Latest news with #OCITerraSus
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
OTSM launches RM2 bln polysilicon plant construction in Bintulu, eyes 2029 operations
Abang Johari (centre) and other dignitaries officiate the groundbreaking ceremony for the OTSM plant. SAMALAJU (July 16): OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) has officially launched the construction of its RM2 billion semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant at the Samalaju Industrial Park, marking a major milestone in Sarawak's industrialisation push. The facility, spanning 13.7 hectares, will have an annual production capacity of 8,000 metric tonnes of high-purity polysilicon for the semiconductor industry, targeting export markets in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Operations are expected to commence in 2029. Construction is set to begin in the third quarter of this year, with mechanical completion projected for the first quarter of 2027. OTSM is a 50:50 joint venture between South Korea's OCI TerraSus Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of OCI Holdings, and Japan's Tokuyama Corporation. The project is expected to create around 200 high-value jobs, contributing to Sarawak's economic growth and the development of its technical workforce. This marks OCI TerraSus' second major investment in Sarawak, following the launch of its joint venture with Kumho P&B Chemicals – OCI Kumho – to produce epichlorohydrin (ECH), a key component in epoxy resins and water treatment chemicals. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the signing of a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between OCI TerraSus and Syarikat Sesco Berhad, the operations and retail arm of Sarawak Energy. Under the agreement, the new plant will receive 80 megawatts of power from Sarawak Energy for a 10-year period starting in 2029. OCI Holdings and OCI TerraSus Chairman Lee WooHyun said the joint venture between OCI TerraSus and Tokuyama was especially meaningful, bringing together industrial powerhouses from Korea and Japan in a rare international collaboration. 'It is a powerful reflection of our strong confidence in Sarawak as a strategic investment destination. 'We believe this plant is more than just a physical structure, it is a symbol of what can be achieved when vision, values, and partnerships align. 'It stands as a model for innovation, sustainability, and meaningful local impact,' he said. Lee said the investment also reflects confidence in Sarawak's leadership, stability, and long-term vision under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. 'We are confident that our OTSM plant will play a pivotal role in achieving this vision by creating high-quality jobs and transferring global best practices. 'We are grateful to the Sarawak Government and Sarawak Energy Berhad for creating an ecosystem that welcomes responsible industrial growth. 'Their strategic policies and renewable energy infrastructure are key enablers of this international partnership,' he said. He also emphasised the importance of developing a skilled local workforce, highlighting institutions such as Centexs and the Sarawak Skills Development Centre as key partners. 'OCI TerraSus is proud to deepen our roots in Sarawak. This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in people, in innovation, and in a shared future built on sustainability and trust,' Lee added. In a recorded message, Tokuyama Corporation President Hiroshi Yokota said the project would further strengthen Sarawak's role in the global semiconductor supply chain. 'With the seasoned technical expertise and experience of OCI and Tokuyama, along with the support of the Sarawak state government, the region's talented workforce, and competitive energy source, we will be able to produce high-quality products consistently,' he said. lead OTSM polysilicon plant Samalaju Semiconductor
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak committed to becoming major high-tech player powered by clean, sustainable energy
Abang Johari (centre) witnesses the exchange of documents for the 10-year Power Purchase Agreement between OCI TerraSus and Syarikat Sesco Berhad. BINTULU (July 16): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to becoming a major player in high-tech industries, particularly the semiconductor sector, while embracing clean and sustainable energy to power the state's industrial transformation. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) at Samalaju Industrial Park today, Abang Johari congratulated both OCI TerraSus and Tokuyama Corporation for choosing Sarawak as the location for their strategic investment. 'This marks a significant milestone in advancing high technology industrial development in the region. It also reflects our commitment to sustainable partnerships that will power the future,' he said. Abang Johari described the ceremony as a strong testament to investor confidence in Sarawak's political stability, robust infrastructure, and long-term vision. He noted that the plant further solidifies Sarawak's reputation as a trusted and strategic destination for sustainable, high-tech investments. He highlighted that semiconductors are at the heart of the modern digital economy and said this investment strengthens Sarawak's position in the global semiconductor value chain. 'With this investment, Sarawak moves one step closer to becoming an advanced technology manufacturing hub in the region,' said Abang Johari, adding that it aligns with the state's semiconductor strategic framework, which aims to attract investments across the entire value chain. He also linked the investment to OCI Terasus' earlier collaboration with Korea's Kumho P&B Chemicals for epichlorohydrin (ECH) production, saying it sends a clear signal that long-term investors continue to find value in Sarawak's thriving industrial ecosystem. Abang Johari also elaborated on the vital role of materials such as wafers. 'Based on our observation, semiconductor is a very fast-growing industry, it is based on the latest technology and also the material value chain in producing the product that is needed in the semiconductor industry. 'This material plant I hope will also produce electronics such as wafers that are very important in manufacturing electronics and also high communicating devices including satellites,' he said. The Premier pointed out the Sarawak government is also forming its own semiconductor manufacturing firm. The initiative includes a partnership with an academy in Cardiff, Wales, where a Sarawak-funded research lab is developing a scalable AI power chip. 'We hope that by the end of the year, we will be able to register international intellectual property (IP) on this AI power chip,' he said, adding that this is part of Sarawak's roadmap to become a serious contender in the global semiconductor industry. The Premier also underscored Sarawak's commitment to green energy and sustainable industrial practices, highlighting the state's use of hydro and solar power, with plans to incorporate battery technology to enhance solar reliability. 'What you need is green energy to produce green material. Then you can have certifications that are globally recognised as green products. In the long run, the global economy will demand sustainable, decarbonised solutions,' he noted. He added that Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) prioritises environmental sustainability, with green energy forming the core of its energy policies. The state currently generates 70 per cent of its power from hydropower, with floating solar installations and methane-based green gas energy also in the pipeline. He said to support the workforce needs of this expanding sector, the Sarawak government is offering free tertiary education to all Sarawakians studying in state universities. 'We are working closely with the industry to ensure we produce the right talent to match the rapid global developments,' Abang Johari said. He also shared insights from his recent discussions with global energy players, noting that while nuclear energy is being explored, Sarawak is instead investing in future energy based on hydrogen. 'The hydrogen molecule has the potential to produce cleaner, safer energy, perhaps even better than nuclear, this will all be powered by modern devices, including artificial intelligence,' he stated. Among those present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and OCI Holdings and OCI TerraSus chairman Lee Woo Hyun.
Korea Herald
20-03-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
OCI Holdings to invest $265m in new Texas production plant
OCI Holdings, a South Korean chemical and renewable energy company, announced Thursday that it will build an independent solar cell production plant at its US subsidiary, Mission Solar Energy, in Texas. The $265 million facility is set to begin commercial production of 1 gigawatt cells in early 2026, with plans to expand to 2GW by the end of the year. The initiative aims to strengthen the company's competitiveness in the US market, as US tariff policies against China have raised market uncertainties. The project will establish a fully independent supply chain using OCI TerraSus polysilicon, which is produced in Malaysia with eco-friendly hydropower and complies with RE100 standards and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. With the US facing a 90 percent solar cell supply shortage, OCI's production is expected to meet strong market demand. The facility will also benefit from Inflation Reduction Act incentives, including a $0.04 per watt Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit and a 10 percent Investment Tax Credit for projects using US-made components. 'This marks the beginning of US-produced solar cells made with OCI TerraSus polysilicon,' said Lee Woo-hyun, chairman of OCI Holdings. 'This project will further strengthen our US solar value chain.'
