Ground breaking ceremony

By V. Sivaji

Unisem (M) Berhad will invest a whopping RM300 million for its new state-of-the art plant at the Gopeng Industrial Park outside of Ipoh.

Other than offering 2,000 job opportunities for the state, the investment will surely bring much needed boost to Perak’s economy and related activities.

On hand to perform the ground breaking ceremony earlier today was Unisem Berhad chairman, Mr John Chia accompanied by their board of directors.

“This piece of land measuring 28.5 acres was bought 20-years ago so that we can expand our operations once the present plant has reached its capacity.

“On March 1st, 2022 we had appointed Zalam Corporations Sdn Bhd to be the main contractor based on their competence and competitive pricing.

CS Ho (COO) with Alan Tan (HR Sr manager)

“This is a fixed 12 months start and complete project and the teamwork of everyone is vital in getting the project completed in time,” said Chia in his speech.

He also thanked the State Government, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), architects and consultants for their cooperation and input.

In ending his speech, Chia also stressed the need to observe “safety first” in completing the plant.

Meanwhile, Masafumi Ito, the managing director of ITEC Project Solutions Group added that the massive project will cover 57,000 sqm with two main buildings.

The clean room will be 21,000 sqm and the office space will be 9,700 sqm. This will be one of the most hi-tech plants in this region and we have paid attention to sustainability and energy saving solutions for the fans and pumps.

Lending support

“There will also be a solar power generator to harvest the biggest capacity in this region and to certify the green building,” said Ito.

Unisem started its first plant in 1992 in Simpang Pulai where some 3,500 workers are currently employed.

Worldwide, they are presently employing some 6,000 workers inclusive of their plant in Chengdu, China.

They are a major semiconductor assembly plant and provide testing services for many of the world’s most successful electronics companies.

Also present at the ground breaking ceremony was the Executive Director of Unisem Berhad, Francis Chia, CH Ang, Director of Unisem Berhad, CS Ho, Chief Operating Officer of Unisem Ipoh and the senior management team.

Lending support was ,Ooi Kooi Keat, Principal of Kooi Keat Architect, Stanley Teoh, Director of TNO & Associates, Tan Sri Wong See Wah, Chairman of Zalam, Ho Lee Beng, Managing Director of Zalam, Yong Wei Fung, Executive Director of Zalam, Wong Shiew Wah, Senior Project Coordinator of Zalam, Lee Soon San, Project Director of Zalam for Unisem Gopeng among others.

Unisem team