KUCHING (July 18): Sarawak is building the foundation for its future semiconductor industry by investing in young talent, with strong participation in the SMD IC Design Make-A-Thon 2026 reflecting growing interest among youths in technology and innovation.
SMD Semiconductor chairman and Sarawak State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said the overwhelming response, with 634 registrations from across the state, showed that young Sarawakians were ready to pursue opportunities in high-tech fields.
“This tells us something very important. Young Sarawakians are ready. They are eager to learn, eager to challenge themselves, eager to aim high and ready to seize opportunities when given the right platform.
“This is a very encouraging sign for the future,” he said at the closing ceremony of the SMD IC Design Make-A-Thon 2026 at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak here.
Of the 634 registrations, 58 finalists from 23 institutions were selected, comprising 30 secondary school students and 28 university students who competed in 15 finalist teams from Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
Wan Lizozman said the competition reflected Sarawak’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce as the state moves towards becoming a high-income, innovation-driven economy.
“We recognise that sustainable economic growth is not driven by investment alone, but by the quality of talent we nurture to lead future industries,” he said.
Addressing participants, he urged students not to allow their backgrounds to limit their ambitions.
“Whether you come from towns, cities, kampungs or longhouses, do not limit yourselves. Dream big.
“Your background does not determine your potential, and your starting point does not determine how far you can go.
“Be the Bill Gates of Sarawak. Be the Steve Jobs of Sarawak. Be the Jensen Huang of Sarawak,” he said.
Wan Lizozman also encouraged participants to remain curious, embrace challenges and learn from failure, expressing confidence that many would go on to become entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators and leaders contributing to Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions.
Also present were State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus chairman Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
