By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 24: Research outcomes from a new semiconductor laboratory in the United Kingdom (UK) could eventually pave the way for the establishment of a foundry in Sarawak, marking a significant step in the State’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global high-tech industry chain.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move enables the State to collaborate with international players and broaden its research and development capabilities.
“We need to work with other global players to expand our reach in the semiconductor field. Ultimately, the research conducted here could lead to the establishment of a foundry in Sarawak itself,” he said.
He made the remarks at a press conference following the launch of the keteq.GaN and keteq.ai power converters at the Microelectronics UK exhibition in London today.
The Premier added that Bumi Kenyalang is fortunate to have investors and strategic partners such as X-FAB and Melexis, supported by research initiatives through Catapult UK.
He noted that technologies like keteq.GaN position Sarawak to develop a foundry alongside X-FAB, creating wider opportunities within the global value chain.
On another front, he highlighted the Sarawak government’s takeover of MASwings, which has been rebranded to AirBorneo, will provide air cargo services to reinforce the logistics network.
“With freighter services, we can deliver products to markets valued at around US$3 billion. Many investments are now focused in ASEAN, which will serve as the off-taker for the chips produced. But we need to design chips that meet current industrial needs, particularly in the automotive sector,” he explained.
Abang Johari further stressed that the global transition from fossil fuels to green energy, including hydrogen, will spur demand for new-generation chips, positioning Sarawak as a key player in the evolving technology landscape. — DayakDaily
