Malaysia unveiled its own AI processor Monday, joining a global race to build the most sought-after electronic components for artificial intelligence development.
Local designer SkyeChip introduced the MARS1000 at an industry association event attended by senior government officials. The chip is the country’s first edge AI processor, meaning a component that powers devices from cars to robots from within, the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association said in a statement.
During the launch at the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) Merdeka Dinner 2025, company CEO Fong Swee Kiang emphasized the chip’s role as a cost-effective, smart, and AI-ready solution that could boost Malaysia’s technological independence, cultivate local AI expertise, and support the growth of homegrown industrial applications.
The unveiling of the MARS1000 aligns with Malaysia’s broader ambition to elevate its semiconductor industry from assembly and testing into chip design and IP creation. SkyeChip, in particular, has distinguished itself through consistent innovation—holding more than 100 U.S. patents and previously participating in global collaborations like the Intel Foundry Accelerator IP Alliance.
Additionally, the launch coincided with the opening of the Penang Silicon Research and Incubation Space, a state-supported innovation hub that provides infrastructure, tools, and mentorship to local IC design firms.
