CENTEXS semiconductor programme set to expand nationwide

KUCHING: The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)-SMD Semiconductor Mastery Programme is set to expand nationwide with support and partnerships from the federal government and national asset institutions.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the expansion is important as Sarawak’s semiconductor ecosystem continues to mature and requires stronger collaboration between the Sarawak government, federal government and national industry institutions.

“For this reason, I echo my Minister’s (Education, Innovation and Talent Development) call for the expansion of the CENTEXS-SMD Semiconductor Mastery Programme nationwide, and we are pleased to welcome the support and partnership to realise this aspiration,” he said in his speech during the Sarawak Semiconductor Flagship Talent Development Ecosystem Ceremony at CENTEXS, Santubong here today (Sept 15).

Abang Johari said SMD had recently reached a significant milestone through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with Linyang Energy Group of China.

He said the partnership demonstrated how technologies developed within Sarawak’s own ecosystem could progress towards commercial application, creating opportunities in both local and global renewable energy markets.

Linyang Energy Group, he said, is an international listed company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and a Tier-one global company specialising in smart meters and battery energy storage.

“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when our local capabilities are connected with established industry players, creating opportunities for Sarawakian talent and businesses to move into higher value chains,” he said.

He also congratulated SMD for expanding beyond Sarawak and forging partnerships with global companies.

He also welcomed SMD’s exploration of a partnership with ZETRO, saying it could open another pathway for Sarawak’s semiconductor capabilities to contribute to aerospace-related technologies.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari welcomed the initiative by SMD Semiconductor and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to establish the SMD Industrial Lab at UNIMAS.

He said the facility would deepen Sarawak’s integrated circuit (IC) design and research capabilities while providing postgraduate students and young engineers with greater opportunities to work with industry and develop technologies.

Such initiatives, he said, would help strengthen Sarawak’s position within the semiconductor value chain.