Curtin Malaysia, SMD forge alliance to boost Sarawak’s semiconductor industry | Borneo Post Online
Shariman (third left) and Lee (fifth right) exchange the MoU, witnessed by Dr Sim (seventh right) and others.
KUCHING (Nov 7): SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) to mark a significant step forward in semiconductor research and workforce development.
The signing ceremony took place at the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) Second Symposium 2024 ‘Research That Matters 2.0’ and was witnessed by the Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“This strategic MoU underscores SMD’s steadfast commitment to fostering industry-academic partnerships, aimed at advancing Sarawak’s semiconductor sector,” said a statement yesterday.
SMD Semiconductor was represented by its chief executive officer Shariman Jamil and vice-president (Technology Development) Chia Chieu Yin, while Curtin Malaysia was represented by its acting pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, and Faculty of Engineering and Science dean Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu.
In highlighting the importance of the partnership, Shariman stated key initiatives including establishing an IC Research and Innovation Lab, co-developing a postgraduate research programme, and fostering knowledge exchange.
“The agreement also promotes talent growth through an exchange programme, consultancy services, and graduate career opportunities within SMD Semiconductor.
“This strategic alliance aims to strengthen industry-academia synergy, support workforce readiness, and drive innovation, while setting a new benchmark for Malaysia’s semiconductor sector,” he said.
SMD Semiconductor is a wholly-owned entity of the Sarawak government incorporated through SRDC and under the purview of the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development.
It is Sarawak’s boutique fabless chip design house that specialises in designing analogue and mixed signal integrated circuits or chips, and aspires to establish the market presence of Sarawak in the global semiconductor industry.
