KUCHING: Sarawak is set to deepen strategic cooperation with Indonesia in green energy and high-technology development while accelerating its push to become a technology creator, not merely a consumer.
In his Chinese New Year 2026 message, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said 2026 presents significant opportunities for closer collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia.
“The year 2026 brings potential for closer cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, in cross-border green energy generation and transmission, as well as high-technology development,” he said.
The Premier revealed that during his recent attendance at the 2026 Indonesia Economic Summit, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs expressed interest in collaborating with Sarawak in the semiconductor field, citing the state’s established track record.
Sarawak’s semiconductor journey began in 1998 through X-FAB, which produces analog chips at the Samajaya Free Industrial Zone in Kuching.
The production centre is currently undergoing a RM3-billion expansion to boost output capacity.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak must aim higher in the technology value chain.
“Sarawak must become a creator of technology, not just a consumer, if we want to break free from being a low-technology-based region,” he said.
He pointed to the achievements of Sarawak Government-owned SMD Semiconductor in developing Gallium Nitride (GaN) chips powered by artificial intelligence (AI) as evidence of serious efforts to move from chip assembly to chip design.
The Premier acknowledged that the journey towards becoming a technology creator requires a skilled workforce, substantial research and development (R&D) investment, and strong collaboration with local and international experts.
“The success of Sarawak in creating its first GaN chip is the result of collaboration with CSA Catapult UK, which provides research facilities in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
“Research in Cardiff led to the creation of GaN chips used in Keteq AI devices to ensure efficient electricity usage.
“Recently, Sarawak SMD, the Yayasan Sarawak, and the University of Bristol signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable Sarawak to continue strengthening chip creation through a collaborative framework in research, technology development, and human capital,” he said.
Abang Johari also reiterated Sarawak’s aspiration to own a satellite for weather monitoring through the development of micro-satellites, noting that CubeSats are more cost-effective to build and deploy into low-earth orbit compared to conventional satellites.
He said the initiative would spur innovation and create opportunities for the younger generation to master aerospace technology, a field increasingly vital to the future economy.
Reflecting on the state’s broader progress, the Premier said Sarawak has achieved tremendous accomplishments over the past eight years, with state revenue more than doubling compared to a decade ago.
“The highest revenue recorded was RM14.187 billion in 2024. With increased revenue, we can fund major development programmes, including massive infrastructure across the state and free education to accelerate Sarawak’s development,” he said.
However, he stressed that financial strength alone is insufficient.
“The availability of funds alone does not guarantee success without the unity, integrity and resilience of all Sarawakians at every level,” he said.
On a personal note, Abang Johari apologised to the Chinese community for not making Chinese New Year visits this year following the recent passing of his late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
He concluded by wishing the Chinese community a Happy Lunar New Year.
“May the Year of the Horse bring success, happiness and prosperity to all of us. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Xin Nian Kuai Le!” he said.
