The official opening of Tokuyama’s polycrystalline silicon plant at Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) in SCORE was held on 17th September 2013. The significance of this event was reinforced by the impressive list of dignitaries in attendance.
Sarawak governor Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud, founding chairman of RECODA the agency tasked with managing SCORE and the architect of the SCORE concept led a large of group of state and federal representatives many of whom were making their first visit to SCORE.
It was Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud who first suggested using hydropower to form the foundations of an economic zone that could quickly and effectively improve the quality of life of rural communities. Communities that would, without such investment and development have otherwise continued to lead a very poor existence.
Tokuyama was quick to appreciate the vision of Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud and the firm was the first foreign investor in SCORE. The silicon manufactured at Tokuyama’s polycrystalline silicon plant is used mainly as raw material for solar panels. It can also be used for components in televisions, radios, and computers.
Tokuyama has been around for almost 100 years and is a well diversified business. In addition to its polycrystalline silicon plant, Tokuyama also has interests in other industries such as chemicals, cement, and medical equipment.
The construction of the Tokuyama plant required over 10,000 full and part time jobs and now the plant is operational another 1,000 full time jobs have been created. Tokuyama’s investment in Sarawak SCORE is currently RM9 billion and is expected to reach RM14 billion by 2020.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said at the launch that Tokuyama’s confidence in Samalaju Industrial Park was a tremendous boost for the State and will act as a catalyst to attract more Japanese and other investors to SCORE.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud officiated the ceremony and he was accompanied by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, senior representatives of the government and Datuk Azman Mahmud, CEO of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). Tokuyama Corporation Japan president Dato Sri Kazuhisa Kogo, and other senior officials represented Tokuyama.