National-Level Synergy in Semiconductors: A Strategic Bridge from Southeast Asia to Central Asia

As the global industrial landscape undergoes a rapid restructuring, national-level strategies centered on key technologies and core industries are entering a new window of opportunity.

Official Development: The "Strategic Workshop Lab"

In a landmark collaboration with MIMOS Berhad—Malaysia’s strategic agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and a premier innovation centre in Semiconductors, Microelectronics, and ICT technologies), the "Strategic Workshop Lab" has been officially launched.

Hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and MIMOS Berhad, the workshopis is dedicated to formulating the Uzbekistan Microelectronics and Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy 2026–2035. Intrinsic SEA is participating as a key strategic partner.

Held from March 30–31, this initiative set up the primary goal of synchronizing the efforts of various ministries and agencies involved in the national strategy, of defining priority development sectors, and of establishing actionable implementation measures. During the event, a cooperation agreement was signed to accelerate the growth across semiconductors, electronics, and critical technologies.

This move indicates Uzbekistan’s transition from "initial exchange" to "systemic co-construction", signaling the advancement of its industrial development agenda into a substantive phase.

Part 1: From "Project Participation" to "Pathfinding"

Unlike traditional project-based or investment-driven models, this workshop emphasizes the three aspects hereinafter:

• Top-down Strategic Design

• Inter-agency Coordination Mechanisms

• Long-term Industrial Roadmapping (2026–2035)

Building on the strategic partnership established at the ASEAN Tech Summit, Intrinsic SEA participated as a "Joint Facilitator". The team contributed to the framework design and pivotal thematic discussions. The team also delivered a specialized report outlining milestone achievements and future implementation pathways to Mr. Jamshid Kuchkarov, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Furthermore, Ts. Teoh Ze-Han, COO of Intrinsic SEA, served as a core speaker, contributing to the co-development of the industry's direction.

This shift reflects a broader evolution in cross-border  synergy—from "resource matching" toward the "joint output of capabilities and systems".

Part 2: Global Context – The "Structural Reshaping" of Semiconductors

The semiconductor industry is currently undergoing a deep-seated adjustment, characterized by several key trends:

1. Accelerated Regionalization of Supply Chains: 

   Driven by geopolitical and security factors, manufacturing and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) sectors are shifting toward hubs like Southeast Asia.

2. Tech Capability as National Security: 

   Semiconductors have evolved from an industrial issue into a core pillar of national capability.

3. Refined Specialization: 

   Design, manufacturing, packaging, and materials are forming clearer regional clusters.

In this context, an increasing number of nations are moving beyond simple "participation" in the value chain toward "building their own industrial ecosystems".

Part 3: Malaysia – Upgrading the Value of a Mature Link

As a critical link in the global chain, Malaysia has long maintained a dominant position in the Assembly & Test segment:

• Accounts for approximately 13% of global OSAT capacity.

• The Electrical & Electronics (E&E) sector is a national pillar, with semiconductors at its heart.

• Home to international giants including Intel, Infineon, and AMD.

Recently, Malaysia has been pushing toward higher-value segments, including IC Design, Advanced Packaging, and Semiconductor Equipment. National R&D institutions like MIMOS are playing a vital role in this technical transformation and industrial upgrade.

Part 4: Uzbekistan – Strategic Entry of an Emerging Market

Uzbekistan is accelerating its industrial upgrade, moving from a digital economy focus toward "Hard Tech" as below:

• Rapid IT Growth: The national "IT Park" has attracted thousands of enterprises.

• Policy Focus: Microelectronics and semiconductors are now national priorities.

• Knowledge Transfer: Adopting mature systems and experience through partnerships with countries like Malaysia.

The collaboration with MIMOS focuses on establishing local foundational capabilities, building talent cultivation mechanisms, and exploring sustainable development paths.

Part 5: A New Paradigm for Cross-Regional Synergy

From a macro perspective, this cooperation highlights a significant trend:

• From Isolated Projects to Systemic Co-construction.

• From Resource Linkage to Synchronized Capability Export.

In this new model, Southeast Asia provides mature industrial experience, Central Asia offers growth potential and policy space, and Cross-border Platforms like Intrinsic SEA handle strategic design and ecosystem integration.

Conclusion

In an era of supply chain restructuring, semiconductor development has become a yardstick for national competitiveness. Cross-regional synergy is moving from "cooperative projects" toward "collectively defining the future of the industry".

The synergy between Southeast Asia and Central Asia will likely become a major variable in the global industrial layout. Intrinsic SEA remains committed to exploring long-term value in strategic design and cross-border implementation.