The AiSEM 2026 event, held last week, showcased advancements by both local and global companies across sectors such as software, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, aeronautics, and semiconductor chips. One of the most significant announcements was the introduction of six semiconductor chips developed by local companies.
These semiconductor chips were developed at the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park and were unveiled at the event by the Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) of Selangor, Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari, and the Minister of Economy, YB Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
The chips were developed by SkyeChip, MaiStorage, Silicon X, Alphaswift Industries, Infinecs Systems, and Weeroc Space. This collection includes the first Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip developed locally in Malaysia. They are designed for applications in artificial intelligence, automotive systems, data centers, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and space technology.
The six semiconductor chips introduced include:
SkyeChip – The company developed the MARS1000, a 7nm edge AI processor capable of performing AI inference locally on the device, rather than in the cloud. This ensures that data remains on-device while providing rapid response times. It is well-suited for real-time applications such as autonomous robotics, smart agriculture, intelligent video analytics, and AI-based educational systems. Founded in 2019 by industry veterans from Intel, Altera, and Broadcom, SkyeChip holds 113 patents across Malaysia, the United States, and China. MaiStorage – MaiStorage has developed the aiDAPTIV+ chip, which integrates high-capacity, high-performance SSD storage with memory controller software. This allows GPU, memory, and cache components to work in tandem, accelerating data transfer between systems. The chip enables companies to deploy large-scale AI language models with minimal GPU usage, while also allowing them to store sensitive data locally, eliminating the need to rely on cloud-based systems.
Silicon X – Silicon X has built the first FPGA chip in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a chip that can be reprogrammed even after it has been manufactured. The chip contains 30,000 logic elements within a 14nm design and is intended for use across various systems and industries, including telecommunications, AI, healthcare, and aerospace.
AlphaSwift Industries – AlphaSwift Industries has developed the FC Mini, a compact flight controller system that serves as the "brain" of a drone. It manages flight controls, real-time sensor processing, and autonomous missions, and includes built-in safety features. The device integrates dual IMU units, a pressure sensor, and the capability to record flight data onto a microSD card. It supports 2S to 8S LiPo batteries and is compatible with popular flight software such as Betaflight, iNav, and ArduPilot. AlphaSwift Industries primarily builds drones for applications in agriculture, logistics, and emergency response.
Infinecs Systems – The company has developed Maxwell, an automotive-grade Low-Dropout (LDO) voltage regulator. It can accept an input of up to 40V and provide a stable output of 3.3V or 5V, with a current capacity of up to 150mA. This enables the component to supply stable power to electronic hardware within a vehicle, such as infotainment screens and headlights. Built-in protection against low voltage, short circuits, and overheating allows it to operate within a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. This makes it suitable for use in telecommunications equipment, battery management systems, and motor drives.
Weeroc Space – Although Weeroc Space is a European company, it operates its design and research center at the IC Design Park in Puchong. The company has developed "Conan," a power controller chip designed for efficient Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based power conversion for satellite and other space-related systems. It is a radiation-hardened integrated circuit (IC) used for power distribution within satellites and spacecraft. The chip is equipped with protection against overcurrent, voltage drops, and overheating. It also incorporates redundant safety mechanisms, including real-time monitoring of voltage, current, and temperature.
The development of these local semiconductor chips serves as a testament to the capabilities of Malaysians and local companies in producing components that can be utilized by various technology firms and sectors worldwide.
The two Semiconductor IC Design Parks, located in Puchong and Cyberjaya, currently house 20 companies and over 400 engineers, providing them with the necessary talent, equipment, connections to secure funding, and market access required for growth.
The Malaysia Semiconductor IC Parks also host the Advanced Chip Testing Centre and the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM), which has trained 850 engineers—achieving a 100 percent placement rate—for companies within the IC Design Parks.
Furthermore, these companies have access to electronic design automation (EDA) tools from Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens EDA, and Keysight. Collectively, these resources serve to strengthen Malaysia’s front-end design capabilities, complementing the nation’s existing manufacturing foundation.
