By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 5: Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions extend far beyond chip design, with the technology serving as the bedrock for the State’s expanding artificial intelligence (AI), energy, and aerospace sectors, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says.
Speaking at the ninth International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, he stressed that semiconductors underpin many of the vital technologies shaping the future economy, including advanced computing, telecommunications, high-tech manufacturing, energy systems and space applications.
He highlighted that Sarawak’s technological push is already pivoting towards higher-value capabilities.
“The Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 provides a pathway to broaden our participation into higher-value activities such as design, specialised engineering, research and talent development,” he said.
Providing tangible proof of this progress, he unveiled keteq.GaN at the same event — a locally developed gallium nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor technology engineered for intelligent power-conversion applications.
He said the technology could support the development of AI, advanced manufacturing, energy technologies as well as aerospace and space-related applications.
Beyond developing technology, he stressed that Sarawak’s capabilities must translate into tangible value for the economy by addressing industry challenges, improving productivity and creating new opportunities.
“The opportunity now is to bring these strengths together more effectively so that technology contributes not only to new industries, but also to greater productivity and value across the economy,” he said.
He said Sarawak’s renewable energy resources, digital infrastructure, academic institutions, research facilities and established industrial base provided a strong foundation for this transition. — DayakDaily
