Kuala Lumpur, 30 January 2026 – Pursuant to the announcement made by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) on 29 January 2026, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) stands ready to operationalise the New Incentive Framework (NIF) from 1 March 2026, marking a shift towards an outcome-based, value-driven investment approach in Malaysia.

The framework will be applied to the manufacturing sector first, followed by the services sector in the second quarter of 2026. The NIF essentially ties tax incentives directly to measurable economic outcomes. Companies will be assessed using the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) Scorecard*, which quantifies contributions to job quality, technology transfer, supply chain resilience and sustainability.

Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, MIDA Chairman, said the framework is premised on the fundamental principle of returns on (incentive) investment by the Government. “The NIF is designed to ensure that every ringgit of foregone revenue delivers meaningful, multiplied returns to the nation’s economy. Our priority is not merely to attract investments, but to secure greater value, deeper industrial linkages, and better benefits for the Malaysian economy, SMEs and our people.”

In terms of implementation, incentive applications for manufacturing sector under the Promotion of Investments Act 1986 will still be accepted by MIDA no later than 3.00pm on 28 February 2026. All new manufacturing sector incentive applications submitted from 1 March 2026 onwards will be assessed under the NIF. Manufacturing companies with existing approvals will not be affected, and their incentives will continue under the approved terms and conditions.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA Chief Executive Officer, said, “MIDA fully supports the implementation of the NIF as it represents a major step forward in ensuring that Malaysia attracts the right type of investments—those that are high-value, innovation-driven and sustainable. By linking incentives to clear performance outcomes, the NIF strengthens investor confidence while delivering spillover benefits to the domestic economy, especially for local SMEs and Malaysian talents.”

The framework offers two mutually exclusive incentive options: a special tax rate or an investment tax allowance. Companies may choose the option that best suits their project profile and business model. 

MIDA will actively guide investors through the transition from the previous incentive regime to the NIF. The application process will be integrated into MIDA’s digital platforms, providing end-to-end processing for investors. Implementation guidelines, frequently asked questions (FAQs), covering eligibility criteria, scorecard assessment parameters and evaluation processes, are now available on MIDA’s official website and MITI’s NIF microsite.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim added, “We look forward to working closely with investors throughout this transition. MIDA remains committed to facilitating and supporting both new and existing investors, to ensure the projects approved under the NIF deliver strong national outcomes in line with the NIA.”

MIDA will also intensify engagement and outreach sessions to ensure awareness and readiness among domestic and foreign investors, particularly within the manufacturing and services sectors. This rollout will be supported through close collaboration with MITI and the Ministry of Finance.

The NIF represents Malaysia’s most significant shift in investment policy in decades. For further information and application guidance, investors may refer to the NIF Implementation Guidelines on MIDA’s official website at www.mida.gov.my.

— END —

About MIDA 

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

For media enquiries:

MIDA
Ms. Yusni Md. Yusop
Director, Strategic Planning & Policy Advocacy (Manufacturing) Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603- 2267 3681

*Note:

The NIF will be assessed in alignment with six (6) pillars of the National Investment Aspirations (NIA), namely:

• Increasing economic complexity
• Creating high-value job opportunities
• Strengthening domestic linkages
• Developing new and existing clusters
• Improving inclusivity 
• Enhancing sustainability practices

APPENDIX: INDUSTRY RESPONSE

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) 

Mr. Jacob Lee, President:

“The introduction of the NIF is timely as manufacturers are navigating technological transformation, supply chain reconfiguration and sustainability requirements. The outcome-based model provides greater clarity and encourages companies to upgrade, move up the value chain and invest in higher-productivity activities. FMM looks forward to continued engagement with the Government to ensure smooth implementation and practical facilitation for our members.”

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) 

Ms. Christina Tee, National President:

“As the voice of the international business community in Malaysia, MICCI welcomes the NIF as announced in the National Budget 2026. The new framework is a bold step toward global competitiveness. Our members, who represent a significant portion of Malaysia’s Foreign Investment (FI), value the framework’s transparency and its shift toward capability-driven growth, and we believe this performance-linked approach will provide the long-term predictability that global investors require to commit to Malaysia’s structural transformation.”

