US company Syntiant opens new manufacturing and R&D campus in Penang, with potential to create up to 800 jobs

• Doubles footprint in Penang to 220k sq ft, increasing annual production to 1.6bil units
• Features advanced MEMS processing, IC preparation, and test and assembly capabilities

Syntiant Corp a global provider of low-power artificial intelligence (AI) solutions officially opened its new manufacturing and R&D campus in Penang today. No investment value of the deal was announced.

The expansion marks a major milestone in the 2017 founded California based company’s growth in Asia and reinforcing Malaysia’s rising role as a strategic hub for the next-generation semiconductor and AI manufacturing.

The new campus more than doubles Syntiant’s footprint in Penang to approximately 220,000 square feet, increasing annual production capacity to around 1.6 billion units. The facility brings together production, engineering and AI research in one location, supports a workforce of up to 800 employees, and features advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processing, IC preparation, and test and assembly capabilities.

The ceremony was officiated by Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II, together with Kurt Busch, Syntiant’s CEO and co-founder.

Jagdeep said, “We are proud to welcome Syntiant’s new campus to Penang which will contribute to Penang’s technological expertise and further strengthening the state’s position as leading hub for advanced electronics and AI innovation, aligned with our reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East.”

Sikh Shamsul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “Syntiant’s expansion in Penang is a landmark investment that positions Malaysia at the forefront of next-generation AI and advanced semiconductor innovation. By anchoring high-value activities such as embodied AI and MEMS processing locally, this facility strengthens technological capabilities, drives innovation-led growth and creates quality jobs for Malaysian. It is a clear vote of confidence from global investors in Malaysia’s talent, infrastructure and ecosystem.”

Busch (pic), stated, “Our new Penang manufacturing and R&D campus represents a major step forward for Syntiant in Asia where we bring our DNA in producing faster, safer and energy-efficient solutions across consumer, industrial and enterprise markets. By combining world-class manufacturing with cutting-edge AI research, we can accelerate innovation, better serve our customers and contribute to Malaysia’s growing technology ecosystem.”

Ong Lay Pean, General Manager of Syntiant Malaysia, emphasised, “Investing in Penang reflects our confidence in Malaysia’s talent and innovation ecosystem. This new facility positions us to turn cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that benefit consumers and industries globally. With the support of MIDA and InvestPenang, Syntiant selected Penang as the ideal location to expand its manufacturing and R&D capabilities.”

Syntiant’s expansion aligns with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, supporting high-value job creation and advanced technology development. Following its 2024 acquisition for US$150 million (RM406 million) of the Knowles Consumer MEMS Microphone business, the company has strengthened its capabilities in embodied AI and intelligent sensing solutions. It develops ultra-low-power AI solutions that integrate sensors, neural decision processors and software for IoT, consumer, automotive and industrial applications, with more than 20 billion SiSonic™ MEMS microphones shipped globally to date. The SiSonic sales come from Knowles Consumer MEMS sales of the microphones since they introduced it in 2002.