Latest news with #SemiconductorStrategicFramework
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
OTSM's RM2 Bln Investment A Boost To Sarawak's Regional Tech Hub Ambition
BINTULU, July 16 (Bernama) -- OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd's (OTSM) RM2 billion investment to establish a semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant at the Samalaju Industrial Park here is a strategic milestone that reinforces Sarawak's position in the global semiconductor value chain. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the investment by a joint venture between South Korea's OCI Company Ltd and Japan's Tokuyama Corporation reflects international confidence in Sarawak's political stability, industrial infrastructure and long-term development vision. 'This marks a significant milestone in advancing high-technology industrial development in the region. It also underscores our commitment to sustainable partnerships that will power the future,' he said at the groundbreaking ceremony here today. Abang Johari noted that the facility, expected to be the first of its kind outside Japan and South Korea, will produce high-purity polysilicon – a critical material used in the production of semiconductors for smartphones, electric vehicles, data centres and artificial intelligence (AI). He said the project supports Sarawak's Semiconductor Strategic Framework, which aims to establish the state as a regional hub for advanced technology manufacturing. 'With this investment, Sarawak strengthens its position in the global semiconductor value chain and moves closer to becoming a regional technology hub,' he said. Highlighting Sarawak's green energy credentials, Abang Johari said 70 per cent of the state's electricity is generated from hydropower, supported by emerging solar technologies, which positions Sarawak as a prime location for sustainable and environmentally friendly investments. 'Sustainability is the core of our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS). With green energy from hydro and solar, Sarawak is poised to support global demand for certified green materials,' he said. He also revealed ongoing efforts to enhance Sarawak's technological capabilities through the development of an artificial intelligence-powered semiconductor chip in collaboration with academic institutions in the United Kingdom.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
OTSM's RM2 bil investment boosts Sarawak's tech hub ambition
BINTULU: OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) has committed RM2 billion to build a semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant at Samalaju Industrial Park, marking a strategic leap for Sarawak's role in the global semiconductor industry. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the joint venture between South Korea's OCI Company Ltd and Japan's Tokuyama Corporation highlights international trust in the state's stability, infrastructure, and long-term vision. 'This is a major milestone for high-tech industrial growth in Sarawak. It reflects our dedication to sustainable partnerships that will shape the future,' he said during the groundbreaking ceremony. The facility, the first of its kind outside Japan and South Korea, will produce high-purity polysilicon, a key material for semiconductors used in smartphones, electric vehicles, data centres, and AI. Abang Johari emphasised that the project aligns with Sarawak's Semiconductor Strategic Framework, which aims to position the state as a regional hub for advanced tech manufacturing. 'This investment solidifies Sarawak's place in the global semiconductor supply chain and brings us closer to becoming a regional tech leader,' he added. Sarawak's green energy advantage was also highlighted, with 70 per cent of its electricity sourced from hydropower and solar energy. 'Sustainability drives our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy. Our green energy makes Sarawak ideal for eco-friendly investments,' he said. The Premier also shared plans to develop an AI-powered semiconductor chip in collaboration with UK academic institutions, with international intellectual property registration targeted by year-end. To support industry growth, the state government offers free tertiary education at local universities, ensuring a skilled workforce for future tech demands. 'Sustainable and green products will define global competitiveness, and Sarawak is prepared to lead,' he concluded. - Bernama
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak poised to become regional semiconductor hub amid global chip war, says Premier
Abang Johari says the global semiconductor market was projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030, driven by increasing demand for AI, electric vehicles, IoT and 5G communications. – AFP photo KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak is well-positioned to play a key role in the booming semiconductor industry, especially amid the ongoing chip war between the United States and China, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the global semiconductor market was projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030, driven by increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, the Internet of Things and 5G communications. He noted geopolitical tensions have resulted in the US restricting China's access to advanced chips and chip-making equipment, while China was responding by heavily investing in its domestic chip capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technologies. 'The chip war has resulted in global players such as Intel, TSMC and Samsung reacting by diversifying production to Southeast Asia, India, Europe and the US. This marks a strategic shift from concentrated manufacturing to geopolitically stable and neutral regions,' he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. In light of these developments, Abang Johari said Sarawak has established a Semiconductor Strategic Framework to position the state as a high-value semiconductor hub in the region. 'Our vision is clear – to make Sarawak a competitive, resilient, and future-ready player in the global semiconductor industry.' He added that the framework would drive investments across the entire semiconductor value chain, contributing to Sarawak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by attracting high-impact investments, fostering innovation, and building a talent-driven ecosystem. Touching on technological developments, he highlighted Sarawak's achievement in unveiling the world's first Edge AI Power Converter prototype – – in Newport, Cardiff last month. 'This cutting-edge device is a breakthrough solution in correcting faults in power systems in real time. It will change how decentralised, embedded AI is used to make machines smarter and more efficient, especially in tasks that require speed, stability, and autonomous control,' he said. He said was developed by Anak Sarawak through collaboration between Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) and the United Kingdom's CSA Catapult, as a result of the Sarawak-UK Semiconductor Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed a year ago. 'SMD is now focused on advancing to commercial readiness, ensuring it meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.' Abang Johari also revealed that the state is initiating the process of intellectual property (IP) registration to protect the core innovations and proprietary algorithms behind 'These bold initiatives will propel Sarawak towards becoming a semiconductor hub,' he said.
