SMD, Photovoltaic Foundry and Jiangsu Linyang forge alliance to advance semiconductor and energy technologies

Abang Johari (centre) witnessing the formalisation of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, Photovoltaic Foundry Pte Ltd and Jiangsu Linyang Energy Co Ltd. held on the sidelines of Sarawak Legislative Assembly here on May 19, 2026.

By Lian Cheng

KUCHING, May 19: In a strategic move reflecting Sarawak’s growing ambitions in advanced technologies and high-value industrial development, SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd (SMD), Photovoltaic Foundry Pte. Ltd. and Jiangsu Linyang Energy Co. Ltd. today formalised a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support semiconductor innovation, energy technologies and digital infrastructure solutions.

Following the signing of the tripartite MoU, SMD, the Sarawak-owned semiconductor company is now moving closer to real-world deployment of its semiconductor chips for next-generation solar inverters, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), smart metering technologies and intelligent infrastructure systems — a significant step in the State’s push to build its own high-value technology capabilities and strengthen Sarawak’s position within the global semiconductor and intelligent infrastructure value chain.

The initiative creates an important pathway for Sarawak-developed semiconductor technologies to progress beyond research and development into commercial and industrial applications, including the development of Sarawak local content equipment embedded with SMD semiconductor chips and proprietary technologies for renewable energy deployment.

The collaboration also supports the development of large-scale solar and rooftop solar projects as part of Sarawak’s broader agenda to strengthen its role as a regional green energy hub.

The partnership reflects Sarawak’s broader long-term transition towards a high-technology, innovation-driven and sustainable economy, underpinned by stronger intellectual property ownership, advanced industrial capabilities, and the growth of high-value technology sectors.

The document exchange ceremony was witnessed today by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex.

The Premier stated that the initiative aligns with the aspirations of the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises economic transformation through technology, innovation, renewable energy and high-value industrial development.

“Sarawak understands that future economic competitiveness will increasingly depend on technological capability, intellectual property development, talent development and strategic global partnerships.”

Abang Johari emphasised that semiconductors are no longer niche technologies, but have become foundational infrastructure powering artificial intelligence, smart systems, renewable energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and future digital economies.

“Sarawak’s aspiration is not merely to participate as a market or consumer of technology, but to progressively build indigenous technological capabilities and to become a meaningful contributor to the global technology ecosystem.”

He added that the collaboration also supports Sarawak’s ambition to become the “Battery of ASEAN” through the integration of semiconductor innovation with renewable energy deployment and advanced infrastructure systems.

“The future of energy will depend equally on intelligent infrastructure, semiconductor-enabled systems, battery technologies, energy storage solutions, and digital energy-management platforms.”

Meanwhile, Sarawak Financial Secretary and SMD Semiconductor Chairman Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar described the collaboration as a positive step towards gradually strengthening Sarawak’s capabilities in advanced technologies and future industries.

He said the collaboration brought together complementary expertise from each partner to support the development of practical technology applications across semiconductor systems, energy infrastructure, and intelligent industrial solutions.

For Sarawak,he stressed, the initiative formed part of a longer-term effort to strengthen local capabilities, encourage technological development, and foster greater participation in high-value industries.

“And just now, our Premier has mentioned that he would like to see these collaborations grow, not just producing chips for these power inverters, for the battery storage or even for the smart meters, but beyond that, perhaps we hope to discuss with our potential partners to set up a power grid plant, practically for the production of smart meters,” said Wan Lizozman at the press conference following the exchange of signed MoU. —DayakDaily