KUCHING: Western Digital (WD) has expanded into advanced data storage production, with the introduction of glass substrate technology at its new manufacturing facility in Sama Jaya High Tech Park here.
Glass substrate is a next-generation recording technology that enables significantly higher data storage capacity, supporting the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital infrastructure, according to the US-based data storage company.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in opening WD Plant 2 last Thursday (July 2), noted that glass substrate is a unique technology that allows data to be stored under high-temperature conditions.
He said while WD’s investment strengthened the company’s ability to deliver the next-generation storage technology required to support explosive growth in AI-driven data, it reinforces Sarawak’s role as a global centre for advanced manufacturing.
Abang Johari recalled his presence at the opening of WD’s first manufacturing facility in 1995 when Sarawak was working hard to industrialise its economy, attract quality investments and create job opportunities for Sarawakians.
“Few would have imagined then that three decades later, this site would evolve into a globally significant operation supporting some of the world’s most advanced technologies and serving markets across the globe,” he added at the event themed “New horizons for WD Sarawak: Advancing AI innovations and Powering Growth”.
In May, Sarawak’s Deputy Premier and International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said WD had committed an RM1.8bil investment in the state-of-the-art glass substrate plant project to support the AI industry.
Abang Johari said as Sarawak progressed over the years, the state’s ambition expanded towards developing infrastructure, strengthening industries and investing in human capital to support long-term growth.
“Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era shaped by innovation, digital transformation and AI.
“These technologies are rapidly changing how economies function, how businesses compete and how societies create value.
“AI, in particular, is no longer a concept of the future,” he added.
“It is already transforming industries across the world, improving productivity, accelerating innovation and creating entirely new opportunities for growth.”
“As we embrace this transformation, our priorities remain clear: creating quality opportunities for our youth, preparing our workforce for emerging industries and ensuring that Sarawak remains competitive in an increasingly dynamic global economy.
“That is why the Sarawak government continues to invest in education, digital infrastructure, innovation, research and talent development.”
The premier commended WD for continuing to create opportunities for Sarawakians through collaborations with universities, workforce development initiatives and investment in future-ready capabilities.
At the event, WD signed a “Renewal Energy Certificate” agreement with Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) to enhance the company’s commitment to sustainable operations in Sarawak.
The agreement enables WD to match its electricity consumption in Sarawak with renewable energy certificates generated from SEB’s hydropower resources, supporting the company’s goal of reducing its operational carbon footprint.
“Through this partnership, WD achieves 100% reduction of Scope 2 emissions of its existing Sarawak operations by sourcing electricity and renewable energy certificates from one of South-East Asia’s cleanest energy grids.
“This supports WD’s broader sustainability targets, including 100% carbon-free energy by financial year 2030 (FY30) and net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by FY32, as well as transparent reporting aligned with frameworks such as Carbon Disclosures Project and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures,” said the company.
Abang Johari said in Sarawak, environmental sustainability is not separated from economic development, and that is why the Sarawak government has adopted the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030.
The blueprint integrated environmental stewardship, economic development and social wellbeing into a single framework.
“Building on this foundation, we have recently approved the “Sarawak Net Zero Strategy and Carbon Plan”, in line with the global protocol in particular the Paris Agreement 2015.
“For Sarawak, our long-term roadmap is to maintain Sarawak’s net-negative emissions position while supporting continued industrial growth, attracting green investment and strengthening economic resilience.
“My vision to net zero is not about slowing development. It is about changing how we grow: through cleaner energy, more efficient industries, innovation, technology and responsible management of our natural resources.”
Abang Johari also said WD’s achievement in operating 100% renewable energy reflects a strong commitment to responsible growth and sustainable business practices.
He said the World Economic Forum had identified Bintulu as a new emerging transitioning industrial cluster, bringing together industry, technology and government to accelerate industrial transformation while reducing emissions.
“Companies like WD are important partners in this journey,” he added.
