From humble beginnings to a regional digital powerhouse, the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) celebrated 10 transformative years with a milestone event that looked back at its achievements and forward to a future shaped by global innovation.
Graced by YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor, the evening brought together key players from government, industry, and the international tech scene.
In his keynote, the Menteri Besar reaffirmed Selangor’s commitment to building a future-ready digital economy and accelerating the state’s role as a hub for innovation and high-impact entrepreneurship.
Since its establishment, Sidec has been a catalyst for change, supporting over 70,000 techpreneurs, startups, and SMEs; generating RM736.12 million in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV); and launching more than 80 programmes to scale local digital capabilities.
Signature initiatives include the Malaysia Semiconductor IC (Integrated Circuit) Design Park and global accelerator missions aimed at elevating homegrown innovation on the world stage.
New talent and strategic investment
In conjunction with the celebration, Sidec was honoured to host Dr Chiang Shang-Yi, a prominent figure in the global semiconductor industry, during his visit to Malaysia.
In a special sharing session, the veteran technologist offered sharp insights into Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor landscape, stressing the importance of cross-border collaboration, talent development, and robust public-private partnerships in driving high-tech innovation.
The evening also celebrated the first cohort of graduates from the Global Semiconductor Exchange Program (GSEP), a flagship initiative under the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM).
Held in Shenzhen, China, the two-month training equipped 30 standout participants – selected from a competitive pool of 343 applicants – with practical skills in digital IC design, including EDA toolchains, Verilog HDL, and system-level verification.
The programme also exposed participants to top-tier tech environments through site visits to companies such as HONOR, Reexen Technology, and the National IC Innovation Centre, alongside events like the 9th World Drone Conference.
GSEP stands as a testament to Selangor’s long-term commitment to cultivating a globally competitive semiconductor talent pipeline.
Adding to the momentum, the celebration witnessed the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sidec, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB), and Artem Ventures to launch the Selangor Semiconductor Fund (SSF) – Malaysia’s first state-led venture capital fund dedicated to the semiconductor sector.
Anchored by the Selangor state government and co-managed with Artem Ventures, the SSF aims to accelerate startups and scaleups in IC design, AI chips, and advanced semiconductor solutions, marking a major leap in Malaysia’s innovation financing landscape.
New advisory appointments signal next chapter
Underscoring its forward-looking agenda, Sidec announced the appointment of three prominent figures as advisers, each bringing international experience and strategic insight:
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YBhg Dato’ Lai Yit Loong, former Vice-President at NVIDIA and Foxconn, will advise both the IC Design Park and the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM), focusing on deep tech talent development and global semiconductor collaboration.
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YBrs Pn Nurul Izzah Anwar, Executive Chairman of Polity, takes on the role of adviser to Sidec Sdn Bhd, bringing her expertise in public policy, inclusive growth, and digital equity.
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Dr Chiang Shang-Yi, Director at Foxconn and former Co-COO of TSMC, joins as adviser to the IC Design Park and ASEM, contributing world-class insights into semiconductor innovation and scaling.
Looking ahead
These milestones not only reflect Sidec’s journey over the past decade, but they also signal the start of an ambitious new chapter. With bold programmes, world-class advisers, and strategic capital initiatives like SSF, Selangor is laying the groundwork for a thriving, future-proof digital economy.
As Malaysia sets its sights on becoming a high-tech nation, Sidec remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, technologists, and innovators – at home and on the global stage.