KUCHING: SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol are exploring a structured, long-term collaboration to strengthen Sarawak’s compound semiconductor capabilities, in line with the state’s policy direction and industry priorities.
State Financial Secretary, Datuk Seri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, said the collaboration goes beyond conventional academic exchange, positioning it as a capability-building platform that connects research excellence with real industry application.
“The University of Bristol has expressed strong interest in establishing a long-term collaboration with Sarawak, aligned with the state’s policy direction and industry priorities.
“This partnership is designed to translate research excellence into practical outcomes for industry and talent development,” he said in his welcoming address at the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) ceremony involving SMD Semiconductor, University of Bristol and Yayasan Sarawak at Satria Pertiwi Complex here today (Feb 4).
During a courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg earlier, Wan Lizozman, who is also the chairman of SMD Semiconductor, said both parties identified strong alignment in the area of compound semiconductors, particularly gallium nitride (GaN) and gallium oxide, covering new materials, device development, products and advanced technologies, as well as talent empowerment.
He said these technologies are increasingly critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, data centres and smart infrastructure – key sectors being developed under Sarawak’s long-term growth strategy.
Under the proposed collaboration, he said the University of Bristol would serve as the academic and research partner, contributing its internationally recognised expertise, advanced facilities, structured research frameworks and postgraduate programmes.
SMD Semiconductor, meanwhile, would act as the industry anchor to ensure alignment with industry requirements, technology roadmaps and Sarawak’s semiconductor development priorities.
He said that the initiative supports the ‘Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 – Beyond Moore’s Law’, which aligns with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and recognises semiconductors as a strategic foundational industry enabling energy transition, electrification, artificial intelligence and advanced digital infrastructure.
“Semiconductors are a long-cycle, high-discipline industry. Success depends on strong fundamentals, accumulated experience and sustained investment in people. Globally, demand for skilled semiconductor engineers continues to outstrip supply, and Sarawak must position itself early,” he said.
According to the roadmap, Sarawak aims for the semiconductor sector to contribute about RM30 billion to the State’s GDP by 2030, create 3,000 high-skilled jobs, and attract RM2 billion in new semiconductor-related investments.
The chairman added that SMD was established as a technology enabler to implement Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions, providing Sarawakians with opportunities to train to global standards, work on international projects and build sustainable high-value careers locally.
He also said SMD has invited Yayasan Sarawak to participate as a strategic partner, particularly in supporting postgraduate research and advanced skills development, including the proposed sponsorship of Sarawakian PhD candidates in the University of Bristol’s Compound Semiconductor Programme.
“This collaboration represents a practical and strategic step towards building a resilient, knowledge-driven and high-technology economy, as envisioned under PCDS 2030,” he added.
The MoU formalises a strategic tripartite partnership between SMD Semiconductor, the University of Bristol and Yayasan Sarawak, anchoring long-term collaboration in technology development and human capital.
