SARAWAK today inked a deal with Belgian firm Melexis Technologies to design sensor-integrated chips (IC) from semiconductors produced in the state.

The signing was witnessed by Premier Abang Johari Openg, the Office of the Premier of Sarawak said in a statement. 

Abang Johari is on a week-long working visit to Europe and the United Kingdom, and Belgium was his first stop. 

The memorandum of understanding between the Sarawak’s Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry and Melexis also included cooperation in talent development in areas of IC design and semiconductors. 

The state’s semiconductor foundry, operated by the German firm X-Fab, is located at the Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone in Kuching and produces ICs for use in a wide range of applications including in automobiles. Melexis has been part of the X-Fab Sarawak operations.

Abang Johari, in his brief address prior to the signing, said Sarawak’s interest is due to the expected surge in demand for sensor ICs for automobiles, with combustion engine cars being phased out during the transition to adapt to the new needs of the energy market. 

He said the collaboration is important and a step in the right direction to enable Sarawak and the world at large to benefit from chip design development originating from Sarawak.

The cooperation on talent development is also important to nurture a robust research and development climate in chip design technology in the state, he said. – July 27, 2022.