Abang Johari (left) and Welch arrive at the venue for the engagement session. – Photo from SMD Semiconductor
KUCHING (May 6): Sarawak is set to take a bold step into the global aerospace and semiconductor arena with plans to design satellite-grade chips and systems, as well as develop its first satellite through SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd.
The landmark initiative was announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Semiconductor Engagement Session held at Bristol and Bath Science Park in the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday.
He said Sarawak would explore partnerships with UK counterparts to develop satellite-grade semiconductor chips and systems, in addition to supporting the development of its first satellite.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the state’s capabilities in satellite utilisation, data analytics and downstream applications, particularly in climate-related areas such as forestry, earth observation, disaster management, carbon tracking and maritime monitoring.
It will also enhance telecommunications infrastructure, including efforts to expand high-speed, low-latency connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
According to Abang Johari, the initiative forms part of Sarawak’s broader push into advanced, innovation-led industries, with semiconductors playing a key enabling role.
“These technologies underpin essential data capabilities that drive connectivity and real-world applications, particularly in extending high-speed, low-latency access to remote and underserved areas,” he said.
The engagement session, co-hosted by SMD Semiconductor and the University of Bristol, brought together more than 80 policymakers, researchers and industry experts from across the UK.
Among those present were West of England Mayor Helen Godwin, University of Bristol vice-chancellor Prof Evelyn Welch, and UK Department for Business and Trade representative John Edwards.
Leading industry players, including Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Nexperia, Space West, CFMS and Sora Aviation, also participated in the dialogue.
The Sarawak delegation included Malaysia’s High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
A key highlight was a strategic dialogue themed “Semiconductors Enabling Future Technology”, co-chaired by Prof Martin Kuball and SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil.
SMD Semiconductor chairman Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said international collaboration is crucial in building Sarawak’s advanced technology capabilities.
“Building capabilities in advanced industries cannot be done in isolation. Partnerships with institutions such as the University of Bristol enable Sarawak to accelerate capability development, enhance technical expertise, and move more effectively into high-value segments of the global technology ecosystems,” he said.
University of Bristol vice-chancellor Prof Evelyn Welch said the growing partnership with Sarawak, particularly in power electronics and compound semiconductor technologies, would support clean energy, electrification and advanced manufacturing.
“This engagement marks a significant step forward in our partnership with Sarawak.
“Building on our memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last February in Kuching, we are strengthening collaboration to support the net zero transition while training future talent,” she said.
UK Department for Business and Trade representative John Edwards said the collaboration opens opportunities for innovation, investment and sustained growth, while West of England Mayor Helen Godwin described the Sarawak-UK partnership as a milestone in Malaysia-UK relations.
During the visit, the Sarawak delegation also toured the Isambard-AI supercomputer to gain insights into high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications.
The event also saw the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SMD Semiconductor, the University of Bristol and Yayasan Sarawak, alongside a memorandum of agreement involving the foundation.
In addition, an SMD Semiconductor engineer was named among the first cohort of a four-year PhD programme at the University of Bristol under Yayasan Sarawak sponsorship, aimed at developing talent in advanced technologies.
The programme is also open to first-class Master’s graduates in engineering worldwide, particularly Sarawakians, to support the growth of the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.
SMD Semiconductor, incorporated in 2022, is a wholly owned company of the Sarawak government specialising in analogue and mixed-signal integrated circuit design.
