By Gabriel Lihan & Sarah Hafizah Chandra
KUCHING: Sarawak is committed to providing quality human capital and passionate talent to drive the state’s technological aspirations forward.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the ongoing expansion of the manufacturing and services sectors, combined with the rapid pace of technological change, was redefining Asia’s labour force landscape as well as its human resource and skills requirements.
He added that the government and other stakeholders were focusing on creating the necessary technological and scientific skills and a highly qualified human resource base.
“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time and it is time that we recognise the hard work that many have put in to get to this point.
“Sarawak has proven its capability and tenacity to excel in the field of semiconductors and system technology and digital technologies platforms,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the launch of Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) SDN and signing ceremony of Framework Service Agreement with Melexis Technologies NV, Belgium at TEGAS Digital Village today.
He also pointed out that with the help of the ministry, Sarawak now has a steady supply of highly educated, competent and technically qualified workers which was critical for success.
Earlier during the launch, chief executive officer of SMD Semiconductor Shariman Jamil pointed out four success factors of the company which could spearhead SMD semiconductor industry in Sarawak.
He said that delivering world-class solutions with increased application inputs into the design through a partnership programme with clients would help ensure in time to market with best innovative ideas and chip testing and packing right through its distribution, marketing and finally to its end-users.
Adding further, he said that acquiring ready, experienced workforce and good talent supply from the university was crucial by actively engaging the local universities and training institutions as well as having strong government policies and good networking support from the agencies and industries.
He also took the opportunity to thank its partners XFAB Kuching, Melexis and its entourage led by Marc Biron for their collaboration to design and manufacture chips in Sarawak.
