By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 22: SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, the United Kingdom’s University of Bristol and Yayasan Sarawak will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen semiconductor research, technology and talent development in Sarawak.
The MoU will be formalised during a courtesy visit to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, on Feb 4.
According to a press release by SMD Semiconductor, the collaboration will focus on compound semiconductors, advanced materials and developing industry-ready talent for Sarawak’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
“Following the visit, SMD will host an engagement session on Feb 5 with higher learning institutions, technical institutions and government agencies to promote knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
“The session will also be attended by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn,” it said.
The collaboration comes as SMD continues to focus on local talent development, with the Token of Completion Ceremony for the first cohort of the SMD Semiconductor–CENTEXS Digital IC Design Semiconductor Mastery Programme taking place on Jan 23 at SMD Academy. The programme produces industry-ready semiconductor professionals in advanced digital IC design.
SMD will also participate in the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 from Jan 27–29 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), where chief executive officer (CEO) Shariman Jamil will speak on compound semiconductors and space technologies for aerospace applications.
Looking further ahead, SMD will also be part of Sarawak’s multi-agency delegation to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026 from March 2 to 5, aimed at showcasing the State’s digital initiatives, advanced technologies and investment priorities on a global platform.
Shariman said the series of engagements, including the courtesy visit to the Premier, reflect Sarawak’s shift from planning to implementation in developing its semiconductor sector.
“From developing industry-ready IC design talent to strengthening international research collaboration, our priority is to build real capabilities that will sustain Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions over the long term.
“The Token of Completion Ceremony, the engagement with the University of Bristol and the courtesy visit to the Premier collectively signal how Sarawak is moving decisively from planning to implementation — building talent, advancing technology and positioning the State as a trusted node in the global semiconductor value chain,” he said. – DayakDaily
