By Shikin Louis & Chris Bishop
KOTA SAMARAHAN, June 26: Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor Sdn Bhd has been granted a 10-acre plot of land in the Samajaya Free Industrial Zone by the government, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this would assist SMD to expand its semiconductor operations, addressing the increasing importance of advanced chip packaging technologies for high performance semiconductor chips.
“This strategic move will enable SMD to collaborate with private investors and partners, fostering development in rapidly growing markets such as in artificial intelligence (AI) and the automotive sectors.
“The advanced chip packaging will spin-off new research and development (R&D) opportunities such as system design, chiplet design and package design that will create a new high value job opportunities for local industry,” he said during the launch of SMD Design Centre and SMD Academy held at HSL Tower, La Promenade 2 here today.
Abang Johari further explained that it is important for Sarawak to have a pool of engineers that can study space signal communication and develop the semiconductor industry, adding that chips can make up an integrated circuit for storing data.
He cited a book titled Chip War which tells the story of chips being the world’s critical resource and world leaders trying to use this technology to control data.
“As far as Melexis and XFAB are concerned, they are producing analog chips–where you can send signals. For instance, if you want to open your car, you just click the sensor and the car opens. I was told there are 150 chips in one car.
“However, we may no longer use combustion engines because we are transitioning to hydrogen. In other words, there will be a change in chips manufacturing because of the change in technology.
“That is why we need to have this SMD Academy in order to keep abreast with the change in the production of chips and also in the way they store data,” he elaborated.
As Sarawak aims to generate 10 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 as ‘102030’ goal, Abang Johari further hoped that Sarawak could design chips that can control power remotely and calculate power generation.
He also shared his dream of the possibility of Sarawak producing its own satellite through the development of semiconductor industry.
“I have indicated to (SMD chief executive officer Shariman Jamil) just now that firstly, we have the power advantage and secondly, we are in the equatorial area where satellites can only be launched near the equator.
“So if we have satellite chips, we would be able to produce a satellite made in Sarawak and launch it to the orbit,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; and Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development II (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Harden Hollis. — DayakDaily
