Bangladesh builds South-South semiconductor bridge through Penang Roadshow

The Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) has completed a three-day Malaysia Semiconductor Roadshow in Penang from November 11–13, aimed at promoting Bangladesh as an emerging partner in the global semiconductor supply chain and exploring prospects for a South-South Silicon Corridor between the two countries. A reception marking the event was held at a hotel in Penang on November 11, 2025, according to a press release.

The programme brought together senior Malaysian industry and government representatives, including leaders from the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Deputy Chief Minister of Penang, and the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia.

Speaking at the event, Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II, YB En Jagdeep Singh Deo, said that as many global technology companies have established operations in Penang, BSIA member companies are now entering a well-developed ecosystem. He expressed hope that cooperation between Penang and Bangladesh in the semiconductor sector would expand in the coming years.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, encouraged semiconductor companies based in Penang to explore deeper partnerships with Bangladeshi firms. He highlighted Bangladesh’s large pool of young and highly talented professionals, both at home and across the global industry, who are contributing to advanced semiconductor research, design, and innovation.

Throughout the roadshow, the BSIA delegation met senior executives and visited several Malaysian semiconductor organisations, including Rapid Manufacturing, Infinecs Corporation, TF-AMD, Micro Modular System, Aemulus Corporation, YBS International, and the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).

BSIA President Mohammed Abdul Jabbar highlighted Bangladesh’s growing engagement in the sector, saying the country is moving from observation to participation in the global semiconductor landscape. He said the roadshow demonstrated Bangladesh’s capacity to collaborate and contribute to the global value chain.

Prof Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University stated, "The Silicon River is our shared future. We will knock on every company’s door and build the foundations of a South-South Silicon Corridor." He added, "This is only the beginning," Prof. Hussain concluded. "We should aim so high that we can never fully reach it, but in trying, we will travel farther than anyone thought possible."

AVP of Credo Semiconductor, Dr Shatil Haque, added that this roadshow is the beginning of a new regional alliance-moving from intention to implementation, from conversations to co-creation.

The delegation included senior officials from Neural Semiconductor, ULKASEMI, Prime Silicon, SILICONOVA, Cactus Materials, and iTest Bangladesh. The roadshow has opened new pathways for collaboration in chip design, packaging, test engineering, automation, workforce development, and innovation-driven semiconductor engagement.