September 16, 2026 | Sarawak · Hong Kong · semiconductor · deep tech · SMD Semiconductor · Gobi Partners · venture capital
Asia Economic Research Institute (AERI)
Sarawak is exploring opportunities to deepen strategic collaboration with Hong Kong in investment, semiconductors, deep technology and other frontier technologies, following a meeting in Kuching on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 involving Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, SMD Semiconductor and venture capital firm Gobi Partners.
Readers should note the nature of the engagement: multiple outlets reported that the discussions are exploratory, and that no formal partnership agreement or specific investment commitment has been concluded.
SMD Semiconductor is wholly owned by the Sarawak government through State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.) and is a fabless chip design company focused on analogue and mixed-signal integrated circuits. Its chairman is Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Umar and its chief executive officer is Shariman Jamil.
According to statements carried by the Sarawak government's information service (UKAS) and regional outlets, potential areas of investment collaboration include:
Abang Johari said the engagement could provide a foundation for broader cooperation between Sarawak and Hong Kong.
"We see potential for Sarawak and Hong Kong to build stronger and longer-term cooperation in semiconductors, deep technology and other strategic technologies, while creating opportunities for both sides to participate in the growth of the regional technology economy."
SMD Semiconductor chairman Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Umar said the engagement brought together two ecosystems with complementary strengths.
"Hong Kong has established strengths in finance, capital and innovation, while Sarawak is developing its semiconductor, digital infrastructure and technology capabilities. Bringing these strengths together can open new possibilities for both ecosystems."
Gobi Partners Malaysia managing partner Jamaludin Bujang said Sarawak could leverage the firm's extensive footprint across Asian markets, particularly in the Near East, to access emerging technologies. He noted that Gobi has invested in more than 400 technology companies over the past 24 years and has the backing of several sovereign funds in the region.
SMD chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the company would focus on translating the broader engagement into practical areas of cooperation.
"For SMD, the next step is to identify where our capabilities and those of our potential partners can complement one another, and where we can develop opportunities that have real commercial and strategic value."
The discussions come as Sarawak continues to position itself as an emerging player in the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors, supported by investments in digital infrastructure, talent development and strategic industry partnerships. The state's pitch rests on renewable energy — notably hydropower — alongside its location within ASEAN.
For AERI, which established its Hong Kong branch in 2026, the engagement is a direct illustration of the thesis that Hong Kong's financial and innovation networks and Sarawak's resource and industrial base are structurally complementary. Whether exploratory talks convert into projects remains the question to watch.
Sources: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), "Sarawak Explores Strategic Technology & Investment Collaboration With Hong Kong"; TVSarawak (16 September 2026); Sarawak Tribune; DayakDaily (16 September 2026); Sarawak Daily. Compiled by the Asia Economic Research Institute (AERI).
The Asia Economic Research Institute (AERI) is a think tank dedicated to regional economic research and cooperation in Asia. Since its establishment, the Institute has made promoting sustainable Asian economic development and facilitating regional economic integration its core mission, providing intellectual support and decision-making references for governments, enterprises, and international organizations through high-quality economic research, policy analysis, and academic exchange activities.