MaiStorage Technology launches in Malaysia to drive innovation in NAND storage technology

Backed by the Phison Group, MaiStorage is an integrated circuit design and storage technology provider that caters to the data center, AI applications and the automotive industries in Malaysia.

MaiStorage Technology has officially launched as a company in Malaysia after beginning operations in August 2024. Backed by the Phison Group, a world leading supplier of NAND flash controllers and storage solutions, MaiStorage is an integrated circuit design and storage technology provider that caters to the data center, AI applications and the automotive industries in Malaysia.

MaiStorage offers SSD solutions and aiDAPTIV+ AI LLM training and fine-tuning platform on-premises to enhance performance, security, and AI-driven innovations for customers. The company has hired and trained 60 young graduates to be integrated circuit (IC) design engineers and is on track on its commitment to train 175 young Malaysian engineers by 2026.

Since beginning operations, MaiStorage’s clients include the state government, educational institutions, software development firms, as well as national research and development agencies. By offering both enterprise storage solutions and design services, the company has achieved a break-even point, a remarkable performance in less than one year of operations.

“MaiStorage is doing more than just catering to local needs of businesses and industry through our products and solutions. For Malaysia to realise its goal to become a regional IC design hub, we need to nurture local IC design talent that are future ready. Through ongoing engagement in design services, these engineers continue to accumulate valuable R&D experience and technical knowledge. This model represents the only viable path for Malaysia to build its IC design and semiconductor industry from the ground up,” said Pua Khein Seng, Founder and Group CEO of MaiStorage.

To spearhead the creation of a homegrown enterprise storage and AI ecosystem, integrating IP, hardware, and AI training infrastructure, the company has embarked on its aiDAPTIV+ Partner Program. It is a strategic initiative to accelerate the adoption of sovereign, on-premises AI infrastructure across Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region. Designed for system integrators, software developers and solution providers, the program fosters an ecosystem where AI innovation is developed, deployed, and owned locally.

MaiStorage also offers specialized design and customization service that empowers customers to co-create NAND storage and AI solutions tailored to their unique needs. From firmware engineering and SSD optimization to NAND flash controller chip and edge AI enablement, the company offers deep technical collaboration, rapid prototyping, and system-level integration. It enables enterprises and OEMs to accelerate product development while maintaining performance, reliability, and differentiated value across diverse application environments.

To support the growing need for talent in the industry, MaiStorage will train up to 175 in-house IC design engineers in 2026, complemented by a partnership with TalentCorp to jointly develop 150 IC designers over the next three years. The company is also working closely with government-linked education bodies to develop talent pipelines through specialized training programs in IC design and firmware engineering.

Growth in the industry

Over the next three years, MaiStorage is focused on ramping up its impact across these critical dimensions. First, MaiStorage will build and expand its IC design team focused on NAND flash controller chip design – a critical component of modern storage and computing systems. By cultivating advanced design capabilities locally, MaiStorage aims to contribute to Malaysia’s growing positioning as a credible design hub.

To meet the growing demand for AI solutions solving real-world problems, MaiStorage will also accelerate the development of AI applications and Edge AI solutions tailored to sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, health, and education. These solutions will be made export-ready, with a focus on deployment across ASEAN and the Middle East, helping partner nations adopt cost-effective, domain-specific solutions and edge AI.

MaiStorage is also working to establish and deploy AI classrooms in schools (through MaiStorage’s AI Training PC/AITPC), equipping the next generation with foundational AI skills. This initiative will support early exposure to AI concepts and fundamentals, AI data, machine learning, AI apps, and ethical AI, ensuring that AI talent development begins at the school level – in line with Malaysia’s long-term digital education goals.

With plans for an IPO in 2028, Pua is confident that MaiStorage can play a key role in empowering Malaysia to create, and not just consume technology. He believes that through deep collaboration across industry and Malaysia government, MaiStorage can aid and accelerate the country’s transition from a tech user into a tech creator.

“We’re not just filling the gaps in the industry. We’re transforming them into opportunities for MaiStorage and Malaysia. By combining cutting-edge R&D, local and regional collaboration, MaiStorage is positioning itself as a central pillar in Malaysia’s semiconductor value chain sovereignty and digital transformation journey,” concluded Pua.