SIBU: State owned innovative chip design and technology company, SMD Semiconductor (SMD) has successfully concluded its second ‘IC Design Make-A-Thon 2025’ at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here yesterday, continuing its mission to nurture Sarawak’s next generation of chip designers.
The three-day event brought together university and secondary school students from across the central region of Sarawak, including SMK Rosli Dhoby, SMK Agama, SMK St Elizabeth, SMK Sibu Jaya, SMK Sacret Heart, SMK Methodist, SMK Tung Hua, SMK Sungai Merah, SMK Durin and Kolej Laila Taib.
Participants were challenged to design a functioning heart rate monitor system, applying circuit theory and design tools introduced over the course of the competition.
With the guidance of SMD engineers acting as mentors and judges, students learned to operate oscilloscopes, soldering kits and function generators, translating classroom knowledge into real-world skills.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee who officiated at the closing ceremony cum presentation of prizes, noted that Sibu has long been known for its grit, discipline and academic excellence.
“Today, we are seeing that reputation evolve into one of innovation, technical creativity, and ambition.
“As someone who has long championed education and science in Sarawak, I am especially encouraged by the spirit shown by the students who participated in this IC Design Make-A-Thon. These young minds have embraced the challenge of integrated circuit design, an area at the core of tomorrow’s digital economy, with curiosity, commitment, and courage,” he stated.
Shariman Jamil, chief executive officer (CEO) of SMD Semiconductor, who also spoke, said the IC Design Make-A-Thon is more than just a platform for learning— it’s a launchpad for talent.
By immersing students in real-world chip design challenges, they are guided to build both the skills and the confidence to thrive in the semiconductor industry.
“What we’ve witnessed here reinforces why these programmes matter,” he said.
Dabai Future team emerged as the champion in the competition and was awarded with cash prize plus an airfare from Sibu to Kuching, followed by Hippo team as the first runner up taking home cash prize of RM3,000 and What the Teach team came as second runner up with RM1,500 cash prize.
Meanwhile, EL Matadore team which earned the People’s Choice Award received cash prize of RM800.
The next Make-A-Thon event will take place in Kuching from Aug 21–23 at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, reaching out to more students across the state.
With each leg of the programme, SMD continues to bring industry-relevant training closer to classrooms, powering Sarawak’s ambitions to be a regional semiconductor leader.
