KUCHING – MSIA has also pledged to help Sarawak realize its vision of becoming a new hub for the semiconductor industry, as it will lead an industry mission to the state to introduce companies to the capabilities available.
According to Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, the president of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), “We are taking the initiative to bring the industry players to Sarawak so that they can see for themselves the infrastructure, the energy, and the support that Sarawak has to offer.”
He said the visits and engagement sessions are aimed at building investor confidence. “MSIA feels that we have a responsibility to help the country and the state of Sarawak, which aspires to be one of the important semiconductor hubs globally.
The opportunity is indeed there to be realized,” he said after meeting Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak’s Deputy Premier.
This is because the association’s outreach efforts coincide with Sarawak’s move to develop its own semiconductor plan, which includes a roadmap that aims to attract investments, provide high-skilled employment, and increase manufacturing capacity by 2030.
The state agencies have emphasized the development of ecosystem readiness, as well as the support for wafer fabrication and services.
Direct engagement with the sites and stakeholders is very important for the companies to understand the realities of doing business in Sarawak, according to Wong.
He pointed out that the fast growth of the global semiconductor market presents an opportunity for the state to be part of the regional value chain and help with the economic growth of the country.
“MSIA is ready to share its industry experience and expertise to support Sarawak’s aspirations to emerge as a new hub for the semiconductor industry,” he said.
Industry observers believe that cooperation between trade associations and government agencies can help expedite investor due diligence and minimize risk perceptions, especially when infrastructure and energy security are core issues.
Sarawak’s plan and recent investments in fabrication facilities have been identified as encouraging indicators for potential partners.
Some of the key issues that would need to be addressed by potential investors include grid reliability, developing and retaining a skilled workforce, and incentives for high-value manufacturing. These issues are likely to be addressed during the MSIA-led mission.
Key points for stakeholders
- Infrastructure readiness
- Energy supply and security
- Government support and incentives
The MSIA engagement is a move towards more public-private collaboration as Sarawak aims to position itself in the Southeast Asian semiconductor industry.
Further meetings between the association and state agencies, as well as potential investors, are expected in the coming months.
