Malaysian PCB Manufacturers: Top Companies

Overview of PCB Manufacturing in Malaysia

Are you curious about PCB manufacturing in Malaysia? Well, you’re in the right blog because we’ll give you an overview of the PCB manufacturing process in Malaysia.

First, let’s briefly examine the country’s PCB manufacturing history. The industry began to take root in the country during the 1970s, with multinational corporations investing in Malaysia to take advantage of its lower labor costs and strategic location in SEA (Southeast Asia). Since then, the industry has become a key contributor to the country’s economy. Many local and foreign companies set up their PCB manufacturing facilities in Malaysia.

If you’re interested in electronics and looking for a quality PCB manufacturer, you’ll want to read this blog. Here, we’ll take a peek into the advantages of choosing a PCB manufacturer in the country. Gain insights into the latest trends by covering the factors you should consider when selecting a manufacturer.

You’ll also discover why the country is becoming an increasingly popular destination for electronics manufacturing. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Learn about PCB manufacturing in Malaysia and how it can benefit you.

The PCB Manufacturing Process in Malaysia

So, how exactly is the PCB manufacturing process carried out in Malaysia? The process typically begins with the design of the PCB, which is usually done using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The design is then converted into a Gerber file containing the instructions for the PCB manufacturing machines.

The complete manufacturing process of circuit boards typically involves many steps. These steps are no different from the accepted steps used in PCB manufacturing. But what makes Malaysian electronics companies different are their machinery, expertise, and quality standards.

In short, most manufacturers in Malaysia use acceptable equipment to produce PCBs with good enough outcomes. Following the standard process results in products that meet international standards.

Additionally, PCB manufacturers in this country have invested in research and development to ensure they remain up-to-date with PCB advancements. Even if the country is less high-tech than Singapore, they try to keep up.

Malaysian PCBs

Factors You Need to Consider When Considering a Malaysian Manufacturer

There are many things to consider when selecting a PCB manufacturer in Malaysia to make the best decision. The following are three very important things to remember:

Types of PCBs Manufacturers Can Make

While most Malaysian PCB manufacturers can produce standard PCBs up to 20 layers, they may need to be more capable of manufacturing very high-count PCBs. It is important to check the manufacturer’s capabilities and limitations to ensure they can meet your specific requirements.

We’ve compiled a list of the typical Malaysian-made PCB:

Aluminum PCB
Double-Sided
Flex PCB
FR4 PCB
LED PCB
Rigid-Flex PCB
Rogers Material (limited in range)
Single-Sided PCB
Some automotive PCB

Do note that most of the Malaysian PCBs can be sold in Singapore. Both countries are now major players in the global electronics industry. Many Singaporean corporations have established manufacturing facilities in Singapore to take advantage of their skilled workforce, strategic location, and favorable business environment.

Quality Standards and Eco Concerns

When considering a Malaysian PCB manufacturer, looking for QC and standard certifications is crucial. However, do note that the country has faced environmental issues such as:

Air pollution caused mainly by the seasonal Southeast Asian haze and manufacturing waste
River pollution
Deforestation issue
Concerns over the use of cheap labor from Bangladesh and the Philippines

As a result, it is essential to conduct thorough research and look for manufacturers who are responsible. They should have programs to promote environmental sustainability and moral labor standards.

However, despite these ecological problems, PCB manufacturers in Malaysia still somehow prioritize environmental sustainability. Some manufacturers implement sustainable practices such as using recyclable materials.

They do implement waste reduction and green initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s surely ok to think of these factors when selecting a manufacturer that aligns with your values as a responsible business owner.

Experience, Reputation, and Customer Support

Research first! A PCB manufacturer in Malaysia must have experience and a reputation in the industry. Look for companies that have been around for several years and have a track record of producing quality products.

Check online reviews from real customers to gauge their level of satisfaction. Communication and outstanding customer service are essential when working with any manufacturer.

