C. Khor
Photo: Chow Kon Yeow FB
The Penang ATE Campus Shared Lab will let small firms use costly test software and equipment pay-per-use. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said it is due in the first quarter of 2027. It will sit at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC). It builds on the state’s tech push, which includes the Penang Technology Finance Centre.
ATE stands for automated test equipment, which checks electronic products. Chow spoke after a MedTech Collaboration Workshop organised by InvestPenang. Overall, he said the aim is to close the gap between small firms and large players. It was a closed-door event with 10 MedTech firms and 16 local ATE companies.
Here is what the lab will offer, who is backing it and what users will pay. However, no fee list or opening date beyond the first quarter has been given.
Penang ATE Campus Shared Lab aims to close the SME gap
In practice, Chow said small firms often lose work because they lack advanced tools. Clients ask if a firm has certain software or equipment. Firms without them must turn the job down.
Specifically, the shared lab removes that barrier. As a result, smaller firms can use the tools and bid for higher-value work. Chow said they can then scale up into major players.
InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian said software from Siemens and Rockwell can cost over RM2 million. Moreover, small firms need it only now and then. The lab will buy these tools and offer them pay-per-use.
Meanwhile, Chow said the lab adds to the RM100 million Strategic Investment Fund in the recent state budget. The fund rolls out early next year. Therefore, it aims to help local SMEs grow into homegrown champions.
17 collaborators behind the Penang shared lab
Importantly, Chow witnessed an MoU ceremony between InvestPenang and 17 technology collaborators. They will back the lab and train talent across four stages.
Notably, five firms cover concept and design. They are Dassault Systèmes, EPLAN, GSH Precision Technology, IME Technology and Projet Technology. Likewise, five cover assembly, integration and virtual commissioning. They are Beckhoff Automation, Delta Electronics Solutions, Mitsubishi Electric, Rockwell Automation and Siemens.
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Moreover, another five cover failure analysis, reliability testing and compliance certification. They are MIMOS Technologies, QAV Technologies, SIRIM QAS International, TÃœV SÃœD Malaysia and UL Solutions. In addition, Contacthings and Electro Rent cover test equipment service.
Separately, Chow also witnessed an MoU between InvestPenang and Boston Scientific. It enables pilot projects and localisation opportunities. Notably, it is the 12th pilot project MoU under the Penang ATE Campus initiative.
Fees and training at the Penang ATE Campus Shared Lab
Specifically, PSDC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Hari Narayanan said usage fees will be subsidised. In some cases they may be waived. That depends on a company’s size and capabilities.
Furthermore, training will help local talent. Chow said young Penang engineers could learn on Siemens and Mitsubishi tools at home.
However, no fee amounts or eligibility rules were given. Likewise, the statements we read do not say how many firms the lab can serve at once. Therefore, ask InvestPenang or PSDC how to apply.
In short, the Penang ATE Campus Shared Lab is due in the first quarter of 2027 at PSDC. It aims to give small firms pay-per-use access to costly tools. Fees will be subsidised, and some may be waived.
Sidhaarthan
Maran Perianen
Yalinie Mathan
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