1 hour ago
6
ADVERTISE HERE
Abang Johari (left) delivering his speech during a a semiconductor engagement session jointly organised by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol at NCC in Bristol on May 5, 2026. Photo credit: UkasAdvertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 6: The Sarawak government, through SMD Semiconductor, is exploring the development and launch of its own Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite in collaboration with international partners, including those from the United Kingdom (UK), to enhance data capabilities and strengthen telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, as part of its broader push into advanced semiconductor and space technologies.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative marks a significant step forward in positioning Sarawak as a high-value player in the global semiconductor, aerospace and space technology sectors.
Advertisement
He said the move will further reinforce Sarawak’s focus on satellite utilisation, data analytics and downstream applications that deliver real-world impact, especially in climate-related areas such as forestry monitoring, earth observation, disaster management, carbon tracking and maritime surveillance.
“In this regard, the expertise of the University of Bristol in aerospace engineering and satellite technology is highly relevant to Sarawak’s aspirations,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news.
He highlighted these during a semiconductor engagement session jointly organised by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol at NCC in Bristol on Tuesday (May 5).
Abang Johari added that Sarawak is also expanding its focus into aerospace, satellite technology and data-driven systems as part of its high-technology development agenda.
He noted that such capabilities are increasingly critical as future systems rely on the integration of semiconductors, satellites and real-time artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies.
“Sarawak’s approach is practical and application-based,” he said.
The high-level engagement session brought together more than 80 policymakers, researchers and industry experts from across the UK, strengthening strategic collaboration in semiconductors, aerospace, space technology and data systems.
A key highlight was the strategic session themed “Semiconductors Enabling Future Technology”, co-chaired by academic director and principal investigator of the University of Bristol’s REWIRE project Professor Martin Kuball and SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil.
The programme also saw the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMD Semiconductor, the University of Bristol and Yayasan Sarawak, as well as a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Yayasan Sarawak.
In addition, a SMD Semiconductor engineer was announced as part of the first cohort for a four-year PhD programme at the University of Bristol under a Yayasan Sarawak scholarship, aimed at developing high-level talent in advanced technologies.
The initiative is also open to first-class Engineering Master’s graduates globally, particularly Sarawakians, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The Sarawak delegation also visited the Isambard-AI supercomputing facility, gaining insights into how high-performance computing and artificial intelligence accelerate scientific discovery and industrial innovation, and how such capabilities could be adapted for Sarawak’s future development. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·