Malaysia’s electronics manufacturing sector continues to play a strategic role in the global supply chain, positioning the country as one of Southeast Asia’s most important hubs for semiconductor packaging, testing, and electronic component manufacturing. As of 2026, Malaysia accounts for a significant share of global semiconductor assembly and testing activities, supported by strong foreign direct investment and an established export-oriented ecosystem. Printed circuit boards (PCBs), which serve as the backbone of electronic devices, are witnessing rising demand across automotive electronics, industrial automation, telecommunications, and consumer devices. The Malaysia printed circuit board market is therefore entering a new growth phase, driven by supply chain diversification, electric vehicle (EV) expansion, and next-generation communication technologies.
What’s Driving the Printed Circuit Board Market in Malaysia?
Expansion of Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing
Malaysia has long been a preferred manufacturing base for multinational electronics companies. Major global players such as Intel Corporation, Infineon Technologies, ASE Technology Holding, and Unisem have established large-scale operations in Penang and Kulim. As backend semiconductor activities expand, the demand for high-density interconnect (HDI) boards, multilayer PCBs, and advanced substrate technologies is increasing. The push toward advanced packaging and chiplet architectures is also driving requirements for more sophisticated PCB designs with higher precision and thermal management capabilities.
Rising Demand from Electric Vehicles and Automotive Electronics
Malaysia’s integration into the regional EV value chain is significantly boosting demand for automotive-grade PCBs. Modern EVs require complex electronic control units (ECUs), battery management systems, and power conversion modules, all of which rely heavily on high-reliability PCBs. As ASEAN emerges as a growing EV production base, Malaysian PCB manufacturers are benefiting from export demand as well as domestic assembly activities. Automotive PCBs require enhanced durability, heat resistance, and compliance with stringent quality standards, encouraging technology upgrades among local manufacturers.
Growth in 5G Infrastructure and Data Centers
The rollout of 5G networks and expansion of hyperscale data centers across Southeast Asia are further supporting PCB demand. High-frequency PCBs used in telecom base stations, routers, and servers require specialized materials and precise fabrication. Malaysia’s strong export logistics and free trade agreements make it an attractive sourcing destination for telecom and networking equipment manufacturers serving regional and global markets.
Government-Led Industrial Policies and Investment Incentives
The Malaysian government continues to strengthen its position in high-value electronics manufacturing through initiatives under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). Incentives for automation, digitalization, and high-tech investments are encouraging PCB manufacturers to upgrade production lines and adopt Industry 4.0 practices. Tax incentives, investment allowances, and streamlined approval processes through agencies such as MIDA are attracting both greenfield and expansion investments in advanced PCB fabrication and substrate manufacturing. Additionally, Malaysia’s focus on supply chain resilience following global disruptions has led to diversification strategies among multinational corporations, further channeling investment into Southeast Asia. This trend is expected to enhance local PCB capacity and reduce overdependence on single-country sourcing models.
Market Competition and Manufacturing Landscape
The Malaysia printed circuit board market remains moderately fragmented, with a mix of multinational corporations and domestic manufacturers operating across rigid, flexible, and multilayer PCB segments. While global players dominate high-end substrate and advanced PCB production, local firms are strengthening capabilities in mid-range and specialized industrial boards. Strategic partnerships, technology licensing agreements, and joint ventures are becoming common as companies aim to move up the value chain. Penang continues to serve as the primary electronics cluster, supported by mature supplier networks and skilled engineering talent. Over time, emerging industrial corridors such as Kulim are also attracting investments in advanced electronics manufacturing, further deepening the PCB ecosystem.
High Capital Intensity and Technology Upgradation
PCB manufacturing, particularly in high-density interconnect (HDI) boards and IC substrate production, demands significant capital expenditure on advanced drilling systems, laser imaging equipment, automated plating lines, cleanroom environments, and high-precision inspection technologies. As global customers shift toward miniaturized, high-performance electronics, manufacturers must continuously upgrade capabilities to maintain competitiveness. However, smaller and mid-sized players often face funding limitations, longer return-on-investment cycles, and higher compliance costs, making technology adoption and large-scale modernization financially challenging in an increasingly sophisticated market landscape.
Future Outlook
The Malaysia printed circuit board market is expected to witness steady expansion through 2035, supported by EV adoption, semiconductor investments, 5G infrastructure, and increasing automation across industries. By 2035, Malaysia is likely to strengthen its position as a regional hub for advanced multilayer PCBs and IC substrates, particularly for automotive, industrial IoT, and high-performance computing applications. Greater adoption of smart manufacturing, robotics, and AI-driven quality control systems will improve yield rates and global competitiveness. As global supply chains continue to diversify, Malaysia stands to benefit from its stable policy environment, skilled workforce, and established export infrastructure.
Consultants at Nexdigm, in their latest publication “Malaysia Printed Circuit Board Market Outlook to 2035”, analyzed the market by Type (Single-Sided, Double-Sided, Multilayer, HDI, Flexible), By End-User Industry (Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Industrial Equipment, Telecommunications, Healthcare), and By Region (Penang, Kedah, Johor, Selangor, Others). Nexdigm believes that businesses should prioritize investment in advanced substrate technologies, automotive-grade certifications, and supply chain localization while leveraging Malaysia’s growing role in the ASEAN electronics manufacturing ecosystem as a key growth lever through 2035.
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Harsh Mittal
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