Anwar (fourth left) and Abang Johari (sixth left) launch X-FAB Sarawak’s new semiconductor manufacturing facility while (from left) Dr Sim, Awang Tengah and other dignitaries look on. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad

KUCHING (Sept 12): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged industry players and universities to work more closely together to strengthen the state’s semiconductor sector, stressing that nurturing local talent is as crucial as attracting investment.

Speaking at the launch of X-FAB Sarawak’s RM3 billion expansion at Sama Jaya High Tech Park today, Abang Johari said the long-term sustainability of the industry depends on developing a highly skilled local workforce.

“We are actively strengthening our talent pipeline by investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, public-private partnerships, and targeted training programmes in collaboration with industry players.

“I would like to take this opportunity to call on X-FAB and other investors to deepen collaboration with our local universities and institutions in the upskilling of our workforce,” he said.

Abang Joahri noted that 98 per cent of X-FAB’s current workforce are Malaysians, with nearly 95 per cent Sarawakians, showing that ‘Anak Sarawak’ are contributing as engineers, managers, and leaders in the global semiconductor arena.

He said this commitment will be supported by the Free Tertiary Education Scheme beginning next year, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and professional courses.

The initiative, he added, is a forward-looking signal to investors that Sarawak is serious about cultivating a future-ready workforce.

“This initiative is not merely a reform in our education policy.

“It is a strategic and forward-looking signal to the industry that Sarawak is committed to nurturing a resilient, highly skilled, and future-ready workforce to meet the demands of our rapidly growing economy,” he said.

Abang Johari also highlighted the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030, which targets over RM2 billion in investment, 3,000 high-skilled jobs, and 3,000 trained local graduates.

A key project under the roadmap is the SMD Advanced Chip Integration Centre in Sama Jaya, being developed with global research partners including CSA Catapult and the Welsh government.

He said such initiatives would form the backbone of a globally connected R&D ecosystem, with Sarawak positioned as a central hub.

“The story of X-FAB Sarawak is not just one of silicon wafers and cleanrooms. It is the story of a local workforce rising to meet world-class standards,” he said.

The Premier also called for stronger federal backing to accelerate Sarawak’s role under the National Semiconductor Roadmap and Malaysia’s Silicon Vision, stressing that synergy between state policies, federal support, industry confidence and university partnerships would define Sarawak’s place in the global supply chain.

“Technology is ultimately about people. By investing in our talent and fostering collaboration between universities and industry, we are building not only chips, but a new generation of Sarawakians ready to lead,” he said.

Also present were the deputy premiers Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, State Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo, State Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki.