By V. Sivaji
Reinforcing Penang’s position as one of Asia’s leading electronics and semiconductor manufacturing hubs, the 6th Electronics Manufacturing Expo Asia (EMAX) 2026 is currently underway at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre here.
The three-day exhibition features more than 250 exhibiting brands from over 20 countries. The launch ceremony was graced by YB Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
In attendance are industry professionals, engineers, manufacturers and decision-makers from Singapore, Japan, China and other leading countries. The event is jointly organised by NRG Exhibitions (M) Sdn. Bhd. and Fireworks Trade Media Group, EMAX 2026 showcases the complete electronics manufacturing value chain that ranges from semiconductor equipment, PCB and electronic assembly, precision engineering and industrial automation to robotics, Al-powered manufacturing, smart factories, testing & measurement and ESG solutions.
Present was Kenny Yong, Founder & Group CEO, NRG Exhibitions (M) Sdn Bhd, Terrance Teo, President, AUTOMATiONSG, J Philip Vincent, Industry Advisor of EMAX 2026, Ms. Susan Tricia, CFO of NRG Exhibitions (M) Sdn. Bhd, Dato’ Seri Loo Lee Lian, CEO of Invest-in-Penang Berhad, H.E. Mr. Machida Shinya, Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Ashwin Gunasekeran CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) among others.
In his opening address, Simn congratulated NRG Exhibitions and Fireworks Trade Media Group for successfully organising another edition of this important industry platform, bringing together manufacturers, technology providers, government agencies, industry associations and professionals from around the world.
“EMAX Asia is recognised today as Malaysia’s flagship electronics and semiconductor manufacturing exhibition, serving as the annual meeting point where the industry’s buyers, manufacturers and technology providers gather to do business.
“On the national level, in the first half of 2026, Malaysia trade expanded by 22.4% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM1.796 trillion, with exports rising 27.5% to RM971.59 billion and imports expanding by 16.9% to RM824.44 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM147.15 billion. Malaysia’s stronger trade performance was also reflected in its improved global competitiveness standing. In the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking in 2026, Malaysia climbed eight positions to the 15th place, underscored by improved performance across key pillars such as economic performance, government and business efficiency.
“The E&E sector continues to be Malaysia’s key trade driver, recording RM467.9 billion in exports for the first half of the year—a 42.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Imports also grew by 29.2% to RM348.5 billion. For the month of June alone, E&E exports reached RM85.31 billion (accounting for 48.0% of total exports), representing a 56.9% surge compared to June 2025,” he shared.
Adding further international significance are two dedicated country pavilions. The Tokyo Pavilion and the Singapore Pavilion. The exhibition also features technical conferences, expert panel discussions, live machinery demonstrations, Al and Smart Factory showcases, Japan-Malaysia Business Matching sessions and networking opportunities designed to help manufacturers discover new technologies and strategic partners.
With formalities aside, Sim along with VIP guests toured the various booths and spent time talking to the exhibitors. The event is supported by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