SME Association of Malaysia 

Dr. Chin Chee Seong, National President:

“The SME Association of Malaysia views the NIF as a vital mechanism for integrating our MSMEs into the global value chain. The focus on ‘Domestic Linkages’ within the NIA Scorecard is particularly encouraging, as it incentivises large foreign and local investors to deepen their collaborations with local vendors. This is a golden opportunity for Malaysian SMEs to level up their technology and ESG standards. We are committed to working with MIDA to ensure our members are ‘NIF-ready’ and can effectively support the high-impact projects that this framework aims to attract.”

MIDA Stands Ready to Implement New Outcome-Based Incentive Framework From 1 March

Strategic Partnership Aims to Foster Business Growth, Innovation, and High-Value Job Creation while Strengthening Malaysia’s Digital Economy

Kuala Lumpur, 29 January 2026 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with BEYOND4, successfully hosted the Strategic Engagement Session 2026 on Malaysia’s Start-Up Ecosystem today at MIDA, Kuala Lumpur. The session brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and relevant Malaysian start-up ecosystem partners to explore strategies for positioning Malaysia as a leading regional hub for high-growth start-ups and innovation. 

The half-day programme aimed to foster collaboration, explore investment opportunities, and identify strategic interventions that can accelerate the development of a world-class start-up ecosystem in the country.

The session started with an Opening Address by Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim bin Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, who highlighted the nation’s commitment to strengthening its innovation landscape and supporting high-potential technology companies. He emphasised that while MIDA has traditionally focused on investment promotion, the agency is now expanding its role as an ecosystem connector, linking start-ups, corporates, investors, research institutions, and Government agencies. 

“Start-ups are key drivers of innovation, industrial growth, and economic transformation,” said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim. “Through initiatives such as this Strategic Engagement Session, MIDA aims to enhance start-up visibility, facilitate industry linkages, and provide structured support to help these ventures scale and access both domestic and regional markets.”

Mr. S.T. Rubaneswaran, Chief Executive Officer of BEYOND4, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the importance of integrated talent development, innovation frameworks, and partnerships in catalysing start-up growth across Malaysia.

Knowledge Sharing and High-Impact Discussions

The session also featured a Start-Up Sharing Session, where founders shared real-world experiences, highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage ventures.

A panel discussion on Strategies to Create a World-Class Start-Up Ecosystem in Malaysia brought together leaders from:

• Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd.;
• Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB);
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); and
• Qarbotech Sdn. Bhd.

The discussions focused on enhancing Malaysia’s attractiveness to global innovators, strengthening ecosystem connectivity, nurturing investable start-ups, and creating sustainable pathways for commercialisation and regional expansion.

Participants also explored cross-agency collaborations to support talent pipelines, technology adoption, and scaling opportunities across key sectors, reflecting MIDA’s commitment to facilitate start-up growth, foster partnerships, and integrate innovative solutions into Malaysia’s broader industrial and investment ecosystem.

In conjunction with the event, Yayasan Pahang launched the Pahang Startup Blueprint 2030, a strategic framework to strengthen the state’s start-up ecosystem, developed with contributions from MIDA and Beyond4. The initiative reflects MIDA’s collaboration with the state government and the shared commitment of key stakeholders to support innovation and sustainable ecosystem development.

The Strategic Engagement Session 2026 underscores MIDA’s role not just as the government’s principal investment promotion agency, but a proactive enabler of innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that Malaysia remains a competitive and attractive destination for start-ups, investors, and industry partners alike.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA CEO

MIDA-BEYOND4 Strategic Engagement Session

-END-

About MIDA

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About BEYOND4

 Beyond4 (B4) is dedicated to fostering and expanding ecosystems across Southeast Asia, with a focus on talent development, enterprise innovation, and startup growth. As a recognized leader in Malaysia, we have extended our presence to Singapore and established strategic partnerships in India, the United Kingdom, France, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

 Our unique accelerator models are tailored to help governments and enterprises address pressing challenges through innovative solutions. These models are developed within the robust partner network of the Beyond4 ecosystem and are delivered by a specialized team of experts to ensure impactful results.

 We are at the forefront of establishing Malaysia and Southeast Asia as global hubs for innovation, growth, and entrepreneurship.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Mr. Awangku Fiarulnazri Awang Tajudin
Head of Corporate Strategy and Revenue Management Section
Phone: +603-2267 6682
Email: [email protected]

BEYOND4
Ms. Syarifah Syaidatul Izzati
Phone: +60179339787
Email: [email protected]

MIDA and Beyond4 Convene 2026 Strategic Engagement to Strengthen Malaysia’s Start-Up Ecosystem

TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan / PENANG, Malaysia, 27 January 2026 – congatec, one of the global leaders in embedded and edge computing technology, announced the establishment of its new subsidiary in Penang, Malaysia, marking a strategic expansion of its engineering and research footprint in Asia. The move signals congatec’s commitment to anchoring high-value embedded computing design, customisation and technical support capabilities in Malaysia as part of its global “local for local” strategy. 

As part of the expansion, congatec has onboarded an experienced embedded engineering team from Kontron Asia, comprising 23 specialised engineers, with plans to scale the Penang operation to approximately 70 employees over the medium term. The new subsidiary strengthens congatec’s regional research and development (R&D) and technical support capabilities, enabling faster development cycles, application-ready (aReady.) solutions and closer collaboration with customers across the Asia-Pacific market.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “congatec’s expansion to establish its R&D subsidiary in Penang exemplifies Malaysia’s shift towards high-value, innovation-driven activities within our electrical and electronics ecosystem. This investment underscores the growing recognition of Malaysia as a strategic location for advanced embedded computing capabilities. By anchoring sophisticated engineering and technical support functions here, we strengthen domestic R&D capacity, accelerate technology adoption, and create meaningful career pathways for Malaysian engineering talent. Aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, congatec’s expansion contributes to Malaysia’s position as a competitive hub for next-generation embedded and edge computing innovation in the region.” 

Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang (representing the Right Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang), stated, “Penang’s 50 years of industrialisation has shaped a deep and highly skilled talent base spanning engineering, design, manufacturing, and advanced technologies. This long-standing industrial maturity enables investors like congatec to scale R&D, technical support, and regional operations efficiently, supported by talent that is both globally competitive and industry-ready.” She further added, “We are confident that congatec’s presence will generate meaningful technological spillovers for Penang. The integration of “Designed in Germany” quality standards with Penang’s robust industrial ecosystem—supported by our highly skilled talent—will create strong synergies for innovation and growth.”

Dr. Dominik Ressing, CEO of congatec, stated, “The opening of our Malaysian subsidiary is a natural next step in our ‘local for local’ philosophy. Regional development and support resources enable us to respond faster and more precisely to local requirements. Our goal is to improve customers’ time-to-market, total cost of ownership, and return on investment through local engineering expertise, while reducing barriers to application development across the APAC region.”

Mr. Konrad Garhammer, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of congatec, added, “We are delighted to welcome such an experienced and highly motivated engineering team to the congatec family. With our new location in the ‘Silicon Valley of the East,’ we gain access to an outstanding ecosystem of semiconductor manufacturers and production partners. This enables us to combine our German engineering DNA with the dynamism of the Asian market. The new team brings extensive experience in developing highly integrated embedded computing platforms, enabling us not only to expand our portfolio but also to deliver maintenance and support services within our customers’ time zones. Furthermore, we are gaining vital capabilities across production, production support, and production engineering – expertise we plan to expand further. These are decisive factors in ensuring operational excellence.”

The Penang centre will support the APAC market with standard and customised embedded computing platforms developed in alignment with congatec’s “Designed in Germany” quality standards. In addition to advanced x86-based solutions based on Intel and AMD processors, the team will develop Computer-on-Modules (COMs leveraging technologies from Qualcomm, Texas Instrument, and NXP), alongside expanded aReady. software and solution stacks. These validated platforms are designed to shorten design-in cycles, reduce non-recurring engineering costs and accelerate customers’ time-to-market.

-END-

About MIDA

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About InvestPenang

 InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy) and Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC design and technology enterprises). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn; WhatsApp Channel and TikTok.

About congatec

congatec is the leading global provider of high-performance hardware and software building blocks for embedded and edge computing solutions based on Computer-on-Modules (COMs). These advanced computer modules drive systems and devices across industries such as industrial automation, medical technology, robotics, telecommunications, and more. congatec’s high-performance aReady. ecosystems simplify and accelerate the solution development, from COM to cloud. This application-ready approach combines COMs with services and customizable technologies that enable cutting-edge advancements in system consolidation, IoT, security, and artificial intelligence. Supported by its majority shareholder, DBAG Fund VIII – a German mid-market fund focused on driving growth for industrial enterprises – congatec has the financial backing and M&A expertise to capitalize on expanding market opportunities. For more information, visit congatec.com, aReady.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. 

