BINTULU – Sarawak is rapidly solidifying its position in the global semiconductor value chain with a major strategic investment in the production of high-purity semiconductor materials.
At the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the new OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Material (OTSM) Polysilicon Plant held in Samalaju Industrial Park on Wednesday, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg hailed the project as a significant leap forward in Sarawak’s high-tech industrial journey.
The collaboration between South Korea’s OCI Terrasus and Japan’s Tokuyama Corporation will focus on producing semiconductor-grade polysilicon — a vital component used in manufacturing chips for smartphones, electric vehicles, data centres, and AI technologies.
“This investment is a strong endorsement of Sarawak as a strategic and sustainable high-tech destination. It places us firmly on the global semiconductor map and aligns with our Semiconductor Strategic Framework to attract full-spectrum investments in this sector,” he said.
The Premier also revealed that Sarawak is taking bold steps to establish its own semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. A wholly-owned state semiconductor company is in the works, with complementary research and development efforts being undertaken in Cardiff, Wales, UK.
“In Cardiff, we are developing a scalable AI power chip and expect to register its international intellectual property (IP) by the end of this year,” he announced.
The OTSM plant in Bintulu is expected to be a cornerstone in this ecosystem, boosting the region’s contribution to high-end semiconductor manufacturing while fostering partnerships with global and academic stakeholders.
The initiative reflects Sarawak’s long-term ambition to become a leading hub for advanced technology and innovation in Southeast Asia.
