Business

Sarawak’s Silicon Longhouse unites gov’t, industry, academia to drive high-tech investment, talent

By Dayak Daily Team,Editor KB

Copyright dayakdaily

Sarawak’s Silicon Longhouse unites gov’t, industry, academia to drive high-tech investment, talent

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 24: The “Integrated Silicon Longhouse” is envisioned as a holistic ecosystem that brings together the government, industry, academia, and global partners under one roof, creating unprecedented opportunities for global investment in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg described the initiative as more than symbolic, calling it a tangible blueprint for Sarawak to assert itself on the global stage.

“In Sarawak, the longhouse is not merely a place to live; it symbolises community strength and collaboration. Similarly, the Integrated Silicon Longhouse will unite diverse stakeholders to drive innovation and attract investment in the semiconductor industry,” he said.

He made the remarks during his keynote address, “Building the Integrated Silicon Longhouse: Sarawak Blueprint to Accelerate Global Investment & Industry Impact”, delivered in London today.

Abang Johari highlighted that the initiative complements the ongoing development of the Samajaya Free Industrial Zone, which is already home to multinational companies such as X-FAB and Melexis.

Recent projects include the RM3 billion expansion of the X-FAB facility and Melexis’ largest wafer testing site in Kuching.

He further emphasised that Sarawak can support the semiconductor industry with clean, stable renewable energy and under the framework of the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises social and economic balance.

Through this initiative, Sarawak aims to attract cutting-edge investments, nurture local talent, and strengthen the semiconductor value chain across Southeast Asia.

The Premier highlighted that Sarawak’s strategy is fully aligned with irreversible global megatrends, including electrification, digitalisation, and supply chain diversification.

“When the world moves forward, it moves on semiconductors,” he asserted, underscoring the pivotal role of chips in powering electric vehicles, 5G networks, and renewable energy systems.

“Sarawak is not just keeping pace — it is helping to shape the direction,” he stressed.

In his concluding remarks, Abang Johari reiterated the State government’s unwavering commitment, backed by coherent policies, strategic incentives, and robust infrastructure, to position Sarawak as a leading global player in the semiconductor industry.

With the official opening of the “Silicon Longhouse,” the Premier invited the world to collaborate under its roof, signalling that Sarawak is open for business and ready to take a central role in the future of semiconductors. — DayakDaily