Ericsson has a long history in Malaysia, stretching all the way back to 1964. Their first business dealing was signing a contract with Telekom Malaysia for the delivery of a crossbar switch.
The Swedish telecom and network company also helped Malaysia set up the 5G network, and now they have made another history.
NST reports that Ericsson is establishing its first 5G manufacturing facility in Penang, where advanced 5G radio equipment will be produced. This marks the first such manufacturing unit in Southeast Asia for the company.
The 5G radio equipment manufactured in Malaysia encompasses Ericsson’s cutting-edge Massive MIMO antenna-integrated radios, known for their lightweight design and energy efficiency.
This production takes place in Prai, in collaboration with Flex, a globally diversified manufacturer with a presence in 30 countries.
David Hägerbro, President of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, emphasised that this production initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to bring Ericsson’s global expertise and insights to Malaysia, aligning with the government’s aspirations to lead in the digital realm.
Hägerbro further highlighted the significance of domestic manufacturing in Malaysia, as it contributes not only to the local economy through job creation but also facilitates the transfer of technical knowledge in critical domains such as manufacturing, product engineering, and equipment testing.
According to Hägerbro, Ericsson remains steadfast in its commitment to provide Malaysia with a secure, affordable, and world-class 5G network, ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, expressed pride in Ericsson’s decision to invest in the state, recognizing it as a testament to Penang’s skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and resilient environment.
He lauded Penang’s status as the “Silicon Valley of the East,” a dynamic economic powerhouse with a flourishing industrial ecosystem.
Chow underscored Penang’s unwavering pursuit of opportunities arising from global developments, emphasizing the state’s transition beyond backend activities.
He stated Penang’s emergence as a hub for IC design, IoT solutions, and R&D endeavours, and stressed that the manufacturing of Ericsson’s 5G equipment further enhances the state’s strength in the electronics and electrical (E&E) ecosystem.
