KUCHING: Sarawak is well placed to boost Malaysia's position as a global semiconductor hub, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the presence and growth of renowned semiconductor players in Sarawak underlined the state's potential in this sector.
He highlighted the RM3bil expansion of X-Fab Sarawak's production capacity, saying it showed the company's confidence in both the state and federal governments.
"It makes my life as Prime Minister very easy when you have a state government that is progressive like this," he quipped when launching the X-Fab Sarawak expansion at Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone here on Friday (Sept 12).
Anwar said the Federal Government would continue to support Sarawak in developing its semiconductor sector, particularly towards achieving the National Semiconductor Strategy.
He said the strategy was formulated to take into account Sarawak's potential to emerge as a global leader in semiconductor innovation and production.
At the same time, he said, Malaysia's centrality in Asean and engagement with global superpowers placed the nation in a position to showcase its potential to the world.
He said leaders from Brazil and South Africa would come to Malaysia next month for the Asean Summit, which was also likely to be attended by the presidents of the United States, China and Russia.
"In conjunction with the summit, we will promote the semiconductor strategy and competitive incentives to foreign firms.
"Of course, the best person to articulate this on behalf of the nation is the Sarawak Premier (Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg). That's how we work together as a team," he said.
Anwar also called on semiconductor players in the country to work with universities in talent development for the industry.
He said synergy between industries and universities was crucial to produce a workforce with the requisite skills.
"My request is for industries to visit universities, look at their curriculum and make suggestions on what they lack.
"If you can provide initial training and exposure, that will benefit the universities in absorbing new ideas about high-end technology," he said.
