KUCHING: The Sarawak government is aligning itself with the federal government’s efforts to bolster the economy and attract investments in the semiconductor industry.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the state government’s ongoing initiatives, including a recent partnership with Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult from the United Kingdom.
“During our recent trip to the United Kingdom, we put emphasis on semiconductor technology and engaged in discussions with CSA Catapult.
“The partnership represents an initiative between the state government and the British government to provide training and facilitate our involvement in semiconductor production and chip design.
“It is the direction of the federal government to strengthen the economy and attract investments in this industry. Sarawak is doing the same thing,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after chairing the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Supreme Council Meeting at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today (May 11).
On April 22, Sarawak’s SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult of the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to forge international alliances for research and innovation in compound semiconductor technology.
This initiative aims to position Sarawak as a premier investment hub in the semiconductor industry and a leader in cutting-edge solutions.
Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, also briefed on Sarawak’s stance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the meeting, aligning with the federal government’s promotion of AI and ensuring synergy among GPS component parties.
“This chip is different from the normal chip, as it uses advancement in generative AI, named compound chip.
“As you know, the federal government is also promoting AI, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an AI faculty in one of our universities, so I briefed Sarawak’s position in terms of this semiconductor industry,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also briefed the component parties of the state government’s involvement in energy economy, particularly renewable energy.
Also present were Deputy Premier and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier and PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, PBB Women chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Federal Works Minister and PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) vice president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
