By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 30: A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart chip developed by Sarawak-based SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd (SMD) has been identified as a potential game-changer in transforming global energy grid systems and the automotive industry.
In a TVS news report, SMD chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the company’s Edge AI Power Converter represents a disruptive innovation capable of addressing critical challenges, including power supply instability, high energy consumption, and inefficiencies in electric motor systems.
“This technology is particularly vital for the automotive and renewable energy sectors. It plays a key role in making our grid systems more stable and resilient and is applicable across all motor drive systems.
“Currently, motors account for at least 50 per cent of the world’s total energy consumption. If we can introduce a new, innovative solution that significantly reduces energy usage, then that’s precisely the kind of disruptive technology the world has been waiting for,” he said during the pre-launch of the Edge AI Power Converter—branded as KETEQ AI—at CSA Catapult in Cardiff, Wales on Tuesday (April 29).
He noted that SMD’s core advantage lies in its ability to embed AI capabilities directly into the chip itself, rather than relying solely on external system-level integration—giving it a competitive edge over other industry players.
Shariman also linked the urgency of this innovation to the ongoing energy crises faced by several developed nations, such as Spain and Portugal, which have experienced major electricity supply disruptions.
“These outages result in losses amounting to millions of US dollars daily. The situation in parts of Europe underscores the need for a new generation of grid technologies that are more robust and resilient. That’s exactly what we are working on,” he emphasised.
The chip is currently in its early development phase, with SMD projecting a one- to two-year timeline before it is fully ready for commercialisation. Target markets include the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.
SMD remains optimistic that this breakthrough will unlock new markets, drive economic growth, and create high-value talent opportunities in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
