Latest news with #SMDSemiconductor
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New R&D Innovation Hub opens in Newport city centre
The hub, set up by leading Malaysian semiconductor company SMD Semiconductor, is at the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult's Innovation Centre in the city. The company, which is a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government, has signalled its intent to work with UK companies on designing next-generation semiconductor chips. The hub was officially opened by the Premier of Sarawak at a special ceremony attended by delegates from the Sarawak, UK and Welsh governments, as well as industry partners. During the ceremony, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult signed and exchanged a formal agreement to collaborate on developing new compound semiconductor chips for AI and edge devices. Edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, perform data processing at the location of the device instead of sending it to the cloud. This makes them quicker, more energy efficient, more secure, and will enable real-time data processing, which is critical for applications in defence, healthcare, surveillance and robotics. SMD Semiconductor was established in September 2022 under State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.). It focuses on advanced technological research and development, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products. SMD Semiconductor is seeking to expand its capabilities into compound semiconductors and take advantage of the expertise of both CSA Catapult and UK industry. Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult, said: "Advances in AI computing are already rapidly spreading from data centres to Edge devices. "However, to unlock the full potential of Edge AI will require new and bold approaches to semiconductor devices. "We're delighted to have SMD Semiconductor locate with us at our Innovation Centre in Newport and to kickstart a programme of activity that will see us design, develop and innovate technology to enable the next generation of Edge AI devices. "This formal partnership strengthens ties between the UK, Sarawak and Malaysian governments and is another example of how international partnerships are helping the UK grow its semiconductor industry and create strong, resilient supply chains for the future." Shariman Jamil, CEO at SMD Semiconductor, said: "Today marks a bold leap forward for Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor arena. "Through our strategic partnerships with CSA Catapult, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Sarawak with some of the most advanced semiconductor innovators in the world. "The agreement is more than symbolic as they are actionable commitments to co-create breakthrough technologies, accelerate R&D, and open new markets. "With the opening of our R&D Innovation hub in UK, we are positioning ourselves on the world stage in driving future-ready chip design and innovation."
Business News Wales
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
SMD Semiconductor Opens R&D Innovation Hub at CSA Catapult in Newport
A leading Malaysian semiconductor company has opened a new R&D Innovation Hub in Wales and signalled its intent to work with UK companies on designing next-generation semiconductor chips. SMD Semiconductor, a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government, will be located at the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult's Innovation Centre in Newport. The hub was officially opened by the Premier of Sarawak at a special ceremony attended by delegates from the Sarawak, UK and Welsh governments, as well as industry partners. During the ceremony, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult signed and exchanged a formal agreement to collaborate on developing new compound semiconductor chips for AI and edge devices. Edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, perform data processing at the location of the device instead of sending it to the cloud. This makes them quicker, more energy efficient, more secure, and will enable real-time data processing, which is critical for applications in defence, healthcare, surveillance and robotics. SMD Semiconductor is a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government and was established in September 2022 under State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.). It focuses on advanced technological research and development, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products. SMD Semiconductor is seeking to expand its capabilities into compound semiconductors and take advantage of the expertise of both CSA Catapult and UK industry. Established by Innovate UK in 2018, CSA Catapult is the UK's authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation. With labs and offices across the UK, CSA Catapult is a centre of excellence with state-of-the-art equipment that specialises in the measurement, characterisation, integration and validation of compound semiconductor technology across four areas: power electronics, advanced packaging, radio frequency (RF) and microwave communications, and photonics. In 2024, CSA Catapult and SMD Semiconductor signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that laid the initial foundation for collaboration in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of next-generation chips. Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult said: 'Advances in AI computing are already rapidly spreading from data centres to Edge devices. However, to unlock the full potential of Edge AI will require new and bold approaches to semiconductor devices. We're delighted to have SMD Semiconductor locate with us at our Innovation Centre in Newport and to kickstart a programme of activity that will see us design, develop and innovate technology to enable the next generation of Edge AI devices. 'This formal partnership strengthens ties between the UK, Sarawak and Malaysian governments and is another example of how international partnerships are helping the UK grow its semiconductor industry and create strong, resilient supply chains for the future.' Shariman Jamil, CEO at SMD Semiconductor, said: 'Today marks a bold leap forward for Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor arena. Through our strategic partnerships with CSA Catapult, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Sarawak with some of the most advanced semiconductor innovators in the world. The agreement is more than symbolic as they are actionable commitments to co-create breakthrough technologies, accelerate R&D, and open new markets. With the opening of our R&D Innovation hub in UK, we are positioning ourselves on the world stage in driving future-ready chip design and innovation.'
