Intuitive Surgical Inc, a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery, will invest more than RM2 billion over five years to establish its first manufacturing facility in Malaysia and Southeast Asia at Bandar Cassia Technology Park (BCTP), Penang.

The 316,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin operations in 2028 and create about 1,200 highly skilled jobs by 2032. Located on a 40-acre site leased from the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), the plant will manufacture surgical instruments and electromechanical devices for Intuitive’s da Vinci surgical system, expanding the company’s global manufacturing network and bringing production closer to customers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the investment reflected continued confidence in the state’s mature industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce and manufacturing capabilities. He also highlighted Penang’s growing MedTech sector, describing it as a “hidden gem” that has expanded beyond the state’s traditional electrical and electronics industry.

According to Chow, Penang recorded RM2.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in the scientific and measuring equipment sector, including MedTech, from 2021 to the first quarter of 2026. The 40 projects are expected to create nearly 4,500 jobs and account for almost 20% of Malaysia’s total investments in the sector.

Intuitive’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Manufacturing and Supply Chain Officer Mark Brosius said the facility represents a long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific market, which the company expects to become its largest market in the future.

Intuitive currently has about 12,000 robots installed in hospitals worldwide and has supported 20 million patients through surgeries in 70 countries. In Asia-Pacific, the company has performed about 2.5 million surgeries and trained 25,000 surgeons through 20 training centres across more than 13 countries.

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin said the investment was the result of eight years of efforts to bring Intuitive to Malaysia. He also urged multinational companies to provide higher wages and support the development of local SMEs and vendors.

The new facility is expected to strengthen Penang’s position as a regional hub for advanced medical technology manufacturing while supporting Intuitive’s expanding presence in the Asia-Pacific market.

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