hub of innovation and precision engineering in the semiconductor industry, with Intel leading the charge in investing $7 billion in new facilities in Penang. Employees at Intel’s advanced PG8 foundry must take elaborate safety precautions to protect the delicate circuitry of the latest artificial intelligence semiconductor chips. Static shock, stray hairs, and skin flakes can all pose a risk to the chips, so employees must don protective gear including shoe coverings, hairnets, bunny suits, gloves, goggles, and more. The attention to detail and care taken in the cleanroom reflects Intel’s commitment to producing high-quality products.

Phynthamilkumaran Siea Dass, Intel’s director of assembly test manufacturing in Penang, emphasizes the importance of preventing static shock, as even the smallest amount of voltage can destroy the semiconductor chips. The cleanroom environment is essential for ensuring the chips are free from contaminants that could compromise their performance. Intel’s investment in new facilities, including the upcoming advanced packaging site codenamed “pelican,” highlights the company’s dedication to staying at the forefront of semiconductor technology. By stacking chips on top of each other in 3D configurations, Intel is able to boost performance and meet the demands of the AI revolution.

Penang has evolved from a trading post into a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing hub that rivals South Korea and Silicon Valley. The island’s history is intertwined with British colonialism, but today it is known for its role in producing the chips that power AI applications. Intel’s presence in Penang, along with its sister facilities in the nearby Kulim Hi-Tech Zone, allows the company to assemble and test a wide range of products, including Core, Xeon, and AI-enabled chips. The complexity of backend work required for semiconductor deployment has increased as chip technology has advanced, and Intel’s facilities in Malaysia are at the forefront of this evolution.

The precision engineering and attention to detail at Intel’s Penang facilities demonstrate the company’s commitment to producing high-quality semiconductor chips. The investment in new facilities and advanced packaging technologies reflects Intel’s dedication to staying competitive in the semiconductor industry. By continuously innovating and adapting to the demands of the market, Intel is able to meet the growing need for high-performance chips that power AI applications. Malaysia’s role as a hub of innovation in the semiconductor industry is underscored by Intel’s presence in Penang, where employees work diligently to ensure the success of the company’s latest products.