A global provider of low-power artificial intelligence solutions, Syntiant Corp has officially opened its new manufacturing and research and development (R&D) campus at the Perai Industrial Zone, marking a major milestone in its expansion in Asia and reinforcing Malaysia’s role in advanced semiconductor and AI manufacturing.
The new campus more than doubles Syntiant’s footprint in Penang to about 220,000 square feet and increases annual production capacity to an estimated 1.6 billion units. Designed as an integrated facility, it brings together manufacturing, engineering and AI research under one roof, with the capacity to support up to 800 employees. The site is equipped with advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processing, integrated circuit preparation, as well as comprehensive testing and assembly capabilities.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, together with Syntiant chief executive officer and co-founder Kurt Busch. Jagdeep highlighted Penang’s more than five decades of industrialisation, noting that its mature ecosystem continues to attract global technology investors and strengthen the state’s reputation as the “Silicon Valley of the East”.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid described the expansion as a landmark investment that places Malaysia at the forefront of next-generation AI and advanced semiconductor innovation. He said anchoring high-value activities such as embodied AI and MEMS processing locally would enhance technological capabilities, spur innovation-led growth and create quality jobs.
Busch said the Penang facility represents a major step forward for Syntiant’s presence in Asia, enabling the company to combine world-class manufacturing with cutting-edge AI research to better serve global markets. Syntiant Malaysia general manager Ong Lay Pean added that the investment reflects strong confidence in Malaysia’s talent pool and innovation environment, with support from MIDA and InvestPenang playing a key role in the company’s decision to expand in the state.
