By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 12: The Sarawak government approved foreign direct investment (FDI) totalling RM31.8 billion for high-tech industries encompassing electrical and electronics (E&E), chemicals, and green metals for the period 2019 to 2023.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said so far, 10 of these investment projects have been implemented.
“The Sarawak government will also collaborate with the federal government to develop Sarawak as an aerospace and semiconductor hub,” he said in response to a question from Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor during the question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
He also said that the high-tech industry projects that have been implemented amounted to RM9.3 billion, comprising five projects in electrical and electronics, three projects in chemicals, and two projects in green metal industries.
To accelerate development in support of high-tech industries, Mussen explained that his ministry is developing the Sarawak Investment Policy aimed at creating strategies and action plans to enhance Sarawak’s appeal as a preferred investment destination.
“The Sarawak government encourages strategic collaborations with technical institutions, research centres, higher education institutions, and specialised industries such as semiconductors and aerospace to drive innovation and technological development.
“In this regard, the Sarawak government, through the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), has established a Technology and Innovation Sandbox as a testing centre for new technologies across various sectors.
“SDEC also provides platforms through the SDEC Technology Accelerator, Digital Village Accelerator, and Founder’s Forge to develop and commercialise technology through start-up companies,” he added.
Additionally, he said the Sarawak government is focused on TVET education, offering training in fields such as electrical engineering, automotive technology and aerospace.
“Sarawak is the only region that will offer free higher education to all Sarawakian students by 2026, prioritising technical and financial courses such as engineering, accounting, cyber analytics, and computer science,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
