When Elisa IndustrIQ's subsidiary, CamLine, invited me to join their booth at the Penang exhibition, I approached the opportunity with initial hesitation considering CalcuQuote has not been focused on events with a large semiconductor presence. However, my preconceived notions were quickly shattered as I discovered the grand scale of the event and the presence of numerous industry professionals. Surprisingly, Penang housed prominent names such as Flex, AMD, Jabil, Infineon, Plexus, Sanmina, and Osram, among others. As I started networking at the event, I realized the depth of expertise present within the semiconductor community and the underestimated connections we shared.
The semiconductor sector in Penang has a rich history dating back to the 1970s when the Malaysian government actively promoted industrialization and attracted foreign direct investment. The establishment of the Penang Free Trade Zone provided incentives for multinational corporations, including Intel Corporation, AMD, Motorola, and Agilent, to set up manufacturing facilities. This led to the formation of a robust semiconductor ecosystem, attracting suppliers, subcontractors, and supporting industries. Today, Penang's cluster of semiconductor and electronics companies continues to grow, presenting investment opportunities amidst evolving global events reshaping the semiconductor supply chain.
During my journey in Penang, I experienced the convenience and comfort of the CamLine office, strategically located near the SPICE exhibition center. Exploring Malaysian cuisine, I savored local delights such as the fiery Tom Yum dish and the diverse flavors influenced by neighboring Thailand. The exhibition itself provided invaluable face-to-face networking opportunities with industry professionals from Asia, highlighting the tech-savviness of Malaysians and their openness to emerging solutions like Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) in the industrial sector.
Throughout the event, we showcased CalcuQuote's advanced solutions, receiving genuine interest and positive feedback from attendees. The multicultural heritage of Penang, comprising Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other ethnicities, added to the warm and inviting atmosphere. Beyond the exhibition, Penang's legendary food scene delighted our taste buds with dishes like Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa, and Roti Canai, while the locals' curiosity and knowledge of the EMS industry fostered engaging conversations and potential partnerships.
Participating in Semicon SEA as representatives of CalcuQuote was an unforgettable experience that immersed us in the vibrant semiconductor world, allowed us to connect with experts, and showcase our cutting-edge solutions. The exhibition served as a catalyst for growth, inspiration, and collaboration within the semiconductor community. As we bid farewell to Penang, we carried cherished memories, valuable insights, and a renewed passion for advancing the semiconductor industry. While my suit was expertly cleaned, after Tom Yam tasting, a small but significant part of Malaysia will forever reside in my heart.
Written by Jani Leppälammi, CalcuQuote VP of Business Development