Make sure the manufacturer you choose offers clear and prompt communication channels, including email, phone, and online chat. They should also be able to provide regular updates on your order status and be responsive to any concerns or issues that may arise.

Industrialized Areas

Consider companies located in the most industrialized parts of Malaysia. These areas are:

Klang Valley (including Kuala Lumpur and Selangor) – a hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere
Penang – offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern development, with a thriving tech industry and a high standard of living.
Johor Bahru – the up-and-coming industrial and commercial hub that boasts a strategic location, affordable cost of living, and a growing expat community
Northern states of Perak and Kedah – offer a slower pace of life, affordable living costs, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an attractive option for people seeking a more laid-back lifestyle.

The places named above have a concentration of electronics and semiconductor manufacturing companies. They also support industries such as logistics and engineering services. (Penang, in particular, is known as the Silicon Valley of the East.) For high-tech manufacturing, multinational corporations have established their corporate headquarters here. Many electronics businesses and their staff enjoy living and working in these locations for a long period.

English Language Competency

As Malaysia is a multilingual country, it is important to know if the PCB manufacturer you choose has a good level of English language competency.

English is taught as one of the second languages in schools and is used as the medium of instruction in private and international schools. The government has also emphasized English language proficiency as a key component of education and workforce development.

While Malaysians generally have a fair command of English, it is important to note that their level of fluency may vary. In general, Malaysians can communicate well enough with other English speakers. But they may need to be more familiar with slang terms or use correct grammar and pronunciation all the time. Clarifying any potential language barriers before committing to a business partner is advisable.

Top PCB Manufacturers in Malaysia

Let’s get straight down to business. Here are the best companies for you in the country.

Asia Printed Circuit Sdn. Bhd.

It’s a manufacturing company that has been in business since 1994. They are committed to providing high-quality PCBs that comply with the RoHS and REACH directives and lead-free applications. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ensuring that its products meet international quality standards. Their main product offerings include FR-4, halogen-free FR-4, FR-5, BT resin, Rogers material (limited), and aluminum-clad PCB. However, they’re are confined to manufacturing multilayer PCBs up to 6 layers only.

Access them through their web-based communication channel: https://www.asiapcb.com/

Broad Avenue Industries Sdn.Bhd.

Known as a company that specializes in providing PCB fabrication and assembly services, this business offers a range of products to suit the needs of its clients. Broad Avenue’s PCB products comply with RoHS and REACH directives and lead-free applications. The company’s main products include FR-4, halogen-free FR-4, FR-6, BT resin limited Rogers material, and aluminum-clad PCB. Broad Avenue is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ensuring that its products meet the highest quality standards.

Broad Avenue’s PCB fabrication services are limited to 10 layers. They only use FR4, High Tg, some Rogers materials, Polyimide, and Aluminum Core. The surface finishing options for the company’s PCBs include HASL (Lead/Lead-Free), ENIG, and bare boards. In PCBA, the company can perform fine-pitch IC QFP, QFN, BGA, and SMT. For Burn-in-Board services, you can avail of it too.

Interact with them through their internet platform: https://www.broadavenue.net/

Infineon Technologies

A multinational corporation, Infineon specializes in semiconductor manufacturing and offers various products and services. It has its largest assembly and test facility in Malaysia, with over 8,000 employees working in a building area of 123,500 m². The company is dedicated to providing high-quality products and continuously strives for excellence. Infineon also has locations in Singapore, Denmark, Germany, and Italy.

Infineon offers a variety of products, including MOSFET (Si/SiC), IGBT, HEMT (GaN), smart power switches, linear voltage regulators (LDO), DC-DC converters, intelligent power modules (IPM), contactless power and sensing ICs, power management ICs (PMIC), and system basis chips (SBC). Infeon specializes in conventional automotive powertrain ICs, power ICs, RF, and Wireless PCBs.

