Ericsson picks Malaysia for its first global manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia

• The facility will produce state-of-the-art Ericsson 5G radios 
• Malaysia will benefit from local job creation and skills transfer 

Ericsson is producing its state-of-the-art 5G radio equipment in Penang, the company’s first 5G manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia. 

Communications and Digital Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching, Penang Caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia Joachim Bergstrom inaugurated the production.

Located in Prai, in the northern state of Penang, the facility, in partnership with Flex, produces 5G radio equipment such as Ericsson’s Massive MIMO antenna-integrated radios.

“With the manufacturing of 5G equipment in Malaysia, it is heartening to see that Ericsson will also boost local manufacturing capabilities and nurture a strong ecosystem to spur the development of new and innovative 5G cases and services. Across many industries, 5G will enhance connectivity, speed, and reliability for businesses and consumers alike,” said Teo, who was representing Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Ericsson recently topped the Frost Radar: Global 5G Network Infrastructure Market ranking for the third year. 

David Hägerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, said: “Ericsson is a world leader in 5G technology, currently powering 147 live networks across 63 countries, including Malaysia. Ericsson’s global 5G radio equipment production in Malaysia is our additional socioeconomic contribution to the country. It marks the latest in many initiatives to bring our global experiences, expertise, and insights to Malaysia to support the government’s ambition to be a digital leader.”

Ericsson’s selection of Malaysia also increases its socioeconomic contribution to the country. Malaysia already hosts a Global Maintenance Center in Bukit Jelutong, Selangor one of the largest in the world, and a Regional Distribution Centre at KLIA’s Free Trade Zone. It is also the base for a Regional Competence Hub that hosts 5G expertise and regional support functions and promotes local talent globally.