By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 23: Sarawak is sharpening its bid to become Malaysia’s next semiconductor hub following a high-level visit by the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), involving 33 companies and nearly 50 senior industry leaders.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the delegation—led by MSIA president Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai—brought together major global semiconductor players, reflecting growing interest in Sarawak as an emerging industry hub.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan met MSIA leaders in a closed-door session to discuss collaboration, investment, and supply-chain opportunities.
“Sarawak is not starting from zero. We already host established semiconductor operations and supporting industries, backed by reliable and competitively priced energy from hydropower and renewables, industrial-ready land, and a growing pool of skilled talent,” he said during a high-level meeting here yesterday (Jan 22).
He also reaffirmed that the semiconductor industry remains central to the State’s long-term industrial and economic plans.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), added that Sarawak offers stability, energy security, and long-term policy clarity as global supply chains seek greater resilience and diversification.
He said the State would ensure affordable power, upgrade infrastructure, and work closely with industry players and institutions to develop talent and technology.
The presence of senior executives from leading global firms underscored strong confidence in Sarawak’s semiconductor value proposition.
Wong said the association is ready to support Sarawak’s ambition to grow as a semiconductor hub.
“This initiative is aimed at building confidence among companies to consider Sarawak as a viable destination for long-term investments in the semiconductor sector. The opportunity is certainly there to be realised,” he added.
On Jan 20, InvestSarawak’s one-day programme brought together global semiconductor leaders, including Infineon, Intel, X-FAB, Melexis, Motorola Solutions, IBM ASEAN, Applied Materials, Inari, Plexus, and Penguin Solutions (Smart Modular), as well as equipment manufacturers, automation specialists, cleanroom engineers, logistics providers, and talent development organisations.
The engagement followed earlier discussions at the Sarawak Semiconductor Investment Forum in Penang in August 2025, which generated strong interest from MSIA members and led to the organisation of the on-the-ground programme in Kuching.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed by SMD Semiconductor, X-FAB Sarawak, and Melexis, gaining first-hand insights into Sarawak’s wafer fabrication and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. — DayakDaily
