Did you know that Malaysia is the sixth largest semiconductor exporter in the world? Malaysia Boleh!
Our country has been gaining momentum for being one of the biggest players in the international trading market. Thanks to our geographical and cultural advantage, Malaysia is well positioned to meet the world’s growing demand in the semiconductor market.
In today’s digital era, semiconductors play a big part to support our heavy reliance on computers and such. The sector influences technological innovation and advances which directly pushes the digital economy, leading to job creations as well as uplifting standard of living for everyone. With all of that in mind, Malaysia is primed to reap benefits from the industry for a long time.
What is a semiconductor? Also known as microchips, they are an important component in your electronic devices and are responsible for powering most of the modern devices you use today, including computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
Basically, without semiconductors, your tech products won’t work at all. They won’t be able to store your precious photos, launch your favourite games and such.
Due to how important semiconductors are in modern society, it’s vital to have big companies like Micron Malaysia to cement our country’s important role in the business.
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
About Micron Malaysia
While the name Micron might not ring a bell in the average Malaysian mind, it is well-known to those in the computer manufacturing world. Micron is a world leader in semiconductor technology, constantly at the forefront of technological advancements when it comes to memory and storage solutions.
In fact, Micron had its foot running since 1978 (Boise, Idaho), and was behind the design of the world’s first smallest 64K DRAM. This innovation led to high-volume manufacturing of the company’s first 64K product in 1981.
Fun fact: Micron’s 1Mb DRAM is also responsible for enabling high-capacity SIMM modules that supported PCs utilising Microsoft’s new Windows OS.
In Malaysia, Micron has two facilities in two states:
- Micron Semiconductor Sdn Bhd (est. 2010 in Muar, Johor) is responsible for NAND/NOR/multi chip packages required in mobile and auto markets.
- Micron Memory Sdn Bhd (est. 2018 in Batu Kawan, Penang) is responsible for assembly and tests, as well as supply largely for NAND, PCDRAM, SSD, and memory modules.
With its global stance and importance in the market, Micron Malaysia is committed to maintain not just a stable footing for the industry, but also the wellness and future of the local community surrounding its operation as well as its employees.
Micron Malaysia’s Culture: “Inclusion & Growth”
We had the opportunity to meet some of Micron's team members as they shared their experiences and explained what it means to work in a collaborative environment at one of the biggest organisations in the semiconductor business. The essence of it all is Micron’s simple philosophy: appreciation.
Recognising that human labour is the greatest asset to a company like Micron, the management works to retain and inspire their employees so that it becomes a safe and stable environment where everyone could thrive.
- Commitment to Talent & Growth
Thiru, a Technical Recruiter at Micron Malaysia shares that Micron has been pushing a range of initiatives dedicated to building a diverse workforce, such as employee resource groups and inclusive hiring/sourcing practices.
For instance, the Batu Kawan operation hired close to 150 differently abled team members till date. It’s also an achievement that 99.9% of Micron global team members did their inclusion ally training courses which are led by Micron’s various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) team lead.
Team members are encouraged to join any ERG that interests them. ERGs serve as an important initiative by Micron that focuses on shared identities or experiences, serving as a commitment to provide opportunities for professional and personal growth through employee-led ERGs. At the same time, they create a community for like-minded individuals and allies to develop and advocate for their communities.
Divya, a Non-Volatile Engineering Group (NVEG) Product Engineer for Micron, was involved in such a programme: Girls in Engineering & Technology (GET), organised by the Society of Women Engineers.
The programme allowed her to share her skills and knowledge with girls from younger generations and expose them to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education (STEM). As the program is aimed to provide all-rounded support, Divya and her fellow women colleagues found it an inspiring and unique experience.
Zawari, a Micron Test Solution Engineering (TSE) Module Equipment Engineer, also shares that the company offers various upskilling opportunities, including overseas training, which he looks forward to.
The experiences gained allowed him to be inspired by different cultures in order to gain deeper and different perspectives. Through such experience, Zawari got to work with other cross-functional teams, as well as work with expertise from international organisations all around the world, achieving shared knowledge in order to reach a common goal.
- Work Life Balance for All
Frankly speaking, to achieve work-life balance is a blessing in today’s fast-paced society, and Micron Malaysia has managed to provide that.
Thiru stresses that the company pushes for the wellbeing of their team members. In fact, Micron offers flexible working hours and remote work options. Additionally, a variety of programs are available to promote the key areas of all the team members’ wellbeing including social, financial, mental, physical and career.
In fact, Zawari shares the list of interest clubs that Micron supports such as football, badminton, zumba and frisbee to name a few. For him, such extracurricular activities are one way of unwinding, as well as allow him and his colleagues to interact and socialise. For example, Zawari always participates in the futsal activity, and the rental fees are subsidised by Micron every week. Plus, all team members of any background are welcomed to join the activities.
- A Supportive & Holistic Work Culture
A great work culture is what sets a company apart from the rest.
At Micron, Thiru emphasised on the importance of a collaborative work environment to maintain a healthy and stimulating workplace for the next generation of engineers. In his work, he’s tasked to search for and help grow talents for Micron, placing importance on diversity and inclusivity.
From meal subsidies to extensive medical coverage, and even a childcare centre, Micron is set on providing services to ensure team members are taken care of. Corporate social responsibility activities are also done from time to time as part of Micron’s contribution back to society.
Divya revealed that Micron even has a unique Women Elevated Program which is to offer support for women who are returning to the workforce after a long career break, such as from post-pregnancy and likewise.
Everyone Can Be At Micron Malaysia
A popular misconception is that engineering is a male profession when in fact, there are more women engineers who are interested in the STEM field, as shared by Divya.
Earlier on, Zawari had mentioned how important outstation and overseas training are, as such experiences allow him to upskill as well as meet different people in the same field, therefore inspiring and influencing Zawari’s workflow. Like other Micron employees, Zawari’s outlook is that all team members bring something to the table, regardless of their role or gender, in order to contribute to Micron and the semiconductor sector.
- Who’s at Micron?
At Micron Malaysia, 99% of the team members are local, representing a diverse mix of races as well as from underrepresented groups. Statistically speaking, women make up 31% of Micron’s current workforce. They are also actively taking in new graduates while exploring other untapped talent pools such as veterans, experienced retirees and local institutions partnership.
One such initiative is Micron’s partnership with TalentCorp in January 2024. They launched Veteran MyWira — a pilot programme that supports the upskilling of army veterans and ex-servicemen to fill job vacancies in the semiconductor industry.
A positive outlook is also something that starts from within. It is why Micron strives to maintain a balanced work culture, which is made possible through Micron’s Employee Feedback Survey that allows everyone to voice their concerns. The company’s culture is recognised and has won the organisation numerous accolades. The list includes: Great Place to Work in 2024, a 2023 MY AMCHAM Cares nomination, as well as Gold Award for Excellence in CSR Strategy at the HR Excellence Awards 2021.
Micron’s Vision For All
Micron doesn't just develop products; they are also shaping how the world uses information to enrich lives for all, which starts from within.
At the end of the day, Micron Malaysia believes that people build solutions that inspire and transform technology, not the other way round. And this starts from Micron empowering not just the country’s labour force but also its people first and foremost.
Guess what? Micron Malaysia is currently hiring! To get started, visit Micron Malaysia’s Official Website.
Alternatively, check out our video interview below:
[This article was written in collaboration with Micron Malaysia.]