Leading Li-ion Battery Separator Innovation in ASEAN

Driven by the dual-carbon goals and the vision of harmony between humanity and nature, green and low-carbon development has become a strategic pillar for high-quality global economic growth and modern lifestyles. The new energy industry is continuously unleashing strong development momentum. As a critical link in the new energy ecosystem, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in new energy vehicles, energy storage power stations, consumer electronics, AI computing, intelligent robotics, and other fields. They have become a strategic global industry, reshaping the landscape of the world’s energy sector.

According to industry data, the global lithium battery industry is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 25% over the next decade (2025–2035), with the ASEAN region exceeding 30%. Leveraging its strategic location and favorable investment environment, Malaysia has taken a leading position in the development of the lithium battery industry within ASEAN. As the economic core of Northern Malaysia, Penang—supported by its advanced manufacturing base and well-established industrial ecosystem—has attracted numerous new energy enterprises and is rapidly emerging as a manufacturing and technological innovation hub for the ASEAN lithium battery industry.

Taking Singapore as the starting point of its global strategy, INV has rapidly expanded into Malaysia. In 2023, INV NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY (M) announced a planned investment of RM6.2 billion to build a world-class separator manufacturing facility in Penang, Malaysia, contributing to the global energy transition and the upgrading of battery technologies.

Phase One of the INV project will begin gradual commissioning in July 2025 and is scheduled to be fully completed and reach full capacity by December 2026. Upon completion, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 2 billion square meters of wet-process and coated separators, making it one of the world’s most advanced lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing bases. The project will also create more than 2,000 jobs across multiple sectors, strongly promoting industrial upgrading in Penang and surrounding regions.

INV possesses core patents and licensed technologies for lithium-ion battery separators, is equipped with production lines featuring the world’s leading single-line efficiency, and has implemented internationally advanced quality management systems. Its products are widely recognized across the industry. In addition to conventional high-performance separators, INV has achieved major breakthroughs in next-generation separator technologies, launching four product series: Ultra-Fast Charging No.1, High-Safety No.1, Ultra-Thin Lightweight No.1, and Green & Eco-Friendly No.1, driving the continuous upgrading of lithium battery technology. The company is supported by a strong talent pool, a comprehensive R&D system, and advanced functional membrane laboratories. INV also collaborates with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Xiamen University, and other institutions, leveraging Malaysia’s local academic research capabilities to advance the development of functional membrane technologies.

Leveraging its Malaysia manufacturing base, INV has established a global service network in collaboration with GNEM (USA) and SENIOR Europe, providing high-quality products and services to international customers outside Greater China. The company has already formed close partnerships with leading new energy players such as CATL, BYD, LG Energy Solution, and Samsung, as well as globally renowned automotive manufacturers including Volkswagen and BMW.

Alongside its steady growth in the real economy, INV actively fulfills its corporate social responsibility (CSR). The company is deeply involved in local community development, supports local governments in improving infrastructure, and sponsors science and technology competitions at Universiti Sains Malaysia to encourage student innovation. Over the next 10 years, INV plans to invest no less than RM10 million in various social welfare and public benefit initiatives.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to regional economic development and corporate social responsibility, INV Chairman Mr. Chen Xiufeng was personally conferred the “Datuk” title by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ahmad Fuzi, on July 30, 2024. This honor not only acknowledges his personal achievements but also represents strong affirmation of INV’s role in promoting regional development and advancing the green energy transformation.

As the INV project progresses steadily, its exceptional growth momentum and broad prospects have attracted significant attention from international investment institutions. Investment firms from South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong have proactively engaged with INV, conducting in-depth discussions on capital cooperation and strategic investment. Together, they aim to advance INV’s planned Malaysia IPO in 2028, leveraging the company’s growth potential to achieve mutual benefits and accelerate global business expansion.

In this new era, the global energy revolution is reshaping economies and lifestyles in unprecedented ways. With innovation as its driving force and globalization as its guiding vision, INV is committed to forging a powerful engine for a green and low-carbon future, contributing wisdom and strength to the building of a harmonious global community with a shared future for mankind.