Sarawak well positioned to emerge as Malaysia’s next semiconductor hub

Awang Tengah speaking to reporters after a discussion with the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) in Kuching on Jan 19.

by DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 20: Sarawak is on strong strategic footing to emerge as Malaysia’s next semiconductor industry hub following high-level discussions with the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA).

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Sarawak’s strategic geographical location, stable energy supply, and conducive investment environment place the state in a favourable position to attract high-technology investments.

“Sarawak is well positioned for the development of the semiconductor industry.

“First, in terms of location, Sarawak is strategically situated in the heart of Asia and is close to countries such as China, India, and Australia.

“Second, Sarawak has a reliable energy supply, particularly renewable energy,” he said when met by the media after the discussion here on Monday (Jan 19).

Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, said the semiconductor and high-technology industries require an efficient and stable energy supply.

He added that Sarawak’s capability to provide green energy not only supports industrial operational needs but also adds high value to manufactured products, making them internationally competitive.

At the same time, he said the Sarawak government is placing emphasis on talent and skills development as a long-term strategy, with pre-tertiary education focusing on technology-related fields this year to produce a highly skilled workforce.

He also highlighted the importance of improving sea and air connectivity infrastructure in identified industrial areas to support the comprehensive growth of the semiconductor industry.

He further stressed the need to strengthen international strategic cooperation, including with countries such as the United States, China, Taiwan, and Singapore, to ensure Sarawak and Malaysia remain relevant within the global semiconductor supply chain.

Also present was MSIA president Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai. — DayakDaily