BRISTOL: Sarawak, through SMD Semiconductor, is exploring strategic collaboration with partners in the United Kingdom to design globally competitive semiconductor chips and satellite systems, as part of plans to launch its first satellite.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move marks a significant step for Sarawak towards becoming a high-value player in the global semiconductor, aerospace and space technology sectors.
He said the initiative will strengthen the state’s focus on satellite utilisation, data analytics and downstream applications with real-world impact, particularly in climate-related areas such as forestry, earth observation, disaster management, carbon tracking and maritime monitoring.
“To support this effort, we are exploring the development and launch of our own Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite with international partners, including the UK, to enhance data capabilities and improve telecommunications infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
“In this regard, the expertise of the University of Bristol in aerospace engineering and satellite technology is highly relevant to Sarawak’s aspirations,” he said during the Sarawak Semiconductor Engagement session co-organised by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol at the NCC on Tuesday (local time).
He added that Sarawak is also expanding its focus on aerospace, satellite technology and data-driven systems as part of its high-technology agenda, noting that future technologies rely on the integration of chips, satellites and real-time artificial intelligence systems.
“Sarawak’s approach is practical and application-driven,” he said.
The high-level engagement brought together more than 80 policymakers, researchers and industry experts from across the UK, strengthening strategic collaboration in semiconductors, aerospace, space technology and data-driven systems.
A key highlight was the session themed “Semiconductors Enabling Future Technology”, co-chaired by Professor Martin Kuball, Academic Director and Project Lead at the University of Bristol (REWIRE), and SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil.
The event also witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMD Semiconductor, the University of Bristol and Yayasan Sarawak, as well as a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Yayasan Sarawak.
It was also announced that an SMD Semiconductor engineer will be among the first cohort of a four-year PhD programme at the University of Bristol under Yayasan Sarawak sponsorship, aimed at supporting talent development in advanced technology.
The programme is open to first-class Master of Engineering graduates worldwide, particularly Sarawakians, as part of efforts to build the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The Sarawak delegation also visited the Isambard-AI supercomputing facility, gaining insights into how high-performance computing and artificial intelligence accelerate scientific and industrial innovation, and their potential application in Sarawak. – UKAS
