Iwata looks to emerge as a leader in the Asian semiconductor and chemical industries through its recent acquisition of EXQ Materials in Malaysia.
By Daniel de Bomford and Bernard Thompson
Semiconductors are the foundation of modern innovation, with billions of transistors packed onto chips small enough to fit in your palm—an extraordinary feat of engineering. These miniature powerhouses drive breakthroughs across industries, enabling everything from instant disease diagnostics to autonomous vehicles. Underpinning these advancements are innovations like fluoro-resins, which ensure ultrapure environments critical for semiconductor manufacturing. These advanced materials enable the precision required for chips of this complexity, proving unseen innovations power transformative progress.
Japanese companies like Iwata & Co., Ltd. are at the heart of Japan’s semiconductor dominance, driving innovation with unmatched fluoro-resin expertise. And now, with the bold acquisition of EXQ Materials, now aptly named EQX Iwata, the trading company has cemented its foothold in Malaysia, positioning itself as a powerhouse in the booming Asia-Pacific market—reshaping the future of semiconductors and chemicals.
Bridging Nations, Fueling Innovation
The decision to expand into Malaysia was logical, President Takuya Iwata says. He highlights the government incentives at both national and regional levels, attracting significant investment from tech giants like IBM. Now based in the heart of Southeast Asia, Iwata’s market knowledge combined with EXQ Iwata’s regional distribution network positions it to expand its reach and penetrate the lucrative emerging Asian market.
“The country stood out as a favorable business environment with a highly skilled workforce, working as a regional hub with access to nearby countries,” Dr. Iwata explains. Nor is Iwata resting on its laurels. The president states Malaysia is just another step in their strategy, with more mergers and acquisitions on the way as they aim to increase their income by 10% year-on-year. “The ultimate goal is to become a top-tier global player in chemicals and advanced materials,” he says.
Iwata’s ambitions are firmly within reach, bolstered by a strong foundation. According to Dr. Iwata, despite its neighbors’ cost-competitiveness, Japanese companies are given preference due to the added value provided. “No other countries can offer Japan’s advanced technology-driven techniques,” he says. “Japan is widely known as a country that drives technological solutions and is able to leverage DX, IoT, and precision manufacturing.” Dr. Iwata cites this as one of the reasons Iwata established itself in Malaysia, to supply Japanese materials and equipment to the burgeoning semiconductor industry.
Iwata distinguishes itself from the competition through its advanced R&D capabilities which they leverage to solve the challenges of the semiconductor and chemical industries. Through its accumulated knowledge, advanced logistics and EXQ Materials’ connection to local supply chains positions them as the premiere supplier in the region. Dr. Iwata describes the company as more than just a trade company, rather, one that combines trading with manufacturing capabilities. With a factory in Kumamoto, Iwata is in close proximity to the key stakeholders in Japan and that advantage is compounded by their drive to innovate and create products in-house.
As the demand for cutting-edge chemical and semiconductor solutions accelerates, Iwata is rising to meet tomorrow’s challenges—whether in renewable energy, life sciences, or the known unknowns. “Iwata will be a pioneer wherever innovation needs support,” says Dr. Iwata. This is what makes Iwata what it is: a firm that empowers industries, turning dreams into reality.
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