THE state is continuing to strengthen its semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem through talent development programmes, strategic academic collaborations and advanced digital initiatives.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn revealed that SMD Semiconductor has continued to enhance Sarawak’s talent pipeline through its Mastery Training Programme.
“Between January and April this year, the Analog IC Design Cohort 3 programme commenced with 12 trainees, while the Digital IC Design Cohort 1 programme concluded with 10 graduates, all of whom successfully secured employment within the industry.
“Building on this success, Analog IC Design Cohort 4 and Digital IC Design Cohort 2 are scheduled to begin this August,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN sitting here today (May 18).
The Tarat assemblyman said a Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between University of Bristol, SMD Semiconductor and Yayasan Sarawak to launch a four-year PhD programme in advanced semiconductor research.
He said, under the collaboration, Yayasan Sarawak will provide full annual sponsorships for three Sarawakian scholars each year to develop high-level expertise for the semiconductor industry.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) is leading AI transformation efforts across the state by integrating specialised AI technologies into key institutions and sectors.
“Among the initiatives implemented are predictive natural product discovery with SBC, protected areas analysis for the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and robotic farming systems for the Department of Agriculture.
“Our digital evolution is exemplified by high-impact AI initiatives, including workflow systems for the Development Bank of Sarawak, the GRIDIA AI S-O-P system with Sarawak Energy, and AI-driven herbarium classification for the Forest Department,” he said.
He added that this has positioned Sarawak as a sovereign AI leader through the development of strategic digital infrastructure such as the Sarawak Cloud, the Sarawak Sovereign AI Platform and an AI Grid in collaboration with SAINS.
“To further expand innovation capabilities, Sarawak is establishing a Quantum AI Research Group and an AI Economics collaboration with University of Cambridge.”
