KUCHING: SMD Semiconductor is expected to reach an understanding with a Chinese company to use Sarawak-designed semiconductor chips in the production of electricity meters.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the development highlighted the potential for chip designs developed in Sarawak to enter international markets.

“I hope they will reach an understanding with a company from China to use our chip designs in electricity meters.

“That is a positive development because an overseas company has already purchased our chip designs,” he said when speaking at the Swinburne Sarawak 2026 Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony at a leading hotel here on Tuesday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also said Sarawak was exploring semiconductor design, similar to the work undertaken by Nvidia.

He said Nvidia designs its own semiconductors and chips, while manufacturing is carried out by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in Taiwan.

He added that Sarawak had the potential to design chips for production at the X-FAB facility in Samajaya, opening up opportunities for the state to strengthen its participation in the semiconductor industry.

However, he said developing the sector would require a skilled workforce, particularly engineers with expertise in chip design and related technologies. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Jaed Tepus
Translator: Uilson Ng