Bangladesh builds south–south semiconductor link through penang roadshow

The Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) has completed a three-day Malaysia Semiconductor Roadshow in Penang from 11 to 13 November, positioning Bangladesh as an emerging partner in the global semiconductor supply chain and laying early foundations for a South–South Silicon Corridor between the two countries.

A reception was held on 11 November, 2025, at a hotel in Penang to mark the occasion.

The programme brought together senior Malaysian leaders, including representatives of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Deputy Chief Minister of Penang, and the high commissioner and deputy high commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia. In his remarks, YB En Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, said that just as global technology companies have established a strong presence in Penang, BSIA member companies are now entering this thriving ecosystem. He expressed hope that collaboration between Penang and Bangladesh in the semiconductor sector would grow significantly in the coming years.

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, encouraged semiconductor companies operating in Penang to explore deeper partnerships with Bangladeshi firms. He highlighted Bangladesh's large pool of young, highly skilled professionals—both in the country and across the global industry—who are contributing to advanced semiconductor research, design and innovation.

During the roadshow, the BSIA delegation held meetings with senior executives and visited leading Malaysian semiconductor organisations, including Rapid Manufacturing, Infinecs Corporation, TF-AMD, Micro Modular System, Aemulus Corporation, YBS International and the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).

BSIA President Mohammed Abdul Jabbar said Bangladesh's momentum in the sector is accelerating, adding, "Bangladesh is no longer watching the semiconductor revolution from the sidelines — we are stepping into it. This roadshow proves that Bangladesh can collaborate, co-create and contribute meaningfully to the global value chain."

Purdue University Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain said, "The Silicon River is our shared future. We will knock on every company's door and build the foundations of a South–South Silicon Corridor. This is only the beginning. We should aim so high that we may never fully reach it, but in trying, we will travel farther than anyone imagined."

Credo Semiconductor AVP Dr Shatil Haque said the roadshow marks the beginning of a new regional alliance — moving from intention to implementation and from conversation to co-creation.

The delegation included senior officials from Neural Semiconductor, ULKASEMI, Prime Silicon, Siliconova, Cactus Materials and iTest Bangladesh. The roadshow has opened new pathways for collaboration in chip design, packaging, test engineering, automation, workforce development and innovation-driven semiconductor engagement.