DIGITIMES's observation of recent investment trends by international semiconductor IDMs (integrated device manufacturers) in ASEAN shows that since 2023, American and European companies have been more active in expanding production in ASEAN than Japanese companies, with a greater concentration of investment in Malaysia.
Japanese IDMs have a total of nine fabs in ASEAN, primarily located in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Furthermore, Japanese IDMs have two investment projects in Thailand, compared to only one belonging to their American and European counterparts, reflecting the investment preferences of companies from different countries.
Malaysia has recently become a key investment destination for American and European IDMs in ASEAN. Intel, Micron, Texas Instruments (TI), Infineon, Bosch, and other companies all have plans to expand or establish plants there. Neighboring Singapore also has plans to expand its technological collaboration with STMicroelectronics.
Chart 1: Global semiconductor IDM investment activities in ASEAN since 2023 (US$b)
Chart 2: Global semiconductor IDMs' capacity deployment in Singapore
Chart 3: Global semiconductor IDM recent investment activities in Singapore
Samsung has R&D center in Vietnam and investments in Thailand
Chart 4: Global semiconductor IDMs' major activities in ASEAN countries since 2023 (US$m)
Japan IDMs have 9 plants in ASEAN, with early deployments in Malaysia
Chart 5: Japanese semiconductor IDMs' major factories and businesses in ASEAN
ASEAN has advantages in geography and labor costs; US tariffs present an opportunity
Chart 6: SWOT analysis of ASEAN's competitiveness in the semiconductor industry
Chart 7: Deployment in ASEAN by Japanese and non-Japanese semiconductor IDMs
