KUCHING: SMD Semiconductor has begun 2026 with a strong slate of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Sarawak’s drive to build a resilient and future-ready semiconductor ecosystem, aligned with the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 – Beyond Moore’s Law and the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

In a statement on Wednesday it said the early-year programmes centre on talent development, international collaboration and ecosystem engagement, underscoring SMD’s role as Sarawak’s delivery platform for semiconductor capability building.

On 23 January 2026, SMD will host the Token of Completion Ceremony for the first cohort of the SMD Semiconductor–CENTEXS Digital IC Design Semiconductor Mastery Programme at SMD Academy.

The ceremony will recognise participants who have completed advanced training in digital IC design, marking a significant milestone in developing industry-ready talent for the State.

The event will be graced by Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

This will be followed by a courtesy visit to the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, on 4 February 2026.

Led by SMD Semiconductor together with a delegation from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, the visit will include a document exchange for a Memorandum of Understanding involving SMD, the University of Bristol and Yayasan Sarawak, formalising collaboration in compound semiconductors, advanced materials, technology and talent development.

On 5 February 2026, SMD will host a University of Bristol engagement session with higher learning institutions, technical institutions and government agencies, providing a platform for research collaboration and knowledge exchange. The session will also be graced by Dato Sri Roland Sagah.

In parallel, SMD will participate in the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 from 27 to 29 January at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, where its Chief Executive Officer, Shariman Jamil, will speak on compound semiconductors and space radiation technologies.

Looking ahead, SMD will be part of Sarawak’s delegation to Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026 in March, supporting efforts to showcase the State’s digital initiatives, advanced technologies and investment priorities.

Shariman said the programmes reflect SMD’s focus on execution, translating strategy into tangible outcomes that will sustain Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions over the long term. - UKASnews