Sarawak-designed chips make global inroads

KUCHING: Sarawak’s homegrown semiconductor technology is making inroads into international markets, with locally designed chips finding applications in China’s electricity meter industry.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the development marks Sarawak’s growing capability to design its own semiconductor chips rather than rely on technology developed overseas.

He said SMD Semiconductor is already designing chips locally, with its technology being used by a Chinese company for electricity meters.

“Our SMD is now designing chips. Hopefully, they have an understanding with a Chinese company to use our designs in electricity meters. Not bad. An overseas company is already buying our chip designs,” he said.

He said this at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ ‘2026 Appreciation and Awards Dinner: A Night for Alumni and Partners’ at The Waterfront Hotel here on Tuesday night (Oct. 13).

Abang Johari said Sarawak is exploring opportunities to expand its semiconductor capabilities, including the possibility of manufacturing chip designs at X-FAB in Samajaya.

Drawing comparisons with NVIDIA, whose chips are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), he said Sarawak could pursue a similar approach.

“But we need engineers. This is the thing that we need,” he added.

Abang Johari said developing local expertise in science and engineering is essential to supporting Sarawak’s ambitions in semiconductor technology and other emerging industries.

He said the Sarawak Government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is aimed at developing a skilled workforce capable of creating new technologies and contributing to the state’s economic growth.

“The Sarawak Government, under my leadership, has to take the risk and provide free education for Sarawakians to pursue relevant disciplines, particularly science, to develop our economy.

“This is where Swinburne is important. It must focus on science. We also need other universities, as they are not competing but providing knowledge.

“Our goal is to develop Sarawak’s human resources, irrespective of their backgrounds,” he said.