By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 29: Sarawak’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry takes centre stage as Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg leads a State government delegation on an official working visit to the United Kingdom starting Monday (April 28) to forge strategic collaborations in semiconductor innovation and technology.
According to a TVS news report, Abang Johari was welcomed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and other senior State leaders upon his arrival in Cardiff, Wales, at 7pm local time.
The visit will see the Premier touring the CSA Catapult Innovation Centre in Newport.
During the visit, he will witness the signing of a cooperation agreement between local company SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd and three major UK industry players — CSA Catapult, Silicon Catalyst, and 5G3i Ltd.
The collaboration is seen as a crucial step in strengthening Sarawak’s position in the global semiconductor industry.
It also aligns with the launch of the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030, which will be introduced during a briefing by SMD Semiconductor chairman Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar.
One of the highlights of the visit will be a demonstration of an AI-powered smart converter prototype by SMD Semiconductor, which holds significant potential in sectors such as energy, transportation, heavy industries, as well as critical missions like aerospace, healthcare, and defence.
Besides visiting CSA Catapult, the Premier is also scheduled to hold networking sessions with representatives from the governments of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to strengthen UK-Sarawak strategic ties in high-tech industry development.
The visit also continues the momentum of strategic cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult in April 2024, further opening opportunities for joint technology development and investment.
On May 1, Abang Johari will visit Cambridge University Press and Assessment to explore collaboration in educational assessment and research.
The delegation will also meet with the International Hydropower Association and Global Renewable Alliances to enhance green energy cooperation.
The UK visit will conclude on May 3 with the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) programme with Sarawakian students in the UK and Ireland.
The delegation will then proceed to Toulouse, France to visit the headquarters of Europe’s largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, before heading to Abu Dhabi for port and Zayed International Airport-related visits. — DayakDaily
