German Eppendorf and South Korean K-Test Boost High‑Tech Manufacturing in Malaysia

German life‑science equipment maker Eppendorf SE announced an investment of about €40 million (roughly 1.8 billion MYR) to build its first Southeast Asian manufacturing base in Penang’s Batu Kawan Technology Park. The 16,000‑square‑metre facility will produce centrifuges, incubators and other laboratory instruments for global markets, initially creating around 130 jobs with a target operational date in 2028.

South Korean semiconductor‑testing specialist K‑Test Co Ltd broke ground on a US$50 million (RM205 million) plant in Perak, its first facility in the region. The new factory will provide wafer and final‑testing services for memory, system and power chips, with an expected workforce of about 100 people and completion slated for early 2027. Both projects were highlighted by Malaysian officials as evidence of strong government support, a skilled talent pool and a favourable investment climate for high‑tech manufacturing.

The dual announcements underscore Malaysia’s growing role as a hub for advanced manufacturing, attracting foreign capital from Europe and East Asia to expand its semiconductor and life‑science supply chains.