KUCHING: Sarawak is now firmly on track to develop a complete semiconductor ecosystem by 2030, complimented by the implementation of the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030.
Chairman of SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, said the roadmap is built on three key principles: leveraging Sarawak’s existing strengths, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and being driven by global market demand.
“This roadmap is built upon the ‘Beyond Moore’s Law Roadmap’ by SMD, which serves as the foundation for the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030.
“It aligns with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and other state plans such as the Energy Transition Roadmap, Gas Roadmap, and Digital Economy Action Plan,” he added.
He stressed that with this roadmap, the state will be moving towards a complete semiconductor ecosystem by 2030, reinforced by talent development through 10 strategic measures.
“Through this roadmap, Sarawak positions itself as a regional gateway for semiconductors, tapping into Asia’s rapidly growing demand in electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, renewable energy, aerospace, and consumer electronics,” he said.
Wan Lizozman stated this during a press conference after a briefing on the outcomes of the SMD Semiconductor Lab to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
According to the Sarawak Financial Secretary, the roadmap targets a contribution of RM30 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in line with Sarawak GDP target of RM282 billion by 2030; growth of the manufacturing sector from RM35 billion to RM82 billion; the creation of 3,000 high-skilled jobs in the semiconductor sector; and attracting RM2 billion in new semiconductor-related investments.
He explained that the implementation of the roadmap will be anchored on 14 strategic pillars and around 34 projects and initiatives under four focus areas: industrial value chain, talent ecosystem, innovation, R&D technology leadership, and sustainability.
Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor’s Chief Executive Officer, Shariman Jamil, stressed that the roadmap has now entered its second phase, after the successful completion of the first phase which focused on fundamentals and talent development over the past two years.
“We are no longer at the study stage when SMD was established two years ago. At that time, we had already started laying the foundation and creating talent pipelines.
“Now, the roadmap has entered the second phase, and will later move into the third phase. So, we are actively advancing in this journey over the next five to six years,” he said.
