KOTA SAMARAHAN: Ten participants were celebrated upon completing the first cohort of the CENTEXS-SMD Digital IC Design Semiconductor Mastery Programme, marking a milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen its semiconductor talent pipeline.
SMD Semiconductor Chairman and Sarawak State Financial Secretary, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, said the programme formed part of Sarawak’s broader Semiconductor Mastery initiatives, building on earlier efforts in analogue IC design and IC test solutions.
He said the digital IC design track strengthened a critical segment of talent development, supporting innovation, design capability and intellectual property growth within the state.
“To the graduates, what you have completed is not a short course or casual exposure. You have gone through structured, hands-on training that mirrors real semiconductor design work.
“The skills you have acquired are relevant, in demand and aligned with where the industry is heading. As you move forward, remember that the semiconductor industry rewards those who continue learning.
“Today is not a finish line – it is a strong starting point,” he said during the Token of Completion Ceremony for the CENTEXS-SMD Digital IC Design Semiconductor Mastery Programme (Cohort 1) at SMD Academy here today (Jan 23).
Wan Lizozman said the graduation of the first cohort set a benchmark for future participants and reflected Sarawak’s ambition to compete regionally and globally in high-value technology sectors.
He said the five-month programme demonstrated a deliberate approach to talent development through alignment between government policy, industry leadership and institutional delivery.
“This ceremony represents more than the completion of a single training programme. It reflects how Sarawak is deliberately building its semiconductor talent base.
“This is an important milestone in Sarawak’s journey to build a credible and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem,” he added.
He said continued support for industry-led initiatives sent a clear signal on the state’s priorities in developing high-value, future-ready talent.
“This support shows that developing future-ready talent is a strategic priority for Sarawak,” he said.
