SIBU — Talented young minds from across central Sarawak converged at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) for the latest edition of the Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Make-A-Thon, an initiative by SMD Semiconductor aimed at nurturing future talents in chip innovation.
The three-day event brought together 40 secondary and university students, forming mixed groups to undergo intensive hands-on training in integrated circuit design and prototyping. Participating schools included SMK Rosli Dhoby, SMK Agama Sibu, SMK St Elizabeth, SMK Sibu Jaya, Sacred Heart, SMK Methodist, SMK Tung Hua, SMK Sungai Merah, SMK Durin, Kolej Laila Taib, and host university UTS.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (Higher Education and Innovation), Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, praised the event as a testament to Sibu’s academic vibrancy. “The passion shown by these students is truly commendable. Their innovation in integrated circuit design reflects the pulse of Sarawak’s digital economy,” he said.
SMD Semiconductor CEO Shariman Jamil highlighted the Make-A-Thon as more than just a learning opportunity, but a strategic step toward building confidence and technical competence in local youth. “What we have seen in Sibu proves this initiative has real impact,” he said.
The competition featured real-world tools including oscilloscopes, soldering kits, and function generators. Under the guidance of SMD engineers, participants developed working prototypes such as heart rate monitoring systems.
Winners of the Make-A-Thon included:
- Champion:Team Dabai Future (RM5,000)
- Tony Choo Jian Haw & Tiong Wei Jie (UTS)
- Arshavin Jugah Kusmas & Graig Emmanuel Retel (SMK Sibu Jaya)
- Runner-up:Team Hippo (RM3,000)
- Chua Kian Sin & Chiang Chia Yang (UTS)
- Reiko Wong Ke Shin & Meiko Wong Ke Harn (SMK Rosli Dhoby)
- Third Place:Team What the Tech (RM1,500)
- Sharman Kailasa Pillai Mudaliar & Tommy Wong Dao Ming (UTS)
- Cassendrea Chai Chen Yi & Lovenna Gwen Duya Vincent (SMK Rosli Dhoby)
- Viewers’ Choice Award:Team El Matadore (RM800)
- Carmen Chua Yong En & Lai Siew Tong (Kolej Laila Taib)
- Azhan Nazif Affendie & Muhammad Arif Akmal Sulaili (SMK Agama Sibu)
The next Make-A-Thon will be held from August 21–23, 2025, at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak in Kuching, opening the door for even more young innovators to take part in shaping Sarawak’s future as a regional semiconductor hub.
