KUCHING – X-FAB Sarawak has officially expanded its manufacturing capacity by RM3 billion, marking a major leap in the state’s emergence as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the opening of the new facility at Persiaran Silicon, Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone, where Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg announced the expansion will boost monthly wafer production from 30,000 to 40,000 with a future target of 50,000.
“This is more than an investment milestone,” said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari. “It confirms that components designed and produced right here in Kuching are powering innovations used worldwide, from medical devices to smart infrastructure.”
He emphasized that nearly 95% of X-FAB’s workforce are Sarawakians not just laborers, but engineers, technicians, and managers reflecting the success of local talent development.
The state government, he added, supports such high-value investments with competitive green hydroelectric power, world-class infrastructure, and targeted human capital programs.
To date, the Sama Jaya FIZ has attracted RM15.4 billion in cumulative investment and created over 15,000 jobs.
Building on this momentum, the Sarawak Government launched the Sarawak Semiconductor Development Plan 2030, targeting RM2 billion in new investment, 3,000 skilled positions, and commercialization of local IP through partnerships with over ten global firms.
A cornerstone of this strategy is education: initiatives include expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), industry-aligned training, and the upcoming Free Higher Education Scheme for STEM and professional courses in state institutions.
Looking ahead, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari revealed plans for international technology collaboration with X-FAB Dresden, Cambridge Microelectronics, and CSA Catapult to develop next-generation Gallium Nitride (GaN) chips with technology transfer expected to begin next year.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with senior state officials and ministry representatives.