AMD’s new R&D center integral to advancing AI and semiconductor capabilities

The new R&D center in Penang, Malaysia to focus on AI PC, Server Data Center and Data Center GPU, says Keivan Keshvari, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, AMD.

In August 2025, AMD inaugurated its new state-of-the-art office and engineering lab facility in Penang, Malaysia. Located at Bayan Lepas, the new office at GBS by the Sea, spans 209,000 square feet and is designed to support over 1,200 employees. It features open workspaces and state-of-the-art engineering labs to drive advances in semiconductor design.

At the launch event, Keivan Keshvari, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, AMD, said the opening of this advanced facility underlines AMD’s long-term commitment to Malaysia's thriving semiconductor ecosystem. He also stated that the new office will enable AMD to develop, build, and deliver the next generation of high-performance, adaptive and AI computing solutions across the AMD portfolio while supporting Malaysia’s continued growth as a hub for technological innovation

As the new office reinforces AMD’s long-standing presence in Malaysia and reflects the company’s confidence in the region’s talent and potential, Keshvari shared more about the new facility in an interview with CRN Asia, especially on how the facility plays a role in supporting AMD’s growth in the country.

In terms of AI development, are there any specific segments in semiconductors that the R&D center will focus on?

The R&D center in Penang will focus on AI PC, Server Data Center, and Data Center GPU, with efforts spanning from the pre-silicon phase, where we work on intellectual property development, to validation, which is the post-silicon phase. Additionally, we will leverage AI in engineering to enhance the quality and efficiency of our development processes.

How will this research facility contribute to AMD's other R&D facilities in the region, like the one recently launched in Taiwan?

The facilities are integral to the broader AMD strategy for advancing our AI and semiconductor capabilities. The Penang center focuses on developing high-performance, adaptive, and AI computing solutions, leveraging Malaysia's growing semiconductor ecosystem and talent pool. Our Taiwan centers are dedicated to complementary functions and scope, and the synergy between these centers will enable AMD to accelerate innovation, optimize resource utilization, and strengthen our competitive edge in the global semiconductor market.

Will AMD be partnering with local customers and partners in specific use cases for R&D?

We are collaborating with local semiconductor firms, academia, and government to co-develop solutions that meet industry-specific challenges. These collaborations also aim to upskill Malaysia's workforce in best-in-class semiconductor knowledge and experience.

For example, at the ASEAN AI Malaysia summit 2025 held recently, we announced a collaboration with the National AI Office (NAIO) to provide researchers and developers 100k hours of free access to AMD Developer Cloud. They will get access to full-stack computing

platform integrating AMD CPUs, GPUs, and the open-source ROCm platform. This access to world-class, energy-efficient computing platforms from AMD will support Malaysia's sustainable AI development objectives.

As the facility can house up to 1200 employees, will it comprise a mixture of local and international teams?

Our Penang site exemplifies the AMD vision of a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary innovation hub that blends the best of local and global talent to drive innovation in AI and semiconductor technology. It is designed to integrate a diverse workforce comprising both local talent and international experts.

Having said that, 96% of our employees are local. Malaysia has a growing pool of skilled engineers, semiconductor specialists, and AI researchers. Hiring locally helps AMD tap into this talent, support the local tech ecosystem, and foster innovation grounded in regional market knowledge.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of international experts and R&D veterans ensures we follow the latest global best practices, cutting-edge techniques, and gain diverse perspectives, while accelerating the upskilling of our local teams. Additionally, as part of our broader APJI (Asia Pacific and Japan + India) network, the Penang facility benefits from seamless collaboration

across geographies, time zones, and disciplines. This interconnected approach supports agile development and knowledge sharing across our global R&D footprint.

We continue to explore more opportunities where we deliver world-class solutions that support Malaysia's continued growth as a hub for technological innovation.