KUALA LUMPUR: In a major win for Sarawak’s high-tech ecosystem, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus engineering student Felix Thian Zhi Xiang has secured the first runner-up position at the prestigious TECH Zoomers Challenge Competition.

The regional competition, held during SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, brought together elite students from across Southeast Asia to develop innovative, practical solutions for real-world challenges within the semiconductor ecosystem.

Entries were evaluated by top industry professionals.

Felix, a Year 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering (E&E) student, is an alumnus of the 2026 SMD Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Competition Bootcamp.

He successfully credited his regional podium finish to the specialised capabilities and hands-on exposure he acquired during the intensive training programme.

The bootcamp introduced participants to advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, providing critical exposure to actual semiconductor design processes and industry-relevant practices.

This collaborative milestone between SMD Semiconductor and Swinburne Sarawak underscores a strategic priority to develop a robust, future-ready talent pipeline.

By blending rigorous academic frameworks with advanced industrial training, the partnership aims to supply the high-tech sector with highly skilled professionals capable of handling increasing industry complexities.

Felix’s success serves as a powerful benchmark for the effectiveness of industry-engaged learning. Moving forward, both SMD Semiconductor and Swinburne Sarawak reaffirmed their commitment to fostering deep-tech talent initiatives.

By continuing to combine strong theoretical foundations with real-world exposure, the institutions aim to ensure the next generation of professionals is fully equipped to drive long-term industrial growth in the region. - UKASnews