KUCHING: Sarawak is moving towards developing its own semiconductor ecosystem through the commercialisation of locally designed semiconductor chips for renewable energy and intelligent infrastructure applications.
SMD Semiconductor formalised a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based Photovoltaic Foundry Pte Ltd and China-based Jiangsu Linyang Energy Co Ltd to collaborate on semiconductor innovation, energy technologies and digital infrastructure solutions.
Chairman Datuk Seri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said the collaboration marks a significant milestone in Sarawak’s push to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor and intelligent infrastructure value chain, while supporting the state’s transition towards a high-technology and innovation-driven economy.
“Under the partnership, SMD Semiconductor is developing semiconductor chips for next-generation solar inverters, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), smart metering technologies, and intelligent infrastructure systems.
“The initiative is expected to create a pathway for Sarawak-developed semiconductor technologies to move beyond research and development into commercial and industrial applications, including the deployment of locally developed equipment embedded with SMD Semiconductor’s proprietary chip technologies.
“The collaboration also supports the development of large-scale and rooftop solar projects as part of Sarawak’s broader agenda to strengthen its role as a regional green energy hub,” he said during a press conference after the MoU signing between the three parties.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was present to witness the signing ceremony and the exchange of documents at Dewan Sri Sarawak, DUN Complex, this afternoon.
Wan Lizozman said the collaboration is not only aimed at serving the Sarawak market but also regional and global markets moving forward.
Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor’s Chief Executive Officer, Shariman Jamil, clarified that the company operates as a fab-less semiconductor company focused on chip design and intellectual property development rather than manufacturing fabrication plants.
The company said chip fabrication is currently carried out through collaboration with X-FAB in Samajaya, Kuching.
“We are doing chip design, and our focus is designing intellectual properties.
“So, the chips will be produced under our intellectual properties registration. That’s our core business at SMD Semiconductor,” he added.
Shariman further noted that the company is now moving a step further by integrating its semiconductor chips into products developed together with its partners for deployment in both local and international markets.
He said collaboration may also pave the way for future discussions on establishing smart meter production capabilities in Sarawak.
