Sarawak Premier: SMD semiconductor partners Melexis to boost microchip industry
09 Nov 2022
SMD Semiconductor will embark on a transformational journey to increase and improve the design as well as the supply of integrated circuits or microchips in Sarawak via its partnership with Belgium-based Melexis NV (Melexis).
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the collaboration will result in fruitful outcomes as Sarawak is embracing green digital technology as it seeks to build a sustainable economy, which is an area related to the semiconductor industry.
“With the vast changes in technology, chip designs are also changing based on demand. SMD is to provide chipmaker Melexis with designs and at the same time, we will be engaging with professionals for chip design,” he told a press conference after launching SMD Semiconductor, also known as Sarawak Microelectronics Design, at Tegas Digital Village here today.
He said local talents are welcomed to participate in the semiconductor industry which can generate high-income job opportunities in line with the state government’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
SMD Semiconductor, a wholly-owned entity of the Sarawak State Government incorporated via the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), aims to be the catalyst to position the state as the primary destination for the semiconductor industry and a strategic chip design partner in Asia Pacific.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari welcomed Melexis’ plan to partner with technical institutions and universities in Sarawak to shape a new curriculum on semiconductors for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, apart from industry certifications.
He said this initiative will enable local graduates to acquire the necessary skills to be semiconductor professionals.
“The industry-academia platform can also promote industry-driven research collaboration in areas relevant to the semiconductor industry,” he said.
Source: Bernama
