Awang Tengah (right) during the meeting with Ardian in Paris.

KUCHING (May 7): Sarawak has taken a significant step towards advancing its semiconductor and green hydrogen ambitions following a high-level meeting with global private investment firm Ardian in Paris, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

The Deputy Premier said the discussions aim to explore potential collaborations that will accelerate the state’s industrial development.

He highlighted Sarawak’s strengths in renewable energy, particularly its estimated 20-gigawatt hydroelectric potential, as well as the state’s growing semiconductor ecosystem supported by strategic state initiatives.

“These include ongoing collaborations with international partners such as CSA Catapult in the United Kingdom. I am confident that Ardian’s expertise in scaling ventures in semiconductors and clean hydrogen aligns well with Sarawak’s aspirations to establish a diversified, high-value industrial base.

“We see clear opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and ecosystem development that will accelerate our industrial transformation,” he said this after leading a Sarawak delegation during the meeting.

One of the key outcomes of the engagement was Ardian’s commitment to conduct further due diligence on Sarawak’s emerging ventures in both the semiconductor and green hydrogen sectors.

The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration with InvestSarawak to identify investable companies and support the development of downstream ecosystems and local SMEs.

The Sarawak delegation included State Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Advisor to State Ministry of ​International Trade, Industry and Investment, Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais; and InvestSarawak CEO Timothy Ong.

Representing Ardian were Hy24 Chief Investment Officer, Amir Sharifi and Ardian’s Semiconductor Fund director Basile Thodoroff.