0144 GMT - Malaysia's semiconductor sector could witness an uneven recovery amid a cautiously optimistic outlook despite robust global semiconductor sales growth driven by strong AI demand, TA Securities analyst Chan Mun Chun says in a note. Growth is expected to be led by companies exposed to AI and data-center infrastructure. Players with significant exposure to traditional end markets such as computers and smartphones may face a more challenging environment due to rising memory costs, he reckons. Geopolitical tensions and potential ringgit appreciation are also key risks to the sector's growth outlook, he adds. TA Securities maintains a neutral rating on Malaysia's semiconductor sector. It pegs Dagang NeXchange as its top pick, as its semiconductor unit, SilTerra, is seen benefiting from strong silicon-photonics orders amid growing AI and data-center demand.