KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 27): Penang is set to host the inaugural SEMICON Southeast Asia, which will run from 22–24 April at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) in the state.

in a statement on its website, Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) said the event promises to be larger and more comprehensive than its predecessor SEMICON Singapore, which had been held annually since 1993, with an expanded programme and larger audience base focusing on Southeast Asia communities in the semiconductor and microelectronics sector.

SEMI added that the expanded strategy for the new SEMICON Southeast Asia Show — between Singapore, Malaysia and potentially the rest of the regions — will open new business opportunities for customers and foster stronger cross-regional engagement.

It said SEMICON Southeast Asia will feature a tradeshow exhibition, networking events, market and technology seminars, and conferences.

For 2015 and 2016, SEMI estimates spending of almost US$5 billion on front-end and back-end equipment in the Southeast Asia region, and another $14 billion in spending on materials including $11 billion on packaging-related materials.

SEMI Southeast Asia president Ng Kai Fai said Southeast Asia was a significant and exciting market for the semiconductor industry.

"In fact, the region contributes a substantial 27% of global assembly, test and production, on top of being the largest market for assembly and test equipment," said Ng.

He said SEMICON Southeast Asia was a natural progression from its earlier SEMICON Singapore exhibition and actively unites industry participants throughout the region.

"In addition to offering a deep networking opportunity for industry stakeholders, the event is also a catalyst for industry players within the region to collaborate and innovate to become larger players in this US$19 billion industry. This year, we expect about 60 industry speakers and close to 200 companies to participate in SEMICON Southeast Asia,” he added.