KUCHING: Sarawak will host the 38th International Conference on Microelectronics (ICM 2026), bringing more than 300 international delegates to Kuching this December.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the conference would strengthen Sarawak’s ambitions in technology, innovation and semiconductors.
“Microelectronics powers almost everything around us, and for Sarawak to remain competitive, we must not only keep up with technology but build the talent, research and industry partnerships to create it ourselves.”
He said this during the press conference on ICM 2026 here on Tuesday (Sept 1).
“The conference will be held from Dec 7 to Dec 10 at the Borneo Cultures Museum, bringing together researchers, engineers, academics and industry professionals.”
Sagah said hosting ICM 2026 would bring global knowledge, expertise and discussions in microelectronics directly to Sarawak as the state expands technological capabilities.
Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, Sarawak has set an ambition to become a high-income and developed state by 2030.
He said achieving that ambition required continued investment in people and industries capable of creating higher-value opportunities for Sarawakians through innovation, technology and specialised expertise.
“By bringing the international conference to Sarawak, we connect our professionals and young talent directly with global expertise, creating opportunities to learn, collaborate and turn knowledge into real opportunities for Sarawak.”
ICM 2026 is expected to generate approximately RM2.5 million in total estimated economic impact for Sarawak.
However, Sagah said the greater opportunity lay in developing stronger talent, new knowledge, international partnerships and research collaboration for Sarawak’s technology sectors.
He said these outcomes could contribute to the long-term development of the state’s electronics and technology industries while strengthening international connections.
“This is the long-term impact we want from international conferences hosted in Sarawak,” he said, while congratulating the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Circuits and Systems Society.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak is supporting ICM 2026 alongside Business Events Sarawak, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Universiti Putra Malaysia and industry partners.
Other supporting partners include Sarawak Microelectronics Design Semiconductor Sdn Bhd and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
The Academy of Sciences Malaysia is participating as ICM 2026’s Science and Technology Partner.
