Disiarkan pada 27 Jul 2025

Sumber Berita: UKAS

SIBU: SMD Semiconductor successfully concluded its second IC Design Make-A-Thon 2025 at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Sibu, continuing its mission to nurture Sarawak’s next generation of chip designers.

The three-day event brought together university and secondary school students from across the central region of Sarawak, including SMK Rosli Dhoby, SMK Agama Sibu (S), SMK St Elizabeth (Sibu), SMK Sibu Jaya, SMD Sacret Heart, SMK Methodist (Sibu), SMK Tung Hua, SMK Sungai Merah, SMK Durin, Kolej Laila Taib and University Technology Sarawak (UTS).

A total of 20 students from secondary schools and 20 students from universities were selected and grouped into mixed teams and immersed in a hands-on learning experience that introduced them to the fundamentals of integrated circuit (IC) design and prototyping.

One of the key highlights of the event was the awarding of the top three winning teams, who impressed judges with their technical creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Their prototypes, built from scratch using components introduced during the workshop stood out for their innovation and practical application.

Participants were challenged to design a functioning heart rate monitor system, applying circuit theory and design tools introduced over the course of the competition.

With the guidance of SMD engineers acting as mentors and judges, students learned to operate oscilloscopes, soldering kits and function generators, translating classroom knowledge into real-world skills.

“Sibu has long been known for its grit, discipline and academic excellence. Today, we are seeing that reputation evolve into one of innovation, technical creativity, and ambition,” said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Higher Education and Innovation) Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

"As someone who has long championed education and science in Sarawak, I am especially encouraged by the spirit shown by the students who participated in this Make-A-Thon. These young minds have embraced the challenge of integrated circuit design, an area at the core of tomorrow’s digital economy, with curiosity, commitment, and courage.”

SMD Semiconductor Chief Executive Officer Shariman Jamil said: “The IC Design Make-A-Thon is more than just a platform for learning; it’s a launchpad for talent. By immersing students in real-world chip design challenges, we’re helping them build both the skills and the confidence to thrive in the semiconductor industry. What we’ve witnessed here in Sibu reinforces why these programmes matter.”

The competition awarded the top three winners, the champion being Team Dabai Future, with a cash prize of RM5,000, consisting of Tony Choo Jian Haw and Tiong Wei Jie from University of Technology Sarawak (UTS); and Arshavin Jugah Anak Kusmas and Graig Emmanuel Anak Retel from SMK Sibu Jaya.

In first runner up was Team Hippo, with a cash prize of RM3,000. Their members are Chua Kian Sin and Chiang Chia Yang from University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Reiko Wong Ke Shin and Meiko Wong Ke Harn from SMK Rosli Dobby.

Coming in at second runner up is team What the Tech - Sharman Kailasa Pillai Mudaliar and Tommy Wong Dao Ming from University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and Cassendrea Chai Chen Yi and Lovenna Gwen Duya Vincent from SMK Rosly Dhoby - won a cash prize of RM1,500.

Team El Matadore won the People's Choice Award with a cash prize of RM800. Their members are Carmen Chua Yong En and Lai Siew Tong from Kolej Laila Taib and Azhan Nazif Affendie and Muhammad Arif Akmal Sulaili from SMK Agama Sibu.

The next Make-A-Thon will take place in Kuching from 21–23 August 2025 at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, reaching more students across the state. - UKASnews