Syntiant opens major AI manufacturing campus in Penang

Syntiant has opened a new manufacturing and research and development campus in Penang, Malaysia, expanding its production base in Asia and increasing annual output capacity to about 1.6 billion units.

The company said the site is its largest AI research and development and manufacturing facility. It is located in Seberang Prai, Penang. Syntiant said the campus brings production, engineering and AI research together in one location.

Syntiant said the new campus more than doubles its footprint in Penang to about 220,000 square feet. The company said the site supports a workforce of up to 800 employees.

Production capacity

Syntiant said the facility includes micro-electro-mechanical systems processing, IC preparation, and test and assembly operations. The company framed the expansion as an increase in manufacturing scale and product development activity.

The company also cited strategic investment from Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund. Syntiant did not disclose the size of the investment in its announcement.

Malaysia has built a significant electronics supply chain over several decades, with Penang often positioned as a focal point for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing investment. Syntiant linked the new facility with Malaysia's ambition to strengthen its AI and semiconductor ecosystem.

State involvement

The opening ceremony included representatives from the Penang state government and national investment agencies. Yang Berhormat Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang's Deputy Chief Minister II, attended the event alongside Syntiant Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Kurt Busch.

Penang has sought to attract semiconductor and electronics manufacturers through industrial parks, a long-established supplier base and links to multinational firms. The state government referenced this history in comments at the launch.

"Backed by over five decades of industrialisation, Penang has cultivated its comprehensive ecosystem which continues to command confidence by international investors to establish presence and expand within the State. 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," said Yang Berhormat Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II, Penang.

Investment pitch

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, described the expansion as significant for Malaysia's positioning in advanced electronics manufacturing and development work.

"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, and reinforces our mission to make the country a preferred hub for advanced electronics and high-tech manufacturing," said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO, Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

Syntiant develops low-power AI products for use in sensor-based and connected devices. The company said its work spans IoT, consumer, automotive and industrial applications. It also pointed to its shipment history in MEMS microphones under the SiSonic product line.

Company strategy

Syntiant linked the Penang campus to its regional growth plans and its manufacturing footprint. The company said the site combines manufacturing operations with AI research and development work.

"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," said Kurt Busch, CEO and Co-Founder, Syntiant.

Syntiant Malaysia General Manager Ong Lay Pean said the decision reflected the company's assessment of local skills and the investment environment. Ong also cited the role of national and state investment bodies.

"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," said Ong Lay Pean, General Manager, Syntiant Malaysia.

Syntiant said its expansion aligns with Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030. The company also referenced its acquisition of the Knowles Consumer MEMS Microphone business, which it completed in 2024. Syntiant said the deal strengthened its position in embodied AI and intelligent sensing products.