Sarawak Unveils First Student-Designed Chip
KUCHING, 15 September 2026: Sarawak has marked a significant milestone in its semiconductor journey with the unveiling of its first student-designed chip during the Sarawak Semiconductor Flagship Talent Development Ecosystem Ceremony, held today at CENTEXS Santubong, Kuching.
The chip was designed through the SMD IC Design Competition 2025 and fabricated at X-FAB Foundry in Kuching, showcasing the growing capabilities of Sarawak’s young talent in IC design and technology development.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said the achievement demonstrated that Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions were beginning to translate into tangible results.
He said the state aims to develop Sarawakians into IC designers, innovators and technology owners, with greater local participation in the semiconductor value chain.
“We are witnessing this evolution — from developing capability to technology development, intellectual property, commercialisation, and ultimately greater economic value. This is the direction we must continue to pursue," said the Premier in his official address. "This is why our ambition must go beyond developing capability alone. We want to see what we develop translated into technologies, intellectual property, products and applications that create value for Sarawak and contribute to the wider economy."
The ceremony also saw 11 engineers from Cohort 3 of the CENTEXS-SMD Analog IC Design Semiconductor Mastery Programme completing their training. To date, 45 trainees have completed the programme, with all graduates securing employment in leading semiconductor companies.
Co-hosted by CENTEXS and SMD Semiconductor, the programme forms part of Sarawak’s efforts to develop specialised talent under its semiconductor development agenda.
The state is also looking to expand its semiconductor capabilities into areas including AI, power electronics, aerospace, renewable energy and satellite technologies, while targeting more than 3,000 high-skilled jobs and 3,000 trained graduates by 2030.
The ceremony also marked the official launch of the Sarawak Semiconductor Flagship Programme, themed “Designed in Sarawak, Built for the World!”, signalling the state’s ambition to build homegrown semiconductor talent, technology and intellectual property.
