ETSI Launch Positions Malaysia As Regional Semiconductor Hub

 1. Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) have launched the Engineering Talent for Semiconductor Industry (ETSI) Programme, a flagship initiative to strengthen Malaysia’s semiconductor capabilities.

2. The programme, aligned with the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and anchored by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), aims to develop a holistic talent pipeline spanning students, graduates, the existing workforce and researchers. It seeks to equip participants with critical skills across the semiconductor value chain to boost R&D, innovation and Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global E&E sector.

3. ETSI includes four key programmes: structured internships for students, job-ready training for graduates and the unemployed, reskilling and upskilling of the current workforce and access to CREST’s Semiconductor Centre of Excellence (CoE) for advanced training and R&D. The programme is designed to nurture homegrown engineers, facilitate knowledge transfer and strengthen industry–academia linkages.

Malaysia Industrial Property Outlook 2025: A Stable Market Driven by Strong Construction Activity & Investor Demand

 1. The industrial property segment continues to be the strongest performer in Malaysia’s real estate market for 2025. Based on NAPIC’s Q1, H1, and Q3 2025 snapshots, the data shows a healthy industrial pipeline, stable demand, and sustained construction activity—even as other sectors like residential and serviced apartments face oversupply challenges.

Global FDI falls, but the digital economy continues to grow – report

1. According to the latest World Investment Report from UNCTAD, global foreign direct investment (FDI) saw an overall increase of 4% in 2024. However, when excluding financial flows through European conduit economies, FDI actually decreased by 11% during the same year.

2. The report also notes the importance of the digital economy, which has grown significantly since 2020, tripling its value to $360bn. The report notes that this growth risks exacerbating inequalities, given that it is highly concentrated in certain countries.

3. While UNCTAD had mentioned the possibility of modest growth in 2025 earlier in the year, it changed its outlook to negative due to high investor uncertainty. It cites “geopolitical tensions and industrial policy goals” as strongly influencing global investment decisions, as well as high borrowing costs and exchange rate volatility.

The Challenges and Outlook for BESS Developments in Malaysia

1. The Malaysian National Grid and power systems face numerous challenges in the coming years with an expected rise in electricity load and the integration of more renewable energy (RE) sources. Specifically, Malaysia has set RE capacity targets of 31 % and 40 % by 2025 and 2035, respectively, which will be primarily supported by solar (PV), mini-hydro and biomass.