Kuching: The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its commitment to position the state as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, anchored on renewable energy, strong infrastructure, and talent development. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that a series of strategic measures are being rolled out to attract high-value investments and strengthen Sarawak’s global competitiveness.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Premier Abang Johari emphasized the state’s dedication to infrastructure, talent development, clean and affordable energy, and digital transformation as part of a deliberate strategy to make Sarawak the preferred destination for advanced manufacturing in the region. He addressed these plans at the X-FAB Sarawak facility expansion launching ceremony by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone.
Abang Johari highlighted the state’s reliance on hydropower, providing industries with clean, reliable, and cost-efficient energy, aligning with global sustainability goals. This factor has attracted companies like X-FAB that prioritize environmental stewardship. He also noted that the state government’s business-friendly policies, competitive water and electricity rates, and solid infrastructure have underpinned Sarawak’s success, with the Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone attracting RM15.4 billion in both foreign and domestic investments to date.
The state aims to attract over RM2 billion in combined public and private investment through the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030. To achieve this target, Premier Abang Johari mentioned plans to forge collaborations with more than 10 global industry leaders, generate 3,000 high-skilled jobs, commercialize new intellectual properties, and train 3,000 local graduates through dedicated programs.
Regarding the facility, he noted that the latest RM3 billion expansion of X-FAB’s production capacity is a significant milestone for both the company and Sarawak’s role in the global semiconductor ecosystem. The expansion raises X-FAB Sarawak’s monthly wafer production from 30,000 wafer starts per month to 40,000, with future plans to increase capacity to 50,000.
The premier remarked that the expansion will boost local capabilities in advanced semiconductor design, integration, and innovation, enhancing Sarawak’s leadership role within Malaysia’s semiconductor industry. He emphasized Sarawak’s competitive leadership in the national semiconductor sector.
Meanwhile, Rudi De Winter, the chief executive officer of X-FAB Group, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Sarawak government. He stated that the expansion increases X-FAB Sarawak’s overall monthly capacity by 10,000 wafers and enhances the site’s capacity for their popular 180nm BCD-on-SOI technology, which is crucial for these applications.