KUCHING: Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) will be adding two more programmes with the aim to tap into the USD1.9 trillion worth of opportunities in the semiconductor industry.
CENTEXS chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman said that the programmes are the certificate in analog integrated circuit design and certificate in integrated circuit testing.
He said this to reporters after attending the pre-event press conference of Train-The-Trainers: Talent Development in Semiconductors and Chip Design at Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday.
“CENTEXS is embarking on this journey with a primary focus on the industry. The global microchip integrated circuit sector holds a staggering value of USD400 billion. It is anticipated that this figure will surge to an impressive USD1.9 trillion by 2030.
“This represents a significant shift for our state, driven by our Premier’s administration, with a central focus on manufacturing and microchip design involvement.
“The objective is to seize the USD1.9 trillion opportunity presented by Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to enhance Sarawak’s income. In collaboration with Sarawak Microelectric Designs (SMD), we currently offer 85 programmes, and we are planning to introduce two additional programmes in partnership with SMD, Melexis NV from Belgium, and Synopsys International,” he said.
CENTEXS will play a pivotal role in integrated circuit design and integrated circuit testing, a crucial step before venturing into wafer production.
He added that the institution would handle both testing and design aspects, with trainers provided by SMD, Melexis, and Synopsys.
“Synopsys, renowned for its top-ranked software in design, has been chosen as our software provider. Collaborations with Synopsys for IC design are already underway.
“When it comes to IC testing, our partnership is with Melexis, acknowledged experts in this field,” he added.
He added that the training programme extends over a six-month duration, where CENTEXS will admit students from universities, providing full sponsorship to Sarawakian students through scholarships valued at RM1,350.
This comprehensive support means that students won’t be required to cover any expenses, ensuring that financial barriers are eliminated.
“Our goal is to train 500 individuals in integrated circuit design, testing, and wafer production by 2050,” he added.
