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BINTULU, SARAWAK – OCI Holdings, a leading South Korean energy and chemical company, is taking a significant step to enhance the efficiency of its polysilicon manufacturing plant at Samalaju Industrial Park by involving local experts in its management. This initiative aims to strengthen Sarawak’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain while fostering a highly skilled workforce in the state.
Commitment to Local Expertise and Workforce Development
OCI Holdings Chairman, Lee Woo Hyun, emphasized the company’s commitment to working closely with local engineers and scientists to enhance technical capabilities. He highlighted the need for intensive training programs to cultivate top-tier talent for the semiconductor industry.
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“We will work closely with local experts to obtain technical support and provide intensive training to workers, especially engineers and scientists. We need as many skilled and quality talents as possible, as it takes time for them to reach the desired level of excellence,” Lee stated.
His remarks were made during a courtesy visit to Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching on Wednesday. Also present were Sarawak Energy Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, and OCI Malaysia Sdn Bhd (OCIM) Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dr. Anas Alam Faizli.
Strengthening Collaboration with Sarawak Government
According to Lee, the visit aimed to secure policy support from the Sarawak government, particularly in strengthening collaboration between OCI Holdings and the state.
“This is the first time that a Korean company (OCI Holdings) and a Japanese company (Tokuyama Corporation) have joined forces to develop a polysilicon plant in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak. The unwavering support from the Premier of Sarawak since our arrival eight years ago has been instrumental in our success. He has pledged continued support to ensure this investment benefits Sarawak’s economy,” Lee added.
Expanding Polysilicon Production Capacity
The Samalaju polysilicon plant was initially owned by Tokuyama Corporation before OCI Holdings fully acquired it in 2017. Since then, OCI Holdings has made significant investments to boost polysilicon production capacity.
OCI Holdings is recognized for its expertise in polycrystalline silicon, hydrogen peroxide, and other chemicals. The company has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding polysilicon production in Sarawak for photovoltaic use. It has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tokuyama Corporation to establish a semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant with an annual production capacity of 11,000 metric tons at Samalaju Industrial Park.
With continuous investment and strategic partnerships, OCI Holdings aims to solidify Sarawak’s position as a key hub in the global semiconductor supply chain, bringing long-term economic benefits to the region.