KUCHING: Sarawak has taken a bold step forward in solidifying its role in Malaysia’s semiconductor sector, following a significant visit from the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA). The delegation, led by MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, brought together representatives from 33 companies and nearly 50 senior industry leaders. Their visit, which took place on Wednesday, January 21, included an in-depth exploration of local facilities and a strategic meeting to discuss potential collaborations, investment opportunities, and deeper integration into the global semiconductor supply chain.
Among the key highlights of the visit was a private, high-level discussion between MSIA’s leadership and Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who also holds the position of Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED). The meeting underscored the state government’s dedication to making the semiconductor industry a central pillar in Sarawak’s long-term industrial and economic growth.
“We’re not starting from scratch,” said Awang Tengah, addressing the gathering with confidence. “Sarawak is home to established semiconductor operations, supported by reliable and competitively priced energy from hydropower and renewables, industrial-ready land, and a growing pool of skilled talent.” He emphasized that Sarawak offers not only stability and energy security but also long-term policy clarity—qualities that are increasingly sought after in today’s world of volatile global supply chains.
Awang Tengah further elaborated on the state’s priorities: ensuring a consistent and affordable power supply, enhancing industrial infrastructure, streamlining investment processes, and fostering closer collaboration between industry players and academic institutions to cultivate talent and drive technological advancements.
The presence of top executives from global giants like Infineon Technologies, Intel, X-FAB, Melexis, Motorola Solutions, IBM ASEAN, and Applied Materials, among others, highlighted the industry’s strong interest in Sarawak’s semiconductor potential. For Datuk Seri Wong, the visit was an important step in securing Sarawak’s place as a future semiconductor hub. “Our goal is to build confidence among companies and show them that Sarawak is a viable, long-term investment destination in the semiconductor sector,” he said, expressing optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead.
The one-day event, which took place on Tuesday, January 20, and was facilitated by InvestSarawak, attracted a diverse range of players from the semiconductor value chain, including multinational corporations, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, and cleanroom engineering firms. Companies such as Plexus, Penguin Solutions (Smart Modular), and Melexis were among the many that attended.
This engagement was the culmination of discussions that began at the Sarawak Semiconductor Investment Forum in Penang in August 2025, where MSIA members showed significant interest in the potential of Sarawak’s semiconductor ecosystem. The Kuching programme was designed to provide an on-the-ground experience for industry leaders, allowing them to see firsthand the state’s semiconductor infrastructure and explore potential investment avenues.
During their visit, the delegation also received comprehensive briefings from SMD Semiconductor, X-FAB Sarawak, and Melexis, offering valuable insights into the state’s wafer fabrication and semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. These sessions gave the group a clear understanding of Sarawak’s growing role in the semiconductor industry, reinforcing the state’s position as a strong contender in the global market.