KUCHING: Sarawak aims to secure investments across the entire semiconductor value chain to capitalise on the thriving industry.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the booming semiconductor industry is driven by generative Artificial Intelligence (Al) and data centre expansion, with global sales reaching USD627 billion last year.

According to him, through the Sarawak Semiconductor Strategic Framework, investments will be attracted across the entire semiconductor value chain from advanced chip design, manufacturing to testing, packaging and Al-integrated systems.

“By 2030, Sarawak aspires to be a key contributor to the global semiconductor supply chain, spearheaded by SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd (SMD) through the Semiconductor Roadmap 2030, designed to accelerate innovation and enhance local capabilities.

“Over the next five to 10 years, this roadmap will create over 3,000 high-skilled jobs, commercialise intellectual property and promote talent development,” he said.

He said this during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Wednesday.

The Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment also highlighted SMD exploring collaborative investments in the United Kingdom, leveraging Sarawak's cost advantages and renewable energy.

He further said that with strong government support and global partnerships, Sarawak is positioned to become a key semiconductor hub in Southeast Asia, offering promising investment and trade potential. -UKASnews