UK Eyes Chip Link-Up With Malaysia in High-Tech Trade Drive

• UK High Commissioner, Ajay Sharma, emphasizes semiconductor sector cooperation.
• Sharma highlights potential in clean energy and innovative technologies.
• UK-Malaysia trade stands at six billion pounds, hinting at greater potential.
• CPTPP membership expected to create new trade opportunities for the UK.
• Efforts to raise awareness of Malaysian opportunities among UK firms are underway.

High Commissioner Sharma Prioritizes Semiconductor Cooperation

Building Bilateral Ties in Technology Sector The newly appointed High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, has launched his tenure with a clear message: he intends to prioritize the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the burgeoning semiconductor sector. There’s a palpable excitement about working together to increase the value chain in both nations, especially as Malaysia is ambitious in its own plans encapsulated in the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). The aim, Sharma emphasizes, is to enhance not only the design of integrated chips but also high-end manufacturing processes that would benefit both Malaysian and UK firms alike.

Clean Energy and Education Cooperation Explored

Opportunities in Clean Energy and Beyond Sharma is also looking beyond semiconductors, identifying clean energy as another promising realm for bilateral collaboration. Malaysia is rich in natural resources and has significant aspirations to develop in areas like carbon capture and green technology. “This country has immense opportunities, and utilizing innovative technologies can propel both nations to new heights,” he remarked during an interview with Bernama. Additionally, there’s potential for specialized educational cooperation, where UK universities could offer courses in semiconductor technology to Malaysian students, eventually benefiting both countries through skilled talent exchange.

Focus on Enhancing Trade and Investment Opportunities

Tapping Into Trade Potential The UK-Malaysia trade relationship, currently worth about six billion pounds, is seen by Sharma as ripe for expansion. With Malaysia being pegged as an essential player in the ASEAN economic sphere, there’s a need for more UK companies to recognize the trade opportunities that exist in Malaysia. “Companies here are not fully aware of what Malaysia has to offer, and raising that profile will be key for us,” he stated. Notably, with the UK’s recent entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), opportunities for trade could increase substantially. The CPTPP now includes a diverse group of countries that account for a significant chunk of global GDP, and as such, Sharma emphasizes the need for a straightforward trade administration process.

In summary, Ajay Sharma’s recent statements underscore a commitment to enhancing UK-Malaysia relations, particularly in the semiconductor and clean energy sectors. By facilitating trade, investments, and educational exchanges, the High Commissioner hopes to create a stronger economic partnership between the two nations. With the opportunities garnered from the CPTPP and ongoing bilateral discussions, there is significant potential for growth and prosperity in both the UK and Malaysia.