Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced the appointment of John Lee, chief executive officer of MKS Instruments, as his adviser to help strengthen collaboration between the semiconductor industry and institutions of higher learning.
Anwar said Malaysia must continue learning from global industry leaders and leverage their expertise, particularly in fast-evolving sectors such as semiconductors and advanced technologies.
He said Lee’s extensive experience in the semiconductor industry would assist the government in identifying ways to improve policies, infrastructure and talent development to better support high-technology investments.
“We don’t have all the answers and we don’t claim to know everything, particularly when the technology is new,” Anwar said during the launch of MKS Instruments’ Super Center manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan today.
“That is why I’m appointing him as an adviser,” he added, noting that Lee would serve in the role without receiving any allowances.
According to Anwar, Lee will also provide strategic input on how Malaysia can better facilitate and accelerate investments in emerging technology sectors.
The prime minister stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between universities and industry players to ensure graduates possess skills that meet the demands of rapidly developing industries.
“These are new disciplines. Universities are not necessarily fully prepared unless there is strong synergy between academia and industry,” he said.
MKS Instruments is investing US$100 million in the Batu Kawan facility, which is expected to generate approximately 1,000 jobs.
The plant will support the production of wafer fabrication equipment serving both regional and global semiconductor markets, further strengthening Malaysia’s position within the global semiconductor supply chain.
