SARAWAK is moving closer to achieving its aspiration to develop its own human capital and talents in the field of semiconductors and microchip design following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with two local training centres and three foreign companies today.

The MOU involved a state-owned entity, Sarawak Microelectronics Design Semiconductor (SMDS) on behalf of the Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry, while the training centres comprised Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) and Sarawak Skills.

This collaboration also involved Melexis of Belgium, X-Fab from Germany and Cadence from the United States.

The MoU was inked by SMDS chief executive officer (CEO), Shariman Jamil, Centexs CEO Mohd Hussein Wan Abdul Rahman; Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri; Melexis Vice President (Global Development) Nicolas Simonne, X-FAB Sarawak CEO Lee Boon Chun; and Cadence Country Manager and Sales Director Seow Choon Han.

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg who spoke before witnessing the MOU exchange ceremony said the MOU would create a network for training Sarawak folk on high technology while enabling them to master and manage new things in the transition towards a new economy.

“I hope this will be (a new) milestone to develop our talents in order for them to participate in the hi-tech industry, particularly in microchips development, from design right up to chip production.

“It is a significant development as it aligns with our PCDS (Post Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030 which is talent development and innovation through data,” he added.

State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his two deputies, Dr Annuar Rapiee and Francis Harden Hollis were also present at the ceremony. – Bernama, June 14, 2023.