National Instruments, a global technology company and maker of LabView software, announced plans for a significant expansion of its research and development (R&D) center in Penang, Malaysia. NI began operations in Malaysia in 2009 with an $80 million capital investment. Given the planned expansion, the company plans to recruit 250 engineers in the Penang R&D center in electrical, mechanical and engineering managemen over the next five years.
“National Instruments is expanding our R&D efforts in Penang because of the advantages that Malaysia offers,” said Scott Rust, vice president of R&D at National Instruments. “Malaysia’s highly talented and creative workforce, excellent university system, cost-competitive environment and strong support from the government match well with our global R&D growth plan and help us accelerate the introduction of new and innovative products to meet our customers’ needs.” National Instruments provides engineers and scientists with software and hardware to meet any engineering challenge, including test, measurement, control and embedded design applications.
Once completed, the expansion will make NI Penang the largest R&D center for National Instruments outside of its headquarters in Austin, Texas. “We are honored to witness the announcement by National Instruments,” said Datuk Noharuddin Nordin, CEO of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA). “This expansion creates high-quality jobs and will contribute to the transformation of the Malaysian economy.”
Added Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry, “We are pleased that National Instruments has decided to expand their R&D operations in Malaysia. This is a testament to the continued attractiveness of Malaysia for multinationals.”