Send a message through their online hub: https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/

Jaavin Electronic Solution

The company that specializes in circuit design, PCB layout design, and PCB fabrication— They’re versatile. What they offer: services for fabricating single-layer, double-layer, and low-count multilayer PCBs. In addition, they also provide firmware development, PCB box design, and box build assembly services. They offer solutions for programming and testing jigs, electronic component sourcing, and custom-made wire harnesses.

Use their virtual communication channels to get in touch: https://www.infineon.com/

Keysight Technologies Malaysia

A multinational corporation that began as a small Silicon Valley startup in a garage, Keysight is one of the biggest companies featured. It has since grown into a prominent player in the international electronics industry, focusing on producing high-quality PCBs for a wide range of applications. Some of the main PCB products offered by Keysight Malaysia include medical PCBs, wireless PCBs, aerospace PCBs, car PCBs, 5G PCBs, and semiconductors. In addition to PCB manufacturing, Keysight provides various other electronic engineering services, including electronic design automation (EDA), signal analysis, network analysis, and power supply design.

Reach out via their online portal: https://www.keysight.com/us/en/home.html?&cc=PH&lc=eng

PNE PCB Berhad

PNC, established in 1976, is a company that offers a variety of products such as single-sided PCB up to 4oz, STH and Cupth PCB, and carbon boards. Apart from PCB, the company is also involved in manufacturing rubber gloves. PNC has an extended partner network in Singapore and China. Their plant is located in Johor Baru.

Drop them a line via their digital platform: https://pnepcb.com/

Ronnie Electronics

This company has been in the industry since 1988. They are ISO9001, ISO1400, and TS16949:2009 certified. They specialize in manufacturing single-sided and double-sided PCBs for consumer, industrial, and automotive products. The company is ultimately known for its high-precision single-sided PCBs with a fine line of 0.125mm and above. They also produce single-sided PCBs for power supply and mainboard applications. In addition to these, they manufacture PCBs for LED lighting applications. Single-sided PCBs with an aluminum base and high Tg made of Cem-3 can be specified.

Submit an inquiry through their site: https://www.ronnieelectronics.com/

Silver Circuits Sdn Bhd.

They are based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, with a satellite office in Texas. Their PCBs have hole sizes ranging from 12 mils to over 200 mils. The business is known for its ability to mass-produce PCBs with precise internal cutouts/milling, making them a reliable choice for customers who require large quantities of specialized PCBs. In addition to mass production, they also offer prototype services to their clients. Customers can provide their designs and specifications if they wish.

Utilize the contact form on their webpage: https://custompcb.com/contact.php

Silvtronics Sdn Bhd.

Known as a company that offers PCB assembly and prototyping services, They specialize in producing PCBs with 1 to 8 layers. Their website provides an easy-to-use interface where customers can receive an instant quote. Predominantly, they use FR4 and High Tg-FR4 materials, even some selected Rogers materials. The standard PCB thickness is 1.6mm, but customers can specify 2.0mm to 2.4mm thickness if required. Panel size is limited to 20″ x 20″ in any case.

Make contact via their online presence: https://www.silvtronics.com/

VS Industry Berhad

Last on our list is the giant VS. It is a leading Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) provider in the area. Established in 1998, the headquarters are in Senai, Johor. The company reports being ranked among the top 50 global EMS providers for ten consecutive years from 2007 to 2016. VS can function as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) / Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) for long-term, large-scale PCB production. The company has subsidiaries: PT VS Technology in Indonesia, VS International Group Limited in Hong Kong, and VS Industry Vietnam.

Connect with them through their website: http://www.vs-i.com/

Industries Served by PCB Manufacturers in Malaysia

Here are some of the industries served by PCB manufacturers in Malaysia:

Telecommunications

PCB manufacturers in Malaysia provide telecommunications companies with PCBs for networking equipment, servers, routers, and other telecommunications infrastructure. The locally made PCBs usually end up being bought by local companies such as Maxis, Celcom, Digi, U Mobile, and Telekom Malaysia (TM).

