By Desiree David on May 20, 2026, Wednesday at 7:01 AM
KUCHING (May 20): SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, Photovoltaic Foundry Pte Ltd and Jiangsu Linyang Energy Co Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday to collaborate on semiconductor innovation, energy technologies and digital infrastructure solutions.
SMD Semiconductor chairman Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said the collaboration marked an important step in Sarawak’s efforts to build high-value technological capabilities and strengthen the state’s position in the global semiconductor and intelligent infrastructure value chain.
He said SMD Semiconductor, which is a state government-owned company, was moving towards developing semiconductor chips for next-generation solar inverters, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), smart metering technologies and intelligent infrastructure systems.
“The collaboration also creates an important pathway for Sarawak-developed semiconductor technologies to progress beyond research and development into commercial and industrial applications, including the development of Sarawak local content equipment embedded with SMD semiconductor chips and proprietary technologies for renewable energy deployment.
“This collaboration also supports the development of large-scale solar and rooftop solar projects as part of Sarawak’s broader agenda to strengthen its role as a regional green energy hub.
“We are not only focusing on the Sarawak market, but also regional and future global markets,” he said during a press conference after the MoU signing ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly complex here yesterday.
Earlier, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg attended and witnessed the signing and exchange of the MoU documents.
Wan Lizozman, also Sarawak Financial Secretary, said Abang Johari’s presence at the ceremony reflected the importance of the collaboration with strategic partners.
“The premier also expressed his aspiration to see this collaboration grow, not only to produce chips for power inverters, battery storage or smart metering systems, but to go beyond all these areas.
“We also hope to discuss with our partners and future strategic partners to establish a practical foundry plan for smart meter production. Of course, the details will be discussed later,” he said.
Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the company operates as a fabless semiconductor company focused on chip design and intellectual property development rather than building fabrication plants.
“The chip fabrication process is currently carried out through collaboration with X-FAB in Samajaya, Kuching. We design the chips and our focus is on developing intellectual property.
“The chips will be produced under our intellectual property registration. That is our core business at SMD Semiconductor,” he said.
According to Photovoltaic Foundry Pte Ltd chief executive officer Liong Hang Cek, the collaboration reflected strong alignment among the partners in advancing renewable energy innovation and semiconductor-enabled infrastructure solutions for the future economy.
“We are proud to work alongside the Sarawak government and our industrial strategic partners to develop large-scale solar farm projects which deploy and demonstrate Sarawak proprietary contents.
“Sarawak’s long-term commitment and consistent green energy policies create confidence for cross-regional partnership,” he said.
He added that combining expertise in semiconductors, renewable energy and global industrial best practices would help accelerate Sarawak’s long-term mission of becoming a green energy export hub while promoting local solutions to neighbouring markets.
Linyang Group general manager Yuan Hairong highlighted the importance of cross-border partnerships in new technology development and applications.
“As industries continue to transition towards digitalisation, intelligent systems and sustainable energy development, strategic international collaboration will become increasingly important.
“This partnership creates opportunities for technology integration, knowledge exchange and long-term industrial cooperation between China and Southeast Asia in large-scale renewable energy project development and intelligent asset management,” he said.
He added that the collaboration aligned with broader regional trends towards renewable energy, grid-level battery energy storage system adoption, digitally smart infrastructure expansion and industrial innovation across Asean markets. - The Borneo Post
