By BEIJING, September 6 (Reuters) – Tsinghua Unigroup, a prominent Chinese state-owned semiconductor conglomerate, has outlined its strategic vision to expedite international expansion, with a keen eye on Southeast Asia as a pivotal region for growth. Chairman Li Bin made this announcement on Wednesday during a forum held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on the sidelines of a regional summit.
Li Bin disclosed that Tsinghua Unigroup currently operates three state-of-the-art factories across Southeast Asia, located in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. With an unwavering commitment to bolstering its manufacturing and research and development capabilities in this burgeoning region, the company is poised to make significant investments.
Moreover, Li Bin revealed that Tsinghua Unigroup is actively exploring the possibility of establishing an investment platform dedicated to financing projects in Southeast Asia. This initiative not only underscores the company’s determination to expand its footprint in the region but also invites participation from Southeast Asian investment institutions, fostering collaboration and synergy.
China’s quest for semiconductor self-sufficiency has gained paramount importance, particularly in the face of escalating sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies. Tsinghua Unigroup, tracing its roots to the prestigious Tsinghua University, has emerged as a pivotal player in this endeavor. Several of its subsidiaries have secured funding from the Chinese government or state-owned enterprises, further solidifying its position in the semiconductor landscape.
Tsinghua Unigroup’s recent history is characterized by rapid expansion, primarily achieved through strategic acquisitions. This expansion, however, came at the cost of substantial debt, eventually leading to bankruptcy and necessitating a comprehensive restructuring process. In 2022, two state-owned enterprises assumed control of the financially strained semiconductor group, injecting new ownership and capital into the organization.
Li Bin, who assumed the role of Chairman in July of the previous year, has played an instrumental role in steering Tsinghua Unigroup through this pivotal transition. Under his leadership, the company is now poised to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence, driving forward its global ambitions with Southeast Asia as a vital locus of growth and development.