Barnama
30-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KETEQ AI: Sarawak Launches Groundbreaking Power Conversion Device
KUCHING, April 30 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government has marked another significant milestone in global technology by introducing KETEQ AI, the world's first artificial intelligence (AI)-based power conversion device, developed entirely by local Sarawakian talent. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the achievement is one of the key outcomes under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 and Beyond initiative, which aims to position Sarawak as a high-tech hub in the Southeast Asian region. 'The development of this Edge AI Power Converter is more than just the result of policy, it is a game-changing catalyst for Sarawak. This innovation represents a transformational leap in our technological landscape,' he said in a statement issued by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS). He made the announcement during a visit to the CSA Catapult facility in Cardiff, Wales, on Tuesday, where he explained that the KETEQ AI project began on April 23 last year, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult. According to Abang Johari, KETEQ AI is engineered with the capability to detect and correct system disturbances automatically in under 0.1 milliseconds, making it one of the most responsive systems in the field of smart control and power electronics. Abang Johari said the technology marks a significant advancement, showcasing Sarawak's commitment to building its own strategic technological capabilities. The device not only promises high energy efficiency but is also designed to operate on a scalable platform with real-time response capabilities. 'KETEQ AI has broad application potential, including in smart grids, electric vehicle systems, autonomous technologies, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), predictive maintenance systems, and critical control mechanisms,' he added. Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil conducted a live demonstration of the prototype, showcasing its ability to handle various complex operational scenarios. With the slogan 'Innovation in just a Snap', KETEQ AI stands as proof of Sarawakian talent's capability to create world-class technology, placing Sarawak firmly on the global map in AI and smart energy systems.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak launches 'game-changing' AI-based power converter
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (centre) unveiling Keteq AI in Newport, United Kingdom. KUCHING: Sarawak has unveiled a groundbreaking prototype of an Edge AI power converter developed in the state as part of efforts to drive technological innovation. The circuit-level device, named Keteq AI, is the result of a collaboration between Sarawak's SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd and Britain's CSA Catapult. "I am proud to share that the Edge AI power converter is a technological breakthrough and a world first," Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said when unveiling the device at CSA Catapult's facility in Newport, the United Kingdom, on Tuesday (April 29). "This pioneering device is designed to detect, predict and autonomously correct system anomalies in real time, all within less than one-tenth of a millisecond. "It represents a major leap forward in the field of power electronics and control system optimisation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible," he added. Edge AI refers to the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) models directly on end devices to enable real-time data processing and analysis without relying on cloud infrastructure. Abang Johari said the ongoing development of Keteq AI was one of Sarawak's most transformative accomplishments and a true game changer. He said the process began a year ago when he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult in the UK Parliament's House of Commons on April 23. "That moment set in motion an extraordinary chapter for Sarawak's innovation journey," he said. Abang Johari said Keteq AI was being designed for scalability, energy efficiency and ultra-fast responsiveness to address the critical needs of industries. He said it would have wide-ranging applications across smart grids, electric vehicles, autonomous systems, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), predictive maintenance and mission-critical control systems. Later, he witnessed the exchange of agreement documents between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult to further strengthen the collaboration. SMD Semiconductor also exchanged similar documents with Silicon Catalyst and 5G3i Ltd to pave the way for more partnership opportunities with UK semiconductor industry players.
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak unveils ‘KETEQ AI'—World's first Edge AI power converter in UK
Abang Johari unveils the device in this photo call. – Photo via Facebook/ Sarawakku KUCHING (April 30) : The prototype of an Edge AI power converter device developed in Sarawak was unveiled in Cardiff, United Kingdom on Tuesday by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to the Premier's official Facebook page Sarawakku, the device, named 'KETEQ AI' was billed by Abang Johari as the first of such circuit-level device in the world. The product is the result of a collaboration between SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd of Sarawak and CSA Catapult of the UK. 'Today, I am proud to share that the Edge AI Power Converter is a technological breakthrough and a world first. This pioneering device is designed to detect, predict, and autonomously correct system anomalies in real time, all within less than one-tenth of a millisecond. 'It represents a major leap forward in the field of power electronics and control system optimisation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible,' the Premier said during his launch speech at CSA Catapult facility in Newport near Cardiff. He further stated that the ongoing development of the Edge AI Power Converter is one of Sarawak's most transformative accomplishments and a true game changer. 'This journey began exactly one year ago, on April 23, 2024, when I stood before many of you at the House of Commons in the UK Parliament to witness the historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult. 'That moment set in motion an extraordinary chapter for Sarawak's innovation journey,' he said to the audience consisting of British government and CSA Catapult officials, semiconductor industry players in the UK and senior government officials from Sarawak. With wide-ranging applications across smart grids, electric vehicles, autonomous systems, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), predictive maintenance, and mission-critical control systems, the Premier said the AI Power Converter is designed for scalability, energy efficiency, and ultra-fast responsiveness, addressing some of the most critical needs of industries of the future. 'As you have just heard from Shariman Jamil's (SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer) demonstration on the development of this groundbreaking prototype – a milestone that marks a significant leap in Sarawak's innovation journey – it is now my great pleasure to unveil the much-anticipated, proudly Sarawak-owned Edge AI Power Converter: KETEQ AI, 'Innovation in just a Snap!',' he said as he launched the device. Later, he witnessed the exchange of agreement documents between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult, further strengthening their collaboration. Similar agreements were also exchanged with Silicon Catalyst and 5G3i Ltd, paving the way for more partnership opportunities with UK semiconductor industry players. Earlier, SMD Semiconductor chairman Dato Sri Dr Wanlizozman Wan Omar, who is also Sarawak State Financial Secretary, presented the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030. Among those present at the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
