KUCHING, Oct 5 — Sarawak semiconductor chips have now entered the Chinese market for use in electricity meters, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the development demonstrated Sarawak’s growing capabilities in semiconductor technology, while the sector also had the potential to create high-income jobs for people in the state.
“Today, I want to share that our chips are being used and purchased by a Chinese company for their electricity meters. This means we are supplying chip intelligence,” he said when delivering his speech at the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) 40th Gala Dinner here yesterday.
Abang Johari said Sarawak had established SMD Semiconductor and is now capable of developing chip designs, with local talent, including Bumiputera, being trained and involved in the field.
He added that Sarawak had also sent local talent to Cardiff, United Kingdom, together with a leading company to develop new chip designs using Gallium Nitride wafers.
“With this, we can create high-income jobs and, of course, there will be more spin-offs and economic spillovers,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s efforts to develop its semiconductor industry were also supported by efforts to build a skilled local talent pool with the necessary technical knowledge.
“That is why we are training experts who have the required knowledge,” he said.
He added that the provision of free higher education by the Sarawak government for Sarawak students would further strengthen the state’s talent pipeline, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“Our universities are now growing, with more Sarawak students, including Bumiputera.
“For Bumiputera students who are weak in STEM subjects, we provide a year for them to study before they proceed to their first year. And now, all fees are borne by the Sarawak government under GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak),” he said.
Also present were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang, and DUBS president Datu Abang Helmi Ikhwan. — The Borneo Post
