KUCHING (March 19): Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor is celebrