Awang Tengah: Sarawak’s push into global semiconductor arena now enters execution phase

KUCHING (March 31): Sarawak’s push into the global semiconductor arena is entering a more demanding phase, with the state accelerating all efforts towards building a high-value, innovation-driven economy.

According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak is now moving ‘from preparation to performance’, stressing that its credibility hinges on tangible outcomes rather than policy announcements.

“Our credibility today is defined not by the plans that we announce, but by the concrete results of what we implement,” he said at SMD Semiconductor’s ‘Berjarah Raya Aidilfitri 2026’ programme, held at its office in La Promenade Mall near here on Monday.

Adding on, he said strategic sectors such as semiconductors must be guided by discipline in execution, emphasising on delivering real impact through quality jobs, stronger institutions, and expanded opportunities for Sarawakians.

In this regard, Awang Tengah reiterated Sarawak’s aim of moving beyond being a technology consumer, towards becoming a meaningful participant at the higher end of the global value chain.

“Our aspiration is to participate meaningfully at the higher end of the global value chain where innovation is born; where design capability is nurtured; and where advanced technology is created,” he said, also citing talent development and strong institutional support as key factors of achieving this goal.

In his remarks, SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the state’s semiconductor push had been gaining momentum through a structured and collaborative approach involving government, industry, and academia.

However, he also said such progress could not be achieved in isolation, in view of the semiconductor sector being a fundamentally global industry with interconnected value chains spanning designs, materials, fabrication, and system integration.

“At SMD, we recognise that progress in a high-technology industry depends on close collaboration, long-term commitment, technical discipline, and trust.”

Shariman also highlighted several key developments this year, aligned with the broader strategy of translating Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 into tangible outcomes, and positioning SMD as the state’s semiconductor delivery platform.

“We have advanced our compound semiconductor initiatives, including progress in gallium nitride (GaN); convened the Sarawak Sovereign AI Workshop; and formalised our collaboration with the University of Bristol, UK.”

During yesterday’s event, SMD Semiconductor also contributed essential household items to Rumah Kanak-Kanak Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah as part of its Hari Raya outreach.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and SMD Semiconductor chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar.

Awang Tengah Ali Hasan innovation onsite semiconductor industry