MIDA signed a historic agreement with ARM Limited on 5 March 2025, marking the first-ever national-level partnership with the tech giant. This four-year collaboration will significantly elevate Malaysia’s semiconductor design capabilities and align with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).

Key initiatives include training 10,000 Malaysian engineers in integrated circuit (IC) design, granting select Malaysian companies access to ARM’s cutting-edge IP portfolio, and enabling the local development of advanced semiconductor products, which will pave the way for the country to produce Malaysian-made chips that meet global standards. This strategic alliance reinforces Malaysia’s position as Asia’s emerging IC design hub.

The collaboration follows Malaysia’s record RM378.5 billion in approved investments in 2024—driven largely by the E&E sector with RM55.8 billion—affirming the nation’s attractiveness as a high-tech investment destination.

With this partnership, MIDA and ARM are shaping a vibrant, innovation-driven future for Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem.