KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak is working with South Korea to develop advanced sunlight-powered energy conversion and semiconductor wafer technology in Bintulu, with the project expected to create opportunities for 500 Sarawakian engineers.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the collaboration would also focus on developing local talent through training and internship programmes involving universities, including Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
He said the initiative is part of Sarawak’s efforts to prepare its workforce for emerging industries and new economic opportunities.
“The company will work together with universities, including Swinburne, to train them through what is known as an internship programme.
“Once they complete their studies, they can be absorbed into the company as engineering talent involved in the production of the chips,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Youth Week 2026 celebration here today.
Abang Johari said the project had already begun, with its building under construction and development expected to be completed within three years, by 2029.
He said the Korean company is seeking local talent, particularly engineers, to support its operations.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said the Bintulu project involved a testbed for developing technology that could split sunlight into different components to generate energy for use in satellites.
He described the initiative as potentially being the first of its kind in the world to be developed in Bintulu.
“The light from the sun can be split because it contains many components, and this can be used to generate energy for satellites.
“Satellites do not have electricity, so the chips inside the satellites can use sunlight, split it and convert it into energy,” he said.
Abang Johari said the project was expected to be successfully developed within the next three years, further strengthening Bintulu’s position as an emerging hub for low-carbon industries.
With Bintulu had been recognised by the World Economic Forum as a new low-carbon industrial cluster, he said Sarawak plays an important role in the transformation of the global economy.
He also highlighted the growing demand for engineers arising from major investments in Sarawak, with another significant development involving Western Digital’s expansion in Kuching.
He said the initiative is part of Sarawak’s efforts to prepare its workforce for emerging industries and new economic opportunities.
“The company will work together with universities, including Swinburne, to train them through what is known as an internship programme.
“Once they complete their studies, they can be absorbed into the company as engineering talent involved in the production of the chips,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Youth Week 2026 celebration here today.
Abang Johari said the project had already begun, with its building under construction and development expected to be completed within three years, by 2029.
He said the Korean company is seeking local talent, particularly engineers, to support its operations.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said the Bintulu project involved a testbed for developing technology that could split sunlight into different components to generate energy for use in satellites.
He described the initiative as potentially being the first of its kind in the world to be developed in Bintulu.
“The light from the sun can be split because it contains many components, and this can be used to generate energy for satellites.
“Satellites do not have electricity, so the chips inside the satellites can use sunlight, split it and convert it into energy,” he said.
Abang Johari said the project was expected to be successfully developed within the next three years, further strengthening Bintulu’s position as an emerging hub for low-carbon industries.
With Bintulu had been recognised by the World Economic Forum as a new low-carbon industrial cluster, he said Sarawak plays an important role in the transformation of the global economy.
He also highlighted the growing demand for engineers arising from major investments in Sarawak, with another significant development involving Western Digital’s expansion in Kuching.