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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 14: Sarawak need at least 500 chip designers to be employed in the State to fuel the high-technology industry.
Highlighting this, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscored the significance of training talents to adapt to the transition and new developments towards green and new economy in sectors such as automotive, maritime and healthcare.
He noted that chips are integral components of the electronic industry and play a vital role in data storage as well.
“Companies like X-Fab and Melexis are at the forefront of transforming the automotive industry from fossil fuel to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. As the automotive industry evolves, new chip designs will be necessary to meet the specific requirements of these vehicles.
“I had the opportunity to witness a China-made EV (electric vehicle) yesterday (June 13), and it became evident that various new components, including chips, will be required to support its electronic systems,” he said before witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exchange ceremony for Sarawak Digital Economy Transformation: Talent Development in Semiconductors and Chip Design held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MIETD) through Sarawak Micoelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor has partnered with Centexs, Sarawak Skills, Melexis from Belgium, X-Fab (Sarawak) from Germany, and Cadence from the United States to develop human capital and foster local talent in the field of semiconductors and chip design.
Abang Johari pointed out that the transition to renewable or green energy in the maritime sector also demands new chip technologies to accommodate the changing needs of ships.
Additionally, he mentioned that many medical equipment manufacturers, including Siemens, are adopting green products that require chips for their functionality.
With that, the Premier stressed that X-Fab and other industry stakeholders must explore innovative chip designs to meet the evolving requirements of various sectors.
“Sarawak’s commitment is highlighted by the signing of this MOU aimed at training young Sarawakians and Malaysians in high technology, particularly in the renewable energy sector, including manufacturing.
“Sarawak aims to equip our workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in these emerging sectors,” he said.
Abang Johari commended Sarawak Semiconductor and the MEITD for their efforts in establishing a network to train Sarawakian and Malaysian children in high technology.
“This initiative will enable them to become proficient in and manage the new fields as Sarawak transitions to the new economy,” he added.
According to a media releaase, the Sarawak Digital Economy Transformation: Talent Development in Semiconductors and Chip Design programme will be launched by MEITD in September with the first pilot project ‘Train-the-Trainer’ is scheduled to commence in the same month, with four courses will be offered: Integrated Circuit (IC) Design, IC Layout, Wafer Testing and Wafer Fabrication.
It aims to train 44 graduates in IC design annually, 44 graduates in wafer fabrication, 10 graduates in wafer testing, and eventually select five candidates for Masters or PhD programmes.
The programme target includes hiring 220 IC design graduates, 220 wafer fabrication graduates and 50 wafer test engineers within five years, as well as having 10 Masters or PhD graduates, joining the engineering workforce in IC design.
MIETD Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister of Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid were present. — DayakDaily
