Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools Raises U.S. National Security Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Mizuho Raises Broadcom Price Target to $450 on Surging AI Chip Demand 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Air Transat Reaches Tentative Agreement With Pilots, Avoids Strike and Restores Normal Operations 
JD.com Pledges 22 Billion Yuan Housing Support for Couriers as China’s Instant Retail Competition Heats Up 
Coca-Cola’s Costa Coffee Sale Faces Uncertainty as Talks With TDR Capital Hit Snag 
U.S.-EU Tensions Rise After $140 Million Fine on Elon Musk’s X Platform 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Adobe Strengthens AI Strategy Ahead of Q4 Earnings, Says Stifel 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
EssilorLuxottica Bets on AI-Powered Smart Glasses as Competition Intensifies 
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Trello Outage Disrupts Users as Access Issues Hit Atlassian’s Work Management Platform 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Malaysia is set to strengthen its position as a regional semiconductor hub after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Intel will invest an additional 860 million ringgit (about $208 million) to expand its assembly and testing operations in the country. Anwar shared the announcement in a social media post on Monday, noting that the investment followed his recent meeting with Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. The move signals Intel’s continued confidence in Malaysia’s role within the global semiconductor supply chain, especially at a time when the industry is facing rising demand and heightened competition.
This new commitment builds on Intel’s long-term presence in Malaysia, where it has operated for more than five decades. In 2021, the U.S. chip giant announced plans to construct a $7 billion advanced chip packaging facility in the country, aimed at supporting next-generation semiconductor technologies. The additional RM860 million investment further reinforces Intel’s strategy to expand its manufacturing footprint in Southeast Asia, ensuring greater production capacity and resilience.
Malaysia has been actively working to attract high-value tech investments as part of its broader goal to elevate the nation’s position in the global electronics industry. Intel’s expansion is expected to create new job opportunities, strengthen local supply chains, and accelerate the country’s technological capabilities. Industry analysts believe the investment will provide a meaningful boost to Malaysia’s competitiveness, particularly as nations worldwide race to secure strategic semiconductor operations.
The announcement also aligns with Malaysia’s economic agenda to enhance foreign direct investment and deepen collaboration with global tech leaders. By partnering with companies like Intel, Malaysia aims to fuel innovation, support advanced manufacturing, and meet the growing global demand for semiconductor components. With this latest investment, Intel continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s semiconductor landscape and driving long-term economic growth.
