26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak aims to produce 500 semiconductor engineers by 2030
KUCHING: Sarawak aims to produce 500 semiconductor engineers by 2030, state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said today.
He said state-owned Microelectronics Design (SMD) is running upskilling and reskilling programmes to achieve the target.
"One key programme is the semiconductor mastery programme, developed in partnership with Melexis Malaysia and Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)."
He said this in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here.
He said 28 trainees had completed a six-month training programme and were hired by SMD, Melexis, and X-FAB Sarawak at the Samajaya Hi-Tech Park.
To strengthen Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor industry, SMD has established an R&D innovation hub in Newport, Wales, in collaboration with CSA Catapult.
"This move gives us access to world-class research facilities, top-tier talent and key industry partners.
"A highlight this year is the development of an Edge AI-power converter we soft-launched in Newport, witnessed by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Sagah said that the prototype is a breakthrough for smart grids, electrical vehicles and industrial systems using AI for real-time power management and energy efficiency.
He said that the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre is central to the state's vision of achieving AI sovereignty.
"This will be realised through the establishment of a trusted AI infrastructure, the development of domestic AI and domain expertise, the protection of Sarawak's data ownership, and the deployment of AI solutions that enhance governance, public service delivery, and AI security."
He said the centre is leading the development of the Sarawak AI Roadmap, a blueprint to guide efforts in building an inclusive and future-ready AI ecosystem.
He added that, as part of this initiative, the centre is co-developing Sarawak's AI strategy and policy framework with government policymakers to ensure alignment with the state's digital agenda.
"At the same time, the centre will work with stakeholders and industry partners to design a strategy for AI talent development.'
This, he said, will include training, upskilling and capacity-building efforts aimed at equipping Sarawakians with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
He said the centre will embark on artificial intelligence research and development, in partnership with research institutions and institutions of higher learning.
He said that these efforts will position Sarawak at the forefront of technological innovation and knowledge creation.
"One of the key focus areas under the AI Roadmap is the development of DeepSAR, a specialised AI platform co- developed with stakeholders from the biodiversity sector and other industries.
"DeepSAR will support advanced research and data-driven solutions that leverage Sarawak's natural heritage and sectoral expertise."
