Call for integration of Integrated Circuit design in university curricula

KUCHING: Sarawak-owned universities have been urged to include Integrated Circuit (IC) design into their academic curriculum, particularly in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn called on support from university lecturers to support IC design, highlighting it as a great option for students starting their studies.

“This awareness helps in the bigger goal of preparing a new generation of professionals with the skills needed for the always-changing world of technology and innovation.

“Promoting IC design as a top choice not only improves academic options but also gives students the chance to do well in this dynamic field,” he said during the Train-The-Trainer: Talent Development in Semiconductor and Chip Design closing ceremony at the Borneo Cultures Museum here on Thursday (Feb 1).

Sagah, who is also the Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor Sdn Bhd chairman, highlighted the importance of working together with related researchers, lecturers and professionals to create a learning environment that empowers people and pushes the state’s institutions to be leaders in tech education.

“We pave the way for a future where our graduates are not only academically proficient but are also drawn toward impactful and dynamic careers in IC design.

“By integrating IC design into our academic offerings, we lay the foundation for a vibrant and dynamic local ecosystem that attracts professionals, researchers and businesses.”

He added that by integrating IC design into the academic offerings, it would foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and the development of cutting-edge solutions where Sarawak could become not just a hub for technological advancement but also a magnet for talent and innovation.

Later during the ceremony, Sagah witnessed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange between SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd and two British companies, Riverbeck Ltd and Big Innovation Centre.

“This MoU holds immense importance as it marks the beginning of a collaborative venture between Sarawak-owned company and UK-bound companies.

“As we see these MoUs being exchanged, let’s recognise how important this collaboration is. It’s not just about this partnership; it’s like building a connection between countries, showing how well we can work together in advanced technology.”

The Train-the Trainers programme organised by SMD Semiconductor involved 20 participants from Sarawak’s training and higher learning institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, UiTM Sarawak, Centre for Technology Excellence (CENTEX) Sarawak, Sarawak Skills, and X-Fab Sarawak Sdn Bhd.

Among those present were British High Commissioner to Malaysia Alisa Terry, Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, State Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and ministry permanent secretary Datuk Azmi Bujang.