Sarawak local chip targets used in space technology

KUCHING, Sept 15: Sarawak targets chips designed by locals and manufactured in the region for use in space technology including low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites as well as engine development for missions to Mars.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the aspiration was in line with Sarawak's efforts to develop its own technology and chips as part of a move to dominate the semiconductor industrial value chain.

According to him, Sarawak is currently developing its own satellite targeted for launch into low-Earth orbit by 2030, in addition to exploring the use of local chips in more advanced space technology.

"Sarawak is currently developing its own satellite which aims to be launched into low-Earth orbit by 2030, as well as exploring the use of local chips in more advanced space technology.

"Our dream today is to have our own chip design created by the children of Sarawak but used by the world.

"I'm sure you can realize that dream, that one day we will have a satellite in Low Earth Orbit using the Sarawak chip", he said.

He said this while addressing the Sarawak Semiconductor Flagship Programme at the Sarawak Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS), here today.

Brother Johari also revealed that Sarawak is developing a chip for use in a high-tech machine designed for a mission to Mars.

According to him, the chips will be designed by local talent and manufactured in Sarawak using a low-carbon industrial approach.

"The chip will break down the light and some of that light will be a source of energy in the spacecraft", he said.

He said the technology development also involved an engineering team that is targeted to grow to 500 engineers from about 40 people at present.

In addition, the aspiration reflects Sarawak's shift from being a technology consumer to a state capable of designing, owning and producing its own technology.

In this regard, he said, capacity development in integrated circuit (IC) design is crucial to support strategic sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, power electronics, aerospace and satellite technology.