Coherent Corp. Launches Coherent Malaysia’s First Datacom R&D Center in Penang, Advancing Optical Transceiver Technology for AI and Cloud Computing
Source: InvestPenang
PENANG- SAXONBURG, Pa., 29 JULY 2025 – Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, today announced the opening of its new Datacom Research and Development Center in Penang. This expansion underscores the company’s strategic commitment to serving its rapidly growing global markets.
The launching ceremony was officiated by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of InvestPenang, Dato’ Loo Lee Lian (representing the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow) and attended by the CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid; Chief People Officer, Coherent Corporation, Ms. Grace Lee and as well as other Coherent personnel.
Situated at Menara IJM Land, the Penang R&D Center joins the company’s expanding network in Malaysia, complementing its larger manufacturing sites in Ipoh, Perak and Perai, Penang, further maximizing transceiver supply from Malaysian factories.
Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, (representing the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow) stated, “As global trends continue to shift towards rapid advancements in AI, next-generation connectivity, and digital infrastructure, Penang stands ready to support frontier technologies. The establishment of Coherent Malaysia’s first Datacom R&D Center marks a significant milestone, not only for Coherent, but also for Penang, as we welcome another global technology leader deepening its innovation footprint in our state. This expansion reinforces Penang’s capability in driving innovation across high-tech sectors and reflects our position as a premier hub for R&D and advanced technology excellence.”
MIDA CEO Datuk Shamsul Ibrahim highlighted the strategic alignment between Coherent’s expansion and Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions, “The National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), introduced in 2024, lays out Malaysia’s plan to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor supply chain. One of the NSS’s core priorities is supporting high-value R&D and advanced technologies — exactly the kind of work Coherent is doing here in Penang. The strategy also aims to deepen Malaysia’s local capabilities in areas like chip packaging, photonics, and silicon technologies, creating the kind of ecosystem that benefits global innovators. As Coherent develops next-generation optical transceiver technologies at this new facility, it stands to gain from the strong pipeline of talent being built through the NSS. MIDA is committed to supporting Coherent’s journey not only in the past and present, but well into the future.”
“Coherent Malaysia takes pride in how strategically we are positioned to support the company’s overall growth. Our successful establishment over nearly 25 years has played a critical role in strengthening our global value chain through ongoing expansion plans, and we are confident that our footprint in Penang will spearhead innovation in advanced photonics technology,” said Jimmy Ling, Vice President and Managing Director of Coherent Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Wu, Vice President of Engineering, Asia R&D expressed, “Penang is an ideal location, thanks to its well-established high-tech industry and a strong pool of technical talent capable of supporting our R&D growth plans.”
The new center comes equipped with impressive capabilities that put it at the forefront of optical technology:
This expansion strengthens Coherent’s ability to serve its global markets while creating valuable connections between its manufacturing sites in Ipoh, Perak and Perai, Penang and its R&D operations in Shanghai.