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Mohd Mazlan Mokhtar (Mr.)
Director of Electrical & Electronics Division
T: 03- 2267 6655
E:[email protected]

InvestPenang
Elaine Cheah / Arief Ferdaus
Communications & Business Intelligence
Tel: +604-646 8833
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

congatec
Crysta Lee
Phone: +886 2 25978577
[email protected]

Press contact congatec:
Christof Wilde
Phone: +49-991-2700-2822
[email protected]

congatec Expands Penang R&D Presence, Anchoring High-Value Embedded Computing Capabilities in Malaysia

Johor, Malaysia, 20 January 2026 – Rianlon, a global leader in polymer additives, officially broke ground yesterday on its R&D and Manufacturing Base in Johor, marking a significant step forward in the company’s first major integrated facility outside China.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on the 9^th anniversary of Rianlon’s public listing, was attended by Yang Amat Berhormat (YAB) Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor, Mr. Li Haiping, Chairman and President of Rianlon, Mr. Aldo Govi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Infineum International Limited, and representatives from various parties attended the celebration. 

The ceremony represents the realisation of Rianlon’s commitment, first announced during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to China in September 2025. The RM1.27 billion investment will establish R&D and manufacturing base focusing on research, development, and production of anti-aging materials, lubricant materials, and bio-based materials. The facility will provide high-performance, solutions for global polymer and lubricant customers with the R&D and Phase I plant facilities slated to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.

At the ceremony, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz, Menteri Besar of Johor, stated that based on Johor’s clear regional advantages and superior business environment, it has attracted the attention of numerous international companies in recent years, with renowned global enterprises such as Nvidia, ByteDance, and BASF settling in Johor. The project brought by Rianlon is an innovation engine integrating R&D and manufacturing, which is expected to ignite the fire of innovation in the fields of fine chemicals and green chemistry in Johor, driving the collaborative upgrade of the entire industry chain. The Johor State Government will continue to optimise the business environment, ensure clear and transparent policies, and provide efficient administrative services to fully support the rapid delivery and efficient operation of the project.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), congratulated Rianlon Malaysia on this significant milestone in its global expansion journey. “Aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, this project is set to enhance innovation in advanced materials and green chemistry capabilities, create quality jobs for Malaysians, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable and technology-driven industrial development.”

Strategic Partnership and Regional Impact

Mr. Aldo Govi, CEO of the Infineum International Limited, stated that Rianlon is an important strategic partner of Infineum. Both parties will seize the opportunity of the construction of the Rianlon Malaysia R&D and manufacturing base to strengthen deep cooperation in the lubricant value chain. They remain committed to providing superior lubrication technology, products, and fast services for the lubricant industry. The deep cooperation between the two parties will build a new paradigm, playing an active role in enhancing supply chain security and efficiency in the lubricant additive sector in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Li Haiping, Board Chairman of Rianlon Corporation, outlined the company’s development strategy and the significance of the Malaysia facility. “Malaysia is Rianlon’s first overseas R&D centre and production base, representing an important milestone in our globalisation strategy. We believe the completion and operation of this project will enhance the flexibility and security of Rianlon’s global supply chain and improve our service efficiency and innovation capabilities for global customers.”

The ceremony concluded with the distinguished guests performing the traditional soil-turning ceremony, symbolising the official start of construction.

-END-

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.

About Rianlon Corporation

Founded in 2003 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (ChiNext: 300596), Rianlon Corporation is a global supplier of polymer anti-aging additives, including antioxidants and light stabilizers, serving plastics, rubber, coatings, fibers and adhesives. The company has expanded into lubricant additives and advanced high-performance materials, supported by multiple R&D and manufacturing bases in China and an international sales network. Driven by the mission of “Creating a Better Life through Chemistry and Biology,” Rianlon is committed to stable quality, reliable supply and fast customer response worldwide.

