A leading global semiconductor packaging and testing services provider, Chipbond Technology Corporation, has officially opened its new advanced manufacturing facility in Malaysia through its subsidiary, Chipbond Technology Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The plant, located at Valdor Industrial Park, represents a major milestone in Chipbond’s global expansion, backed by a total investment of nearly US$200 million (about RM800 million).

The new facility further reinforces Malaysia’s standing in the global outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) value chain, while strengthening its role as a key hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Designed to support high-value processes, the plant will provide advanced capabilities in wafer bumping, wafer-level chip-scale packaging (WLSP), and testing, with an initial capacity of 10,000 wafers and 100 million WLSP units per month. It is also equipped for flip-chip packaging assembly and testing, offering flexibility to meet future technology and customer requirements.

At the opening ceremony, Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Malaysian Investment Development Authority Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the investment significantly expands Malaysia’s OSAT capacity and ecosystem, enhancing the nation’s semiconductor competitiveness. He noted that Chipbond’s advanced OSAT expertise requires highly skilled engineers and will drive technology transfer, structured training programmes, and university collaborations to equip Malaysians for complex, high-value semiconductor production.

Meanwhile, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian highlighted Penang’s strong foundation built on more than five decades of industrialisation and a mature OSAT ecosystem. She said investments such as Chipbond’s are strategic in supporting Penang’s shift towards advanced packaging and innovation-led growth, in line with the National Semiconductor Strategy, while fostering deeper knowledge transfer and talent upskilling.

Chipbond chairman Wu Fei Jain said the new facility underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and ensuring a stable, continuous supply for customers. He credited the support of the Malaysian government, customers, and the Chipbond team for enabling the project to be completed within a compressed timeframe.

Overall, the Batu Kawan facility is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Malaysia’s integrated semiconductor ecosystem, enabling local talent and small and medium enterprises to participate more meaningfully in global value chains.

Image source: Buletin Mutiara & Kastam Negeri Pulau Pinang Facebook

Building on the strong sales momentum of Stark Tower at The Light Waterfront, Stark Development is poised to unveil its next branded serviced suites project in Bayan Lepas. Tentatively named STARK 2.0, this upcoming launch represents another strategic milestone for the developer, introducing a premium serviced living concept in a highly connected location just 1.5km from Penang International Airport, an address that naturally appeals to frequent travellers, business visitors and long-stay professionals.

Strategically located within one of Penang’s most established and vibrant districts, the development enjoys close proximity to reputable educational institutions such as SMJK Heng Ee and Straits International School, alongside a comprehensive range of amenities that support everyday living. As a major employment and commercial hub on the island, Bayan Lepas continues to attract a steady tenant base, reinforcing the project’s long-term rental demand and investment appeal.

The development comprises three towers, including two serviced suites towers and one dedicated hotel tower, offering a total of 700+ serviced suites units with a diverse selection of layouts. From efficient studio units to more expansive garden units, the project is designed to cater to varied lifestyle preferences and investment strategies.

* Register your interest for STARK 2.0 *

The inclusion of a professionally operated hotel component further elevates the development’s overall proposition, strengthening its positioning as a branded serviced living destination near the airport. For investors, this translates into stronger market perception, enhanced rental competitiveness and greater long-term asset resilience.

Targeted for launch in the second quarter of 2026, STARK 2.0 presents a compelling opportunity to secure a branded serviced suites in a high-potential location driven by connectivity and sustained economic activity.

In conjunction with the upcoming launch, the developer is pleased to announce that its new sales gallery, STARK X-Perience Gallery will be ready at Queens Waterfront Q1 and open for public viewing during the upcoming Chinese New Year period. A series of festive activities suitable for all ages will be available. Visitors are encouraged to drop by to explore the latest project information.

If you are looking for a premium serviced suites in Penang Island, do not miss this opportunity to register your interest with Stark Development at +6012-368 8999 immediately.

The development of SJK(C) Kuang Yu in Batu Kawan has reached a major milestone, as the school’s new campus officially marked its topping-out ceremony, with construction progress now at 95% and operations targeted to begin in early 2027.

In conjunction with the ceremony held at the new Batu Kawan site on Saturday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced a RM200,000 contribution to the school’s building fund, describing it as a New Year gift to support the advancement of education in the rapidly growing township.

Chow reflected on the school’s long journey, which began during his early tenure as chief minister with discussions on relocation, followed by the state government’s contribution of land, groundwork, piling and phased construction. With the topping-out completed, he said the project has entered a critical phase, symbolising the first visible outcome of years of collective effort.

He stressed, however, that while the physical structure is nearing completion, the true mission of education is only just beginning. The school still faces a funding shortfall of about RM1 million for construction costs, with a further RM3 million to RM5 million required for interior works, fittings and facilities.

The chief minister commended the school building committee for persevering despite rising construction costs and a challenging fundraising environment, and highlighted a RM1 million donation by Franky Khor Teik Leng, founder of KTL Electrical Engineering, as an exemplary act of corporate social responsibility. He also noted that the state government had previously channelled RM400,000 in institutional grants in 2023 and 2025, in addition to contributing land valued at over RM20 million.

School board chairman and building committee head Dato Goh Kim Heong described the topping-out as a defining chapter in the school’s history, thanking donors for their trust in a project exceeding RM20 million in value.

Located in Batu Kawan—an area experiencing strong industrial and residential growth—the new campus reflects the increasing demand for education infrastructure alongside township development. Chow expressed hope that the project would progress smoothly and invited stakeholders to return in nine years’ time to celebrate the school’s centennial anniversary in 2035.

Malaysia’s property market continues to expand at a steady and sustainable pace, with total transaction value projected to exceed RM250 billion this year, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Nga said the market has recorded consistent growth over the past three years, with transaction values rising from RM196.8 billion in 2023 to RM232.3 billion in 2024. He emphasised that the upward trend reflects healthy market fundamentals rather than speculative activity, noting that there are no signs of a property bubble forming.

Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia shows that Malaysia’s homeownership rate currently stands at 76.5%, surpassing that of several developed nations, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany.

To further improve access to homeownership, Nga said the government is focusing on raising income levels instead of implementing direct price controls, which he said are not practical in a free market environment. He added that the government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is actively attracting foreign direct investment to support economic growth and wage expansion.

Looking ahead, Nga cited projections by the World Bank, which forecast Malaysia becoming a high-income nation by 2028, with gross national income per capita reaching US$14,000 or more. This, he said, would enable more Malaysians to afford homes.

Nga also stressed the importance of balanced price movements, saying property values should appreciate at a healthy pace without excessive spikes that could fuel speculation or depreciation that would hurt buyers.

On financing support, he reiterated the government’s RM40 billion Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP), which aims to help first-time homebuyers. To date, the scheme has enabled more than 97,750 Malaysians to purchase their first homes, with calls for broader bank participation to widen its reach.

About Foreshore Residence

A mixed development by Tanjung Villa Development Sdn. Bhd. (a subsidiary of Tah Wah Group) in the heart of George Town. Strategically located along Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway, adjacent to Sandilands Condominium. It is only about 5 minutes drive to Penang Bridge, with an abundance of essential amenities easily accessible within 10 minutes walking distance.

This development comprises a 50-storey building with 9 levels of car parking podium, offering a mix of affordable homes, serviced apartment and shop offices.

*Photo taken in Jan 2026

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