By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 2: Sarawak has reaffirmed its position as a prime investment hub for Japanese companies, with two major manufacturing projects in advanced technology and the chemical industries now in the pipeline, totalling USD1.4 billion.
According to a press release, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who also heads the Ministry for International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), met with key Japanese investors and their partner on Sunday (June 1) in Okasa, Japan, to advance discussions on these high-value projects.
During the meeting, Tokuyama Corporation (Japan), in partnership with OCI Company Ltd (South Korea), provided an update on their planned USD 435 million cutting-edge semiconductor-grade polycrystalline silicon manufacturing facility in Sarawak.
“This project marks Tokuyama’s return to Sarawak, underscoring the region’s strong business ecosystem and enduring partnerships with international investors,” said the press release.
It also noted that only four countries—South Korea, Japan, Germany, and the United States—currently possess the technological capability for such high-precision manufacturing.
“Upon completion, Sarawak will become the world’s fifth location for this advanced semiconductor production, significantly elevating Malaysia’s position in the global tech supply chain.
“Beyond technological advancement, the project is expected to generate substantial business opportunities and high-skilled employment for Sarawakians,” said the press release.
Following discussions with Tokuyama and OCI, the Deputy Premier led a discussion on a project with another consortium of prominent Japanese investors, which features a major chemical industry investment in Sarawak worth USD1 billion.
The group has commenced ground assessment and feasibility studies. With the commitment from the Sarawak government during the meeting to expedite project approvals, the consortium will now review key milestones to accelerate the Final Investment Decision for the project.
These companies applauded the coordinated and steadfast approach taken by the Sarawak government to strengthen investors’ confidence in the implementation of these investment projects.
Both investments align seamlessly with Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which prioritises economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
Awang Tengah reiterated the State government’s full commitment to collaborating with federal authorities to streamline approvals and ensure the timely realisation of these projects.
“Sarawak offers a stable, business-friendly environment with modern infrastructure and skilled talent. We welcome these high-impact investments and will provide all necessary support to ensure their success,” he affirmed.
MINTRED Advisor, Dato Sri Naroden Majais; MINTRED permanent secretary, Dzulkornain Masron; Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak permanent secretary, Datu Abdullah Julaihi; Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak permanent secretary, Datu Jafri Lias; InvestSarawak chief executive officer (CEO), Timothy Ong; MIDA Osaka director, Gulam Muszairi Gulam Mustakim; Sarawak Energy Business Development senior vice president, Nick Wright; and senior officials from the Sarawak government and Sarawak Energy were also present. — DayakDaily
