Latest news with #Post-COVID-19DevelopmentStrategy2030
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Two Japanese firms plan US$1.5 bln investment in high-tech, chemical sectors in Sarawak
KUCHING: Sarawak continues to strengthen its appeal as an international investment destination, as two major companies from Japan plan to invest US$1.5 billion (US$1=RM4.25) in the high-tech and chemical industries in the region. According to a report by TV Sarawak (TVS) today, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan is currently in Osaka, Japan to discuss details of the investments. One of the projects involves the construction of a semiconductor-grade polycrystalline silicon production facility by Japan's Tokuyama Corporation in collaboration with South Korea's OCI Company Ltd., with the investment estimated at around US$435 million. 'This project has the potential to position Sarawak among the top five global locations in high-performance semiconductor production technology,' the report said, citing a statement from the Sarawak Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment. Another planned investment involves a consortium of Japanese companies in the chemical sector, with the investment estimated to reach US$1 billion. Feasibility studies and site evaluations have already begun, with the Sarawak government also committed to expediting the approval process to ensure that investment decisions can be finalised soon. Both investments align with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, which emphasises economic prosperity, social inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability. 'The Sarawak government is always committed to supporting the implementation of high-impact investment projects like these. We offer a stable and competitive business environment, equipped with modern infrastructure and a skilled workforce,' said Awang Tengah. He added that the Sarawak government will provide full support to ensure the smooth implementation and success of these investments.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Two Japanese firms eye US$1.5 bln investment in Sarawak
KUCHING: Sarawak continues to strengthen its appeal as an international investment destination, as two major companies from Japan plan to invest US$1.5 billion (US$1=RM4.25) in the high-tech and chemical industries in the region. According to a report by TV Sarawak (TVS) today, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan is currently in Osaka, Japan to discuss details of the investments. One of the projects involves the construction of a semiconductor-grade polycrystalline silicon production facility by Japan's Tokuyama Corporation in collaboration with South Korea's OCI Company Ltd., with the investment estimated at around US$435 million. 'This project has the potential to position Sarawak among the top five global locations in high-performance semiconductor production technology,' the report said, citing a statement from the Sarawak Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment. Another planned investment involves a consortium of Japanese companies in the chemical sector, with the investment estimated to reach US$1 billion. Feasibility studies and site evaluations have already begun, with the Sarawak government also committed to expediting the approval process to ensure that investment decisions can be finalised soon. Both investments align with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, which emphasises economic prosperity, social inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability. 'The Sarawak government is always committed to supporting the implementation of high-impact investment projects like these. We offer a stable and competitive business environment, equipped with modern infrastructure and a skilled workforce,' said Awang Tengah. He added that the Sarawak government will provide full support to ensure the smooth implementation and success of these investments.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
SMD launches contest to tap Sarawakian talent in IC design
KUCHING: Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor has launched the Inaugural SMD IC Design Competition 2025 to nurture local talent in integrated circuit (IC) design and position Sarawak as an emerging player in the global semiconductor industry. In a statement, SMD said the competition kicked off with a five-day bootcamp held recently at the SMD Academy in Kota Samarahan, involving eight teams representing Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, University of Technology Sarawak and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. 'Over the course of 14 months, teams will design, fabricate (tape-out) and test ICs that meet high standards of performance and energy efficiency,' the statement said. The competition is supported by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak and aligns with the state's Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, which aims to build a skilled, innovation-driven workforce. Chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the initiative reflects confidence in the intelligence found in Sarawak, particularly among the untapped potential of its youth and their ability to shape the future of technology. 'We are proud to work alongside our foundry partner X-Fab Sarawak, for the chip fabrication, and we appreciate the generous support of MEITD in empowering the next generation of IC designers,' he said. Throughout the competition, teams will progress through multiple evaluation phases, focusing on design methodology, performance, layout quality and testing outcomes. Top-performing teams will be recognised at an awards ceremony in June 2026, reinforcing the development of a strong talent pipeline for Sarawak's semiconductor ecosystem. Incorporated in September 2022, SMD is a wholly owned company of the Sarawak government through the State Financial Secretary Incorporation. It serves as the state's boutique fabless chip design house, specialising in designing analogue and mixed signal integrated circuits or chips. Its mission is to design sustainable, future-defining semiconductors and transform Sarawak into the silicon nerve centre of Asia.
