独家专访槟城招商局CEO：槟城广东产业互补，双向投资日益紧密

Core Viewpoint - The investment cooperation between Guangdong, China, and Penang, Malaysia, is strengthening due to historical ties, cultural similarities, and strategic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP, with a focus on sectors such as semiconductors and digital economy [1][2][10]. Group 1: Investment Cooperation - In October, multiple memorandums and cooperation agreements were signed at the 2025 China (Guangdong) - Malaysia (Penang) investment promotion event to enhance trade and investment exchanges [1]. - Approximately 70 Chinese companies are currently operating in Penang, reflecting a strong interest in investment opportunities [2][9]. - The direct flight route between Guangzhou and Penang, along with Malaysia's three-month visa exemption for Chinese citizens, facilitates business interactions [2][9]. Group 2: Economic Development - Penang is recognized as the "Silicon Valley of the East" due to its significant role in the global semiconductor industry and its high export and foreign investment rates [2][6]. - The state has over 350 multinational companies and more than 6,000 related manufacturing enterprises, primarily in the semiconductor and electronics sectors [6]. - Penang's semiconductor industry has a history of over 54 years, benefiting from the early transfer of the semiconductor industry from the West [6][8]. Group 3: Industry Focus - Key industries promoted during the investment conference include electronics, semiconductors, medical technology, automation equipment, IoT solutions, and digital economy [2][3]. - Penang is transitioning from backend semiconductor processes to upstream sectors, particularly integrated circuit design, which constitutes over 50% of the semiconductor industry's value chain [8]. - The region aims to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and attract foreign investment in high-value sectors, particularly in semiconductor materials and technology [7][10].