By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 23: Sarawak is positioning itself at the forefront of a new “space semiconductor” industry, with an expanding polysilicon plant in Samalaju expected to require 1,000 engineers.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the facility would produce semiconductor polysilicon used in what he described as “space energy” technology.
“At the moment, there is one expansion plant in Samalaju that will produce semiconductor polysilicon, which will be used as part of the production of what they call ‘space energy’.
“This is the first production of its kind in the world,” he told reporters after attending the Bintulu Division-level Sarawakku Sayang Programme at the Old Bintulu Airport today. Recording of his remarks was later shared with DayakDaily.
He said the South Korean company involved is currently expanding its operations and seeking about 1,000 engineers.
Abang Johari added that the vacancies have already been advertised through JobSarawak platform, and he has encouraged the company to absorb interns from local universities into the industry.
“I have also shared with them to take interns from our universities so during their holidays they can work there, and eventually if found suitable, they can be absorbed as engineers in the plant,” he said.
The Premier noted that Sarawak currently has about 4,000 new students enrolled in science-based courses who could potentially support the State’s growing semiconductor supply chain and engineering workforce.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said Sarawak is now entering a new economic era driven by semiconductors, satellite technology, and real-time data systems.
He revealed that Sarawak, through SMD Semiconductor in Cardiff, United Kingdom, has already developed semiconductor chips designed by Sarawakians using gallium nitride — a material he said performs better than conventional silicon-based chips.
According to him, the chips could eventually be used in vehicles, medical equipment, and future space-related technologies.
“I cannot announce it today, but I can give a hint that space energy technology will use part of the chips produced from Sarawak,” he said.
He also highlighted Bintulu’s strategic role in Sarawak’s green industrial ambitions, noting that the division has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) and low-carbon manufacturing hub.
Abang Johari said Bintulu’s access to hydrocarbon resources, renewable energy, and port infrastructure gives manufacturers an advantage in developing green products and sustainable industries.
Also present were Abang Johari’s daughter Dayang Norjihan; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Amar Ruziah Tahir; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Dato Enn Ong; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Dato Fatimah Iskandar; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development as well as Kemena assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and wife Datin Sri Loretta Rundi; Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang. — DayakDaily
