NTT DATA to expand its influence in the ASEAN region. GHL Systems has an extensive network of over 480,000 payment terminals and comprehensive payment services in Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. With this acquisition, NTT DATA gains access to a broader customer base and market presence.

NTT DATA does not intend to maintain GHL's listing status. If NTT DATA manages to acquire more than 90% of the shares, it will withdraw the company's listing. This could impact GHL's visibility and regulatory requirements.

The acquisition may have financial implications for GHL, as following the completion of the acquisition, NTT DATA's direct shareholding in GHL will increase from nil to 670,440,235 shares, representing 58.73% 3. The financial resources available to NTT DATA will likely influence GHL's growth trajectory.

GHL Systems has a presence in India through GHL India Asset, which is described as a diverse fintech alternate investment platform. It aims to generate recession-proof income for investors and supports India's promising business ideas in top-growing markets.

GHL operations in India include a focus on the IT sector, with an emphasis on cloud services and digital transformation. The company's investment in India's IT sector is expected to hit US$ 5 billion annually by 2025.

With NTT DATA's recent acquisition of a 58.73% stake in GHL Systems, there is potential for further expansion and synergies in the Indian market. NTT DATA's expertise in IT services and consulting could enhance GHL's operations and offerings in India.

NTT DATA operates payment businesses through group companies in Asia, such as VietUnion Online Services (Payoo) in Vietnam, iPay88 in Malaysia and NTT DATA Payment Services India to contribute to the local societies of each country which, NTT Data claims, have been growing continuously.

At this time, NTT DATA has agreed to acquire a majority share of GHL Systemsfrom its major shareholders aiming to expand assets including services and know-how in the payment business and strengthen business foundations in the ASEAN region. NTT DATA also plans to propose a tender offer to its other shareholders following the rules at BURSA MALAYSIA, a stock exchange market in Malaysia.