By Hayatun Razak
KUCHING: Sarawak is using SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd’s keteq.GaN power semiconductor technology to demonstrate its push into higher-value semiconductor activities, including technology development, industrial applications and commercialisation.
The Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based technology targets applications including artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, renewable energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), smart grids and next-generation grid infrastructure.
Sarawak is seeking to move further up the semiconductor value chain, with its Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 providing a pathway towards higher-value activities such as chip design, specialised engineering, research and development, and talent development.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the opportunity was to move beyond semiconductor and chip design into practical applications.
“The opportunity is to move from semiconductor and chip design into practical applications,” he said at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2026 (IDECS26) here today.
Keteq.GaN is developed for power electronics applications where efficiency, power density and power management are increasingly important, with potential applications spanning AI infrastructure, renewable energy, BESS, smart grids and future solid-state transformers.
SMD Semiconductor chairman and Sarawak State Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said the development demonstrated the importance of building the capabilities and industry connections needed to take homegrown semiconductor technology further.
“For SMD, this is about taking what we have developed and connecting it with real industry needs. As Sarawak strengthens its semiconductor and foundry ecosystem, we want to see more technology developed here create value beyond the technology itself,” he said.
SMD CEO Shariman Jamil said SMD was targeting applications such as AI power, renewable energy, BESS, smart grids and future solid-state transformers.
“That is why we are looking at applications such as AI power, renewable energy, battery energy storage, smart grids and future solid-state transformers. These are areas where power efficiency and power management are becoming increasingly important.”
Keteq.GaN was showcased at the SMD Semiconductor Pavilion during IDECS26.
Following the launch, SMD, in collaboration with the Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) Hong Kong and Gobi Partners, held an engagement session with industry stakeholders to discuss industry capabilities, requirements and potential areas of collaboration to strengthen Sarawak’s semiconductor and foundry ecosystem.
The engagement is part of efforts to build industry linkages and commercialisation pathways for semiconductor technology developed in Sarawak.