For media enquiries please contact:

MIDA
Ms. Siti Halimaton Mohd. Rejab
Director, Chemical and Advanced Material Division
No. Tel: +603-2267 6701
Email : [email protected]

Rianlon Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Mr. Wicky Law
Public Affairs Manager
Email: [email protected]

Rianlon Malaysia Breaks Ground on RM1.27 Billion R&D and Manufacturing Base in Johor

SEBERANG PRAI, Penang, 19 January 2026 – Syntiant Corp., a global provider of low-power artificial intelligence (AI) solutions officially opened its new manufacturing and research and development (R&D) campus in Penang today. The expansion marks a major milestone in Syntiant’s growth in Asia and reinforcing Malaysia’s rising role as a strategic hub for the next-generation semiconductor and AI manufacturing.

The new campus more than doubles Syntiant’s footprint in Penang to approximately 220,000 square feet, increasing annual production capacity to around 1.6 billion units. The facility brings together production, engineering and AI research in one location, supports a workforce of up to 800 employees, and features advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processing, IC preparation, and test and assembly capabilities.

The ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II, together with Syntiant’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder Kurt Busch.

Yang Berhormat Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, stated, “Backed by over five decades of industrialisation, Penang has cultivated its comprehensive ecosystem which continues to command confidence by international investors to establish presence and expand within the State. We are proud to welcome Syntiant’s new campus to Penang which will contribute to Penang’s technological expertise and further strengthening the State’s position as leading hub for advanced electronics and AI innovation, aligned with our reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East.”

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “Syntiant’s expansion in Penang is a landmark investment that positions Malaysia at the forefront of next-generation AI and advanced semiconductor innovation. By anchoring high-value activities such as embodied AI and MEMS processing locally, this facility strengthens technological capabilities, drives innovation-led growth and creates quality jobs for Malaysian. It is a clear vote of confidence from global investors in Malaysia’s talent, infrastructure and ecosystem, and reinforces our mission to make the country a preferred hub for advanced electronics and high-tech manufacturing.”

Kurt Busch, CEO and Co-founder of Syntiant Corp., stated, “Our new Penang manufacturing and R&D campus represents a major step forward for Syntiant in Asia where we bring our DNA in producing faster, safer and energy-efficient solutions across consumer, industrial and enterprise markets. By combining world-class manufacturing with cutting-edge AI research, we can accelerate innovation, better serve our customers and contribute to Malaysia’s growing technology ecosystem.”

Ong Lay Pean, General Manager of Syntiant Malaysia, emphasised,“Investing in Penang reflects our confidence in Malaysia’s talent and innovation ecosystem. This new facility positions us to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that benefit consumers and industries globally. With the support of MIDA and InvestPenang, Syntiant selected Penang as the ideal location to expand its manufacturing and R&D capabilities.”

Syntiant’s expansion aligns with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, supporting high-value job creation and advanced technology development. Following its 2024 acquisition of the Knowles Consumer MEMS Microphone business, the company has strengthened its capabilities in embodied AI and intelligent sensing solutions. The company develops ultra-low-power AI solutions that integrate sensors, neural decision processors and software for IoT, consumer, automotive and industrial applications, with more than 20 billion SiSonic™ MEMS microphones shipped globally to date.

– END –

About MIDA

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About InvestPenang

InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy), and Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC design and technology enterprises). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn; WhatsApp Channel and TikTok.

About Syntiant Corp.

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Syntiant® is Making Edge AI a Reality™ by delivering highly efficient processor, sensor, and software solutions. With more than 100 million purpose-built Neural Decision ProcessorsÔ and ML models deployed, along with billions of MEMS microphones and sensors, Syntiant’s technology is powering embodied AI applications for speech, audio, sensor and vision processing worldwide. From earbuds to automobiles, the company’s turnkey solutions enable advanced edge AI capabilities across diverse consumer and industrial use cases. More information on the company can be found by visiting www.syntiant.com or by following Syntiant on X @Syntiantcorp or LinkedIn.    

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Mohd Mazlan Mokhtar
Director, Electrical & Electronics Division
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 603-2267 6655

InvestPenang
Elaine Cheah / Arief Ferdaus
Communications & Business Intelligence
Tel: +604-646 8833
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Syntiant Corp.
George Medici/Natalie Mu
PondelWilkinson
[email protected]/[email protected]
310.279.5980

Syntiant Launches New Manufacturing and R&D Campus in Penang, Doubling Production Capacity and Creating 800 High-Tech Jobs

KEDAH, 19 JANUARY 2026 – Novolyte Technology Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd., a global supplier of electronic chemicals and functional materials with over 30 years of industry experience, proudly held its groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of its new battery electrolyte manufacturing facility at Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah. The project marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s growing advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

