KUCHING – Sarawak is intensifying its push to become a hub for semiconductor innovation through the MYChipStart Sarawak Region Roadshow, a programme designed to lower entry barriers for integrated circuit (IC) design and nurture new talent in the industry.
The initiative, jointly organised by SMD Semiconductor and CREST, acts as a national intervention to support regional chip designers and build businesses capable of competing globally.
MYChipStart provides end-to-end support, from prototyping to market launch, addressing structural challenges such as high entry costs and limited access to specialised tools.
SMD Semiconductor Chief Executive Officer Shariman Jamil explained that the programme is intended to bridge gaps in innovation.
He noted that large corporations often prioritise revenue growth, leaving less room for risk-taking and experimentation.
“A significant gap in innovation has emerged as large companies focus on scaling revenues, leaving less room for risk taking. As a result, innovation becomes stagnant. Therefore, we need new heroes to innovate new solutions that benefit humankind. These heroes are the startups, the founders, the venture capitals, and the angel investors. At SMD, we see it as our role to bridge this gap by creating platforms that expose startups, SMEs, innovation-driven companies, engineers, and the wider community to the vast potential within semiconductor design and innovation,” he said.
Programme Director at CREST, Dr Muslim Mustapa, added that the focus now is on building a sustainable ecosystem.
“While Sarawak continues to advance in infrastructure and capabilities, building a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem comes down to people and execution. We have the ideas and the talent; what we need is a clear pathway to start and to finish. That is what MYChipStart is here to deliver,” he said.
The MYChipStart initiative, running from 2026 to 2030, is backed by the government and aims to provide structured support throughout the IC development lifecycle. This includes design readiness, prototype realisation, and eventual commercialisation.
Officials emphasised that the programme aligns with Sarawak’s broader ambition to position itself as a leader in science, technology, and innovation.
By empowering startups and SMEs, the state hopes to cultivate a new generation of semiconductor pioneers who can contribute to Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global technology market.
The roadshow is expected to attract engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovation-driven companies, offering them exposure to opportunities in semiconductor design and development.
With Sarawak’s growing infrastructure and talent pool, MYChipStart is seen as a catalyst for transforming the region into a centre of excellence for advanced technology.
