KUCHING: Sarawak is poised to boost Malaysia’s position as a global semiconductor hub, with its potential underlined by the growth of renowned players in the state, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
The Prime Minister highlighted the RM3bil expansion of X-Fab Sarawak’s production capacity as an example, saying it reflects the company’s confidence in 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 facility expansion at Sama Jaya Industrial Park here yesterday.
Anwar said the Federal Government would continue to support Sarawak in developing its semiconductor sector as part of the National Semiconductor Strategy.
He said the strategy was formulated to take into account Sarawak’s potential as a global leader in semiconductor innovation and production.
“Given the geopolitical scenario now and Malaysia’s centrality in Asean, as well as our engagement with the United States, China, Europe, Latin America and Africa, we are in the best position to be seen as stable, central and prepared to engage with all countries,” he said.
Anwar also said Malaysia would promote the semiconductor strategy at the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month, with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to be provided the opportunity to speak on it.
“The best person to articulate this message on behalf of the nation and Sarawak is the Premier. That’s how we work together,” he said.
Anwar also called on semiconductor players to work with universities to develop talent and expertise for the industry.
He said synergy between industries and universities is crucial to produce a workforce with the requisite skills.
“My request is for industries to visit universities, look at their curriculum and provide suggestions on what they lack.
“And if you are kind enough, send the students to your centres for initial training and exposure, pro bono, of course.
“That will benefit the universities in absorbing new ideas on high-end technology,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari called for the Federal Government’s support to work together in developing Sarawak’s semiconductor ecosystem under Malaysia’s Silicon Vision and the National Semiconductor Strategy.
“We believe this partnership will help speed up our efforts in building local talent and developing intellectual property in chip design and production in Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari also welcomed X-Fab Sarawak’s RM3bil expansion to raise its monthly wafer production from 30,000 to 40,000 units.
He said the expansion marks a major milestone for Sarawak’s role in the global semiconductor ecosystem, particularly with plans in place to increase the capacity to 50,000 in the future.
