MOSTI earmarks RM1.29 billion from Budget 2027 for semiconductors and startups
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation will use its RM1.29 billion 2027 budget allocation to boost the semiconductor sector, artificial intelligence and the local startup ecosystem.
Under Budget 2027, MOSTI received a total of RM1.29 billion, split between RM775.46 million for operating costs and RM516.93 million for development, a slight rise from the previous year. Chang Lih Kang outlined 61 initiatives that will span research, development, commercialisation and strategic technology to strengthen Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem. The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation will obtain RM10 million for follow-on equity through the SemiconStart programme, while Kumpulan Modal Perdana will receive the same amount for the FORGE pilot project.
Cradle Fund is allocated RM41 million to execute the SUPER 2.0 startup roadmap, aiming for thousands of active startups and skilled jobs. Further funding supports IoT and robotics in oil-palm plantations, a space AI laboratory via MYSA, a community energy-saving project by NanoMalaysia, and a fishing-net recycling initiative by Bioeconomy Corporation. The ministry emphasised that these investments are intended to shift Malaysia from a technology consumer to a creator and generate high-value employment.
Why it matters
The spending plan aims to accelerate Malaysia’s tech sector, create skilled jobs and move the economy toward higher-value manufacturing.
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