The ceremony was officiated by YB. Prof Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah (Kedah EXCO for Industry & Investment, Science, Technology & Innovation, and Higher Education), Mr Zhou Youbin (Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang), YBhg. Dato’ Haji Elmi bin Yusoff (Yang Dipertua MPKK), Puan Surayu Susah, Executive Director of Manufacturing Development (Resource), MIDA, Tuan Zuhdi Bin Abdul Zakaria (Head of Kulim District Customs), Encik Mohd Zaid Abdul Jalil (Deputy CEO of Kulim Technology Park Corporation), Mr Zhou Dawen (Vice Chairman of Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd.) and attended by distinguished guests including Government officials and Novolyte management and staff.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said “MIDA welcomes Novolyte’s investment in Kedah, a development that underscores Malaysia’s competitiveness in the advanced manufacturing sector in the region. This project aligns seamlessly with the NIMP 2030’s mission to attract sophisticated, innovation-led investments. Beyond strengthening our domestic ecosystem, Novolyte’s presence will create spill over effects for local industries and provide our local workforce with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge battery technologies.”

Encik Noor Ikhsan Bin Abdul Aziz, Chief Operating Officer of Invest Kedah Berhad, stated: “Invest Kedah Berhad welcomes Novolyte Technology’s decision to expand its operations in Kedah through the establishment of this new manufacturing facility at Kulim Hi-Tech Park. This investment reflects strong investor confidence in Kedah’s industrial ecosystem and supports the state’s aspiration to strengthen the new energy and high-value manufacturing sectors. We believe this project will create quality employment opportunities, enhance local supply chain capabilities and contribute positively to Kedah’s long-term economic development”.

Mr. Zhou DaWen, Vice Chairman of Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd., stated, “Our investment in Kedah reflects confidence in Southeast Asia’s new energy market potential. Novolyte Technology will establish a benchmark for high-end electronic chemicals in the region, addressing the local supply gap for lithium battery electrolytes and meeting global customers’ needs for localised supply chains. We are grateful for the Malaysian government’s supportive policies and believe this project will bolster the local economy and contribute to the global clean energy transition.”

Slated for commissioning in Q3 2026, the plant will have an annual capacity of around 30,000 metric tons to serve domestic and Southeast Asian markets. The facility will cultivate a high-value talent ecosystem and act as a strategic catalyst for the region’s new energy sector.

This expansion builds upon the success of Novolyte’s existing Plant 1 within Kulim Hi-Tech Park – the first among Chinese electrolyte manufacturers to achieve order delivery in Southeast Asia. The achievement marks a substantial step in Capchem’s internationalisation strategy for the region, enabling the provision of more agile, customised electrolyte solutions for customers.

-END-

About MIDA

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About Invest Kedah 

Invest Kedah Berhad (IKB) is the official investment promotion agency for the State of Kedah, responsible for attracting and facilitating strategic domestic and international investments.

IKB aims to ensure that all investments contribute positively to the state’s economic development and the well-being of its people. Through an investor-friendly approach and strong cooperation with federal and local government agencies, IKB is committed to making Kedah a premier investment destination in northern Malaysia.

About Capchem

Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd. (“Capchem”), the ultimate holding company of Novolyte Technology Sdn. Bhd., was founded in 1996 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (stock code: 300037) in 2010, with its headquarters in Shenzhen, China. Since establishment, Capchem is committed to creating a better future with electronic chemicals and functional materials.

Capchem is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise specialised in electronic chemicals and functional materials, guided by its core value of “Innovation for Application, Progress with Integrity” and the STEP business philosophy (Solid, Thorough, Excellent, Professional).

Its main products include battery chemicals, organic fluorine chemicals, capacitor chemicals and electronic chemicals, which are used in the fields such as new energy vehicles, consumer electronics, urban rail transit, biomedicine, digital infrastructure, photovoltaics and industry manufacturing.

Media Contacts

MIDA

Ms. Siti Halimaton Mohd. Rejab
Director, Chemical and Advanced Material Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603-2267 6701

Invest Kedah Berhad

Corporate Communication Department
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +604-702 7373

Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd.

Operation Management Department
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +86-(0)755-8992 3768

Novolyte Technology Sdn. Bhd. Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Its New Manufacturing Facility in Kedah, Malaysia