SARAWAK Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will lead a state delegation to the United Kingdom next week to advance strategic partnerships in the semiconductor industry, with further engagements planned in France and the United Arab Emirates.
According to a statement from the Premier’s Office, the visit will include a stop at the CSA Catapult Innovation Centre in Newport on Tuesday (April 29), where the Sarawak Government—via SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd—will exchange partnership agreement documents with UK-based CSA Catapult, Silicon Catalyst and 5G3i Ltd.
“CSA Catapult is the UK's authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation, while Silicon Catalyst is a key semiconductor incubator, and 5G3i Ltd is a leading circuit-level artificial intelligence solutions provider in the UK,” the statement said.
During the visit, SMD Semiconductor chairman and Sarawak Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Wanlizozman Haji Wan Omar will brief UK semiconductor industry leaders on the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030.
The programme will conclude with a networking luncheon attended by representatives from the English, Scottish and Northern Irish governments, aimed at deepening bilateral ties and promoting compound semiconductor development.
On April 30, the delegation will visit the Cambridge University Press and Assessment, followed by a roundtable discussion with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on 1 May. A memorandum of understanding will be exchanged between LSE and the Sarawak Government at the end of the session.
Later that day, Abang Johari will meet with officials from the International Hydropower Association and Global Renewable Alliances to expand collaboration with Sarawak, a key hydropower contributor in the ASEAN region.
On May 2, the Premier will deliver a keynote address to UK industry leaders, promoting investment in Sarawak’s renewable and sustainable industries.
The delegation will also meet with Malaysian students studying in the UK on May 3, where Abang Johari will share updates on Sarawak’s development initiatives and engage in a dialogue session.
The working trip continues with a visit to Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, before the delegation flies to Abu Dhabi for meetings with the port authority and a tour of Zayed International Airport.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and several state ministers and deputy ministers will accompany Abang Johari on the overseas engagements. - April 27, 2025
