By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 30: Sarawak is poised to emerge as a global powerhouse in smart chip innovation, thanks to a landmark cross-continental collaboration between SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd (SMD) and the UK’s CSA Catapult, alongside key partners in the United Kingdom’s semiconductor ecosystem including Silicon Catalyst UK and 53Gi (Weeteq).
According to a news report by TVS, this partnership will drive the development of Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based smart chip technology and artificial intelligence (AI), with the goal of creating a more sustainable semiconductor supply chain.
SMD Semiconductor chairman Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said this collaboration has the potential to transform the semiconductor innovation landscape in Sarawak and the Asean region.
He added that the collaboration will focus on three key innovation pillars, namely the development of Edge AI Power Converter, high-power GaN technology and heterogeneous integration in 2.5D and 3D chip packaging.
“The chips developed will be smaller, cooler and more powerful, meeting the needs of future industries such as smart grids, electric mobility and critical automation,” he said.
The partnership also aims to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem for research and development (R&D) and manufacturing between Sarawak and the UK.
By combining the UK’s technological innovation strengths and Sarawak’s strategic position in Southeast Asia, both parties aim to establish a more resilient and competitive global semiconductor supply chain.
“This is not just a technology transfer, it is a cross-continental innovation synergy that will create world-class smart chip design and manufacturing capabilities,” said Wan Lizozman.
In addition, the partnership is expected to catalyse foreign direct investment into Sarawak, create thousands of high-value jobs, and bolster the State’s aspirations to become a leading semiconductor hub in Asean.
Wan Lizozman emphasised that this collaboration marks the beginning of a major change in Malaysia’s technology landscape, with Sarawak poised to become a leader in smart chip innovation and an important hub on the global technology map. – DayakDaily
