KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Recognising decarbonisation greatly fuels the rapid growth of power semiconductors, in particular those based on wide bandgap materials, Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) (“Infineon”), a leader in Power Systems, is now taking a further step to shape the industry by significantly expanding its Kulim fab – over and above the original investment announced in February 2022. The company unveiled its plan to build the world’s largest 200mm SiC (silicon carbide) Power Fab. Infineon will invest additionally up to €5 billion over the next five years in Kulim in a second phase of the construction of module 3.

The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz said, "Infineon’s expansion of their world-class silicon carbide facility in Kulim represents a significant milestone in Malaysia's journey towards developing advanced manufacturing capabilities. This expansion not only creates high-skilled employment opportunities, but also positions Malaysia as a frontrunner in driving green technologies, a crucial aspect of achieving our global sustainable development goals. We value the trust, confidence and recognition in Malaysia's promising growth prospects shown by esteemed German corporations like Infineon. The cutting-edge power semiconductor technologies produced in Infineon’s SiC Power Fab is a milestone development towards elevating Malaysia's position in the semiconductor industry, while also fostering a partnership focused on creating a more sustainable future for our nation and the world”.

Commenting on Infineon Technologies’ monumental achievement, the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, expressed, “Infineon Technologies' achievement in Malaysia is a source of great pride for MIDA. The company's advanced manufacturing operations and continuous expansion in the country, along with its adoption of new digital capabilities, are truly commendable. MIDA reaffirms its commitment to facilitate industry players including Infineon Technologies to foster further growth in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry. This investment reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant economy, generating various opportunities for local talents and industry supply chains.”

Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon, expressed appreciation to the Government of Malaysia, particularly MITI and MIDA, for their instrumental role in realising Infineon Technologies’ ambitious vision for significant expansion in Malaysia.

“The market for silicon carbide shows accelerating growth, not only in automotive but also in a broad range of industrial applications such as solar, energy storage and high- power EV charging. With the Kulim expansion, we will secure our leadership position in this market,” stated Jochen Hanebeck.
 
“With the industry’s leading scale and a unique cost position, we are leveraging our competitive position of best-in-class SiC trench technology, the broadest package portfolio and unrivaled application understanding. These factors are the areas of differentiation and success in the industry,” he added.
 
Malaysia assumes an important role in the global semiconductor supply chain ecosystem. Infineon Technologies’ further investments complement the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s focus on attracting high-tech and high-value investments to support the country’s economic growth. The E&E industry is a significant catalyst for the Malaysian economy, playing a pivotal role in its growth and development, contributing nearly 7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the first quarter of 2023, the industry recorded RM2.06 billion worth of approved investments, initiated from 16 projects which would generate 1,729 higher-paying job opportunities. E&E exports for the same period were RM142 billion, a 3.3% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
 

About MIDA
MIDA is the government's principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a strong and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The company has around 56,200 employees worldwide and generated revenue of about €14.2 billion in the 2022 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

Further information is available at www.infineon.com

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Associated images for the media release can be found at :
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15-1zkHX0q6tCshMyF9E-802bW5XopnGp?usp=sharing

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Ms. Noor Suziyanti Saad
Director, Electrical and Electronics Division, MIDA
Tel: +603-2267 3575
Email: suziyanti@mida.gov.my 
 
Infineon
Name: Ms. Mazilifah Mohd Razak
Senior Communications Manager, Infineon Technologies (Kulim)
​Tel: +604-494 7224
Email: Mazilifah.MohdRazak@infineon.com  

--BERNAMA