By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 5: Sarawak today unveiled keteq.GaN, its first locally designed gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor chip, marking a major milestone in the State’s high-tech ambitions.
Developed by Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, the chip was launched by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
In his speech, Abang Johari said the development of gallium nitride-based semiconductor technology is one example of the Sarawak’s presence in the industry, with locally developed technology being applied in intelligent power-conversion systems.
“The opportunity to move from semiconductor and chip design into practical applications, creating opportunities for Sarawak to participate more meaningfully in value chains that extend well beyond semiconductors themselves – supporting the development of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, energy technologies and, increasingly, aerospace and space-related applications,” he stated.
According to a press release issued during the event, keteq.GaN carries the message “Designed in Sarawak. Built for the World.” and is developed for next-generation power electronics, with applications spanning AI infrastructure, renewable energy, battery energy storage systems, smart grids and future solid-state transformers.
The launch comes four years after SMD Semiconductor was established in 2022, marking its progression from building semiconductor capabilities to developing its own GaN technology and intellectual property (IP).
Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman, who is the SMD Semiconductor chairman, said the next step was to move the technology beyond the design stage and into real applications.
“keteq.GaN is an important step for SMD, but what matters now is what we do with that capability. We want to see technology developed here move beyond the design stage and find its place in real applications, creating value not only for SMD, but also for Sarawak’s wider semiconductor industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer (CEO) Shariman Jamil said the chip was developed for applications where power efficiency and power management are increasingly important.
“When we started developing keteq.GaN, the objective was not simply to design a semiconductor and stop there.
“We were looking at where the technology could make a difference, particularly in applications where power efficiency and power management are becoming increasingly important, and how it could eventually be integrated into real power systems and products.
“That is why we are looking at applications such as AI power, renewable energy, battery energy storage, smart grids and future solid-state transformers,” he said.
In collaboration with the Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) Hong Kong and Gobi Partners, SMD Semiconductor also held an engagement session with industry stakeholders to explore potential collaborations and strengthen Sarawak’s semiconductor and foundry ecosystem. — DayakDaily
