Phison’s RM1bil investment to boost AI Storage industry

The first day of the highly anticipated KL20 Summit bore witness to a significant announcement by K.S Pua, the co-founder of Taiwan-based Phison Electronics Corporation. Pua unveiled a groundbreaking new venture named Malaysia AI Storage (MaiStorage), marking a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s technological advancement.

Set to be headquartered in Selangor, MaiStorage is poised to revolutionize Malaysia’s technological landscape with a focus on generative artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement, made amidst the buzz of the KL20 Summit, signals a strategic move towards positioning Malaysia at the forefront of AI innovation.

MaiStorage: A Game-Changer in Tech Landscape

MaiStorage’s establishment is backed by a formidable alliance between Phison and Malaysian institutions, particularly MIMOS, indicating a strong commitment to technology transfer and knowledge exchange. Pua emphasized that Phison will contribute its extensive expertise, valued at over RM1 billion, spanning critical areas such as data center storage, electric vehicle storage, and generative AI storage.

MaiStorage, characterized as a startup despite its robust backing, will be headquartered at the Malaysia Semiconductor Accelerator & IC Design Park: Selangor Hub in Puchong. With an initial capital injection of RM100 million, the venture is primed to catalyze innovation and job creation in the region.

An innovative approach to talent acquisition sets MaiStorage apart, as it plans to groom local talent by primarily recruiting undergraduate and graduate students. Pua expressed confidence in Phison’s ability to transform these individuals into storage experts within a mere 18 months, paving the way for indigenous IC design capabilities.

Furthermore, MaiStorage aims to offer competitive salaries, with undergraduate designers set to receive more than RM6,000 per month and graduate-level designers commanding RM8,000 monthly.

Selangor’s Semiconductor Initiatives

The establishment of MaiStorage aligns with Selangor’s broader vision for semiconductor development, as highlighted by initiatives such as the IC Design Park in Puchong and the forthcoming Selangor High Tech Park in Bukit Beruntung. Partnerships with industry leaders such as ARM Ltd, SkyeChip, and Shenzhen Semiconductor Industry Association underscore Selangor’s commitment to fostering technological innovation.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, lauded the Malaysia Semiconductor Accelerator and IC Design Park as a monumental step towards positioning Southeast Asia as a hub for semiconductor excellence.

In parallel with MaiStorage’s unveiling, Phison’s pivotal role in Malaysia’s technological renaissance was underscored by its participation in Sidec’s semiconductor initiatives. Phison’s commitment to reinvesting in Malaysia underscores its confidence in the nation’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

The KL20 Summit continues to serve as a platform for visionary leaders like Pua to spearhead Malaysia’s technological evolution. As discussions unfold and partnerships solidify, Malaysia stands poised to seize the opportunities presented by the burgeoning AI landscape, with MaiStorage leading the charge into a future defined by innovation and excellence.