By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 4: The newly launched Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap aims to contribute RM30 billion to the State’s gross domestic product (GDP), create 3,000 high-skilled jobs, and attract RM2 billion in semiconductor-related investments by 2030.
The roadmap was presented by SMD Semiconductor to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, during an official briefing at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today.
In Information Department and Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news reports, SMD Semiconductor CEO Shariman Jamil highlighted that the company will focus on IC (integrated circuit) design, advanced manufacturing, and local research and innovation.
The roadmap emphasises four strategic areas: industrial value chains, talent ecosystem development, technological leadership and innovation, and sustainability through green and biodiversity-focused solutions.
“To date, 50 IC design engineers have been trained and employed in Sarawak, with a target of 500 engineers by 2030 through partnerships with Swinburne, Curtin, Sarawak Technical Excellence Centre (CENTEX), and Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS).
“Initiatives have also been extended to schools via programmes such as Macathon and the IC Design Competition, allowing students to design, produce, and test their own chips, a first in Malaysia,” Shariman said at a press conference.
Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor chairman Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar revealed that the roadmap is anchored on three key principles: leveraging Sarawak’s existing strengths, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and responding to global market demand.
“This roadmap builds on SMD’s ‘Beyond Moore’s Law Roadmap’, forming the foundation of the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030. It aligns with the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and other State initiatives, including the Energy Transition Roadmap, Gas Roadmap, and Digital Economy Action Plan.
“With this roadmap, Sarawak is advancing toward a fully integrated semiconductor ecosystem by 2030, supported by talent development through 10 strategic initiatives. These efforts position Sarawak as a regional gateway for semiconductors, tapping into Asia’s rapidly growing demand in electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, renewable energy, aerospace, and consumer electronics,” he said.
Wan Lizozman added that the roadmap will be implemented through 14 strategic pillars and approximately 34 projects and initiatives, covering four main focus areas: the industrial value chain, talent ecosystem, innovation, R&D and technology leadership, and sustainability.
He stressed that the roadmap is more than just a planning document; it is a comprehensive action plan, supported by both State and federal policies, aimed at building a sustainable and holistic semiconductor ecosystem over the next five to 10 years.
Attendees at the briefing included Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director Datu Lester Matthew, Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) secretary-general Dzulkornain Masron, Sarawak Deputy Attorney-General John Wayne Chamberlin Sirau and Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) deputy secretary-general Anieliaa Siam. — DayakDaily
