KUCHING – Sarawak took one step closer to developing its own semiconductor industry with the sending three local students abroad to do their PhD in the United Kingdom. The first set of students will be taking PhD degrees in semiconductor technology at the University of Bristol, as the state takes a step towards its goal of having an extensive pool of highly trained experts specialising in high-tech.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg made the announcement during a press conference following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between SMD Semiconductor, Yayasan Sarawak and University of Bristol at Satria Pertiwi Complex yesterday.
The Premier said the three students were chosen for their industry experience and master’s level qualifications. On graduation, they will return to work for the Sarawak Government and to add input on the state’s semiconductor industry policy that is gradually being shifted from technology transfer to technology creation.
“At the beginning, we loaded up three people to do a PhD in semiconductors at Bristol. This is a pioneering group. And naturally these people will work for Sarawak once again because we want their expertise to grow our industry,” he said.
He stressed that the move is necessary as technology for semiconductors changes fast and that particularly new generation chips and high-value compound chip technologies now lag behind. He explained that continuous research and innovation were indispensable for Sarawak to move up the global semiconductor value chain, particularly in R&D.
The Premier also noted that this work is not a single, one-time effort. “More students will be sent overseas to catch up with development in the field of technology,” he added. The pace of change in this technology is so rapid. That said, we add more occasionally. “That is because we don’t want our own people to only be technology users but to participate in building the technology,” he added.
SMD Semiconductor’s partnership with Yayasan Sarawak and the University of Bristol will see specific focus on talent development, semiconductor research and expertise in high-performance chip technology. And these chips are anticipated to be significant in energy, high technology and industry, etc.
Among those present at the MoU exchange ceremony were Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development; Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister of Talent Development; Datuk Dr Haji Annuar bin Haji Rapa’ee, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Innovation and Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Lizozman bin Haji Wan Omar, Chairman of SMD Semiconductor.
Among the distinguished guests were Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah bin Haji Zaidel, Deputy Secretary to the State of Sarawak, Datu Mohamad Junaidi bin Mohidin, Director of Yayasan Sarawak, Shariman bin Jamil, CEO SMD Semiconductor and Professor Martin Kuball Academic Director/Project Lead REWIRE from the University of Bristol.
This also speaks volume of Sarawak’s foresight to grow as a semiconductor hub; that comes in line with nurturing local talents required in an ever-evolving industry worldwide.