Networking

The networking industry of these telecom companies relies heavily on local PCBs. The type of PCBs outfits everything from switches to routers and wireless access points. Other networking PCBs include wireless network devices and fiber-optic network devices such as optical transceivers, buttons, and amplifiers. Also, PCBs used in power over Ethernet (PoE) network devices such as PoE switches and injectors are in this list.

Consumer Electronics

From smartphones and tablets to home entertainment systems and gaming consoles, PCBs are used extensively in the consumer electronics industry. Malaysian PCB manufacturers supply acceptable PCBs for these and other consumer electronics products.

Selected Automotive

While Malaysia is not necessarily known for its automotive industry, PCB manufacturers in the country do supply PCBs to some automotive manufacturers. These PCBs are used in various automotive applications, including engine control modules and anti-lock braking systems.

Common Medical Devices

PCBs are critical components in many medical devices, such as Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG), Blood glucose monitors, Blood pressure monitors, Pulse oximeters, and Thermometers. These are various medical devices that use the simplest PCBs as components.

In the end, Malaysian PCB producers can still deliver adequate PCBs for a typical variety of applications. Even though their technology may not be as advanced as that used in Chinese products, their boards are still functionally useful.

Importance of Testing PCBs in the Manufacturing Process

It’s worth noting that while PCB manufacturers in Malaysia provide high-quality PCBs, their products are not necessarily at the cutting edge of technology. Companies in the US, Europe, China, and Japan often have more advanced technology. They may be better suited to producing high-end, futuristic PCBs.

That’s why you need to be assured of proper PCB Testing.

To ensure that the finished product satisfies QC, be well-versed in these conventional testing methods for circuit boards.

Here’s a short video about PCB Testing Procedures:

So, you must confirm that the Malaysian goods will live up to your expectations.

Here are some more factors to ponder on:

Reliable results: Standard testing tools provide consistent and accurate results, enabling manufacturers to identify and fix any defects or issues during production.

Cost-effective: Using accepted testing tools can save manufacturers substantial expenses by detecting defects early on, avoiding costly rework or recalls.

Faster turnaround time: Standard testing tools can speed up production, resulting in more efficient production cycles and prompt delivery.

Improved customer satisfaction: Thorough testing helps ensure the final product is high quality and meets customer expectations, improving overall satisfaction and loyalty.

Compliance with regulations: Using standard testing tools ensures that products comply with safety and regulatory standards, avoiding potential legal issues and reputational damage.

Final Note on This Blog

Malaysia is a viable option for PCB manufacturing, especially if you prioritize cost-effectiveness, high-quality standards, and reliable customer support. However, you must reflect on several factors, such as the type of PCB you require, the company’s experience, reputation, and commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

Furthermore, while Malaysia’s ranking in the ease of doing business is favorable, corruption remains a significant concern in the country, particularly in the public and private sectors. This may lead to potential risks, including unethical practices, project delays, and legal issues when doing business with Malaysian companies.

Your Best Bet in PCB Manufacturing

As an alternative, PCBMay, a Chinese PCB manufacturer, offers high-quality PCBs at competitive prices, strongly emphasizing customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Our experienced team, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced equipment enable us to manufacture PCBs of various types, including rigid, flex, and rigid-flex PCBs, up to 30 layers with quick turnaround times. Additionally, we hold various industry certifications, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and UL, ensuring the quality and reliability of our products.

Furthermore, we are committed to promoting sustainable and ethical business practices and have implemented environmentally friendly initiatives in our operations. Doing good for the environment and the community ultimately leads to better business outcomes.

Whether you choose a Malaysian PCB manufacturer or PCBMay, do your research and consider the factors that matter most to you. With our superior PCBs, customer-focused approach, and commitment to sustainability, PCBMay is a strong contender for your PCB manufacturing needs. Contact us today to learn more and receive a quote.

Comprehensive Guide to Malaysian PCB Manufacturers for Low-Cost PCBs