BRISTOL: The Sarawak Government through SMD Semiconductor is exploring a strategic collaboration with parties in the United Kingdom (UK) to design world-class semiconductor chips and satellite technology systems to realise the aspiration to launch its own first satellite.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the move marks a major leap for Sarawak towards emerging as a high-value player in the global semiconductor, aerospace and space technology sectors.

According to him, the initiative will strengthen Sarawak's focus on the use of satellites, data analytics and the development of downstream applications that have a direct impact on the real world, especially in climate-related fields such as forestry, earth observation, disaster management, carbon tracking and maritime monitoring.

“To support this effort, we are exploring the development and launch of our own Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite with international partners including the UK to strengthen data capabilities and improve telecommunications infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

“In this regard, the University of Bristol’s expertise in aerospace engineering and satellite technology is highly relevant to Sarawak’s aspirations,” he said.

He said this during the Sarawak Semiconductor engagement session jointly organised by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol at the NCC on Tuesday local time.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that Sarawak is also expanding its focus on aerospace, satellite technology and data-based systems as part of its high-tech agenda.

He explained that this capability is important as future technologies rely on the integration of real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based chips, satellites and systems.

“Sarawak’s approach is practical and application-based,” he further explained.

The high-level engagement session brought together more than 80 policymakers, researchers and industry experts from across the UK, thus strengthening strategic collaboration in the fields of semiconductors, aerospace, space technology and data-based systems.

The highlight of the programme was a strategic engagement session themed ‘Semiconductors Enabling Future Technology’ co-chaired by Academic Director and Project Lead of the University of Bristol (REWIRE) Professor Martin Kuball and Chief Executive Officer of SMD Semiconductor Shariman Jamil.

The event also witnessed two document exchanges, namely a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMD Semiconductor, University of Bristol and the Sarawak Foundation, as well as a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Sarawak Foundation.

The programme also announced an SMD Semiconductor engineer as among the first cohort in a four-year PhD programme at the University of Bristol under the sponsorship of the Sarawak Foundation to support talent development in advanced technology.

The programme is also open to first-class Master of Engineering students from around the world, particularly Sarawakians, in an effort to develop the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Additionally, the Sarawak delegation toured the Isambard-AI supercomputer facility, gaining an understanding of how high-performance computing and artificial intelligence are accelerating scientific and industrial discoveries, as well as their potential for adaptation in Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Sarawak Financial Secretary and Chairman of SMD Semiconductor Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel. -UKASnews