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KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring deeper Hong Kong investment and technology ties in semiconductors, deep tech and frontier technologies.
The discussions followed a meeting yesterday (Sept 15) involving Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, SMD Semiconductor and Gobi Partners.
SMD Semiconductor said the engagement forms part of Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen international connections that could support its ambitions in strategic technologies while linking the state’s growing technology capabilities with Hong Kong’s established financial and innovation networks.
It said potential areas of investment collaboration include identifying institutional, sovereign and strategic investors, as well as pursuing co-investment and investment syndication opportunities for semiconductor and deep-technology companies.
The discussions also covered strategic investments in regional and international technology start-ups and scale-ups, together with the acquisition and commercialisation of strategic intellectual property and technologies.
Abang Johari said the engagement could provide a foundation for broader cooperation between Sarawak and Hong Kong.
“We see potential for Sarawak and Hong Kong to build stronger and longer-term cooperation in semiconductors, deep technology and other strategic technologies, while creating opportunities for both sides to participate in the growth of the regional technology economy,” he said.
Gobi Partners’ regional investment footprint was also highlighted as a potential avenue for Sarawak to gain access to technologies being developed across Asian markets.
Gobi Partners Malaysia managing partner Jamaludin Bujang said Sarawak would be able to leverage the firm’s wide footprint in Asia, particularly in the Near East, to access the latest technologies being developed there.
“Gobi has invested in more than 400 technology companies over the past 24 years and has the backing of several sovereign funds in the region.
“Such access could help Sarawak expedite the transformation it is currently pursuing.”
For SMD Semiconductor, the engagement also brings together two ecosystems with different but potentially complementary strengths.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Wan Lizozman Wan Umar said the opportunity lay in connecting Hong Kong’s established ecosystem with capabilities being developed in Sarawak.
“Hong Kong has established strengths in finance, capital and innovation, while Sarawak is developing its semiconductor, digital infrastructure and technology capabilities.
“Bringing these strengths together can open new possibilities for both ecosystems,” he said.
Meanwhile, chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the company would examine where commercially and strategically useful opportunities could be developed with prospective partners.
“For SMD, the next step is to identify where our capabilities and those of our potential partners can complement one another, and where we can develop opportunities that have real commercial and strategic value,” he said.
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