KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak continues to strengthen its position in the high-tech semiconductor industry through the organisation of the Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor Engagement with Higher Learning, Technical Institutions and Government Agencies, held in collaboration with the University of Bristol, as a strategic move to develop a sustainable and globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn stressed that talent development is the main thrust of the success of Sarawak's semiconductor industry.

According to him, Sarawak is not only targeting investment and infrastructure development, but also placing serious emphasis on providing skilled manpower to support the growth of this high-impact industry.

"Sarawak has taken a clear stance to develop a strong and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem. However, this aspiration can only be realised with the presence of highly skilled talent, relevant institutions and global strategic partners," he said.

He said this in his text-of-speech read by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis at the programme’s opening ceremony on Thursday.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah explained that the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap prioritises talent development, with the target of producing a new generation of semiconductor professionals by 2030 to meet the needs of the local and global industry.

"This effort is strengthened through the implementation of the CENTEXS–SMD Semiconductor Mastery Programme which provides intensive and practical training, particularly in high-value areas such as integrated circuit design to produce industry-ready talent.

"State government support is also channelled through scholarship programmes and strategic education sponsorships by the Sarawak Foundation that place focus on critical technology areas including semiconductors to ensure public investment in education is in line with Sarawak's long-term economic needs," he said.

At the same time, industry exposure through industrial training, industrial placements and early initiatives such as the SMD IC Design Make-A-Thon are seen as important to build a continuous talent pipeline starting from the school level to higher learning institutions.

Meanwhile, collaboration with the University of Bristol opens opportunities for local institutions to benchmark curricula, explore applied research and understand best practices adopted by world-class universities in supporting the semiconductor industry, particularly in the field of compound semiconductors.

"This collaboration connects global academic excellence with local industry needs, thus ensuring that Sarawak's education ecosystem remains relevant, competitive and ready for the future," he added.

He also commended SMD Semiconductor for its proactive role in connecting industry, academia and government, in line with Sarawak’s integrated development approach. -UKASnews