KUCHING: Companies from Peninsular Malaysia in healthcare, urban development, semiconductors and related industries are exploring collaboration and investment opportunities in Sarawak following a one-day delegation visit hosted by InvestSarawak on Thursday.
The delegation, which included former Malaysia Health director-general, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, CREST leadership and senior industry figures, held strategic discussions with Sarawak ministries, agencies and ecosystem players, signalling sustained interest in the state’s key growth sectors.
The visit focused on strategic areas including digital health, urban regeneration, advanced manufacturing and food security.
Participating organisations such as UCSI Healthcare, Cnergenz Bhd and Think City joined discussions to deepen linkages between the Peninsular industry ecosystem and Sarawak’s development priorities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, welcomed the engagement, noting that Sarawak is looking for serious, long-term partnerships.
“This visit reflects growing interest from Peninsular Malaysia’s industry players in Sarawak’s opportunities across healthcare, urban development, semiconductors, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the alignment between the delegation’s expertise and the state’s vision.
“The range of expertise represented in this delegation is relevant to where Sarawak wants to go.
“Our values guide Sarawak’s growth and policymaking, and it is important to pass on the right values to the next generation in pursuit of nation-building,” Dr. Sim added.
The itinerary included engagements with the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC), the Clinical Research Centre, and a Think City-led session involving local authorities including Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the Bintulu Development Authority.
Delegates noted Sarawak’s potential to emerge as a high-value technology hub, supported by policy clarity and access to sustainable energy.
Areas of interest included the semiconductor value chain, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-value timber applications.
Meanwhile, InvestSarawak Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Ong, stated that the follow-up engagement builds on momentum from an earlier visit in January.
“InvestSarawak is pleased to support these discussions and help connect companies and ecosystem players with the relevant stakeholders in Sarawak,” Ong said.
The delegation also engaged with key state agencies such as the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), and SMD Semiconductor to explore long-term talent development and ecosystem support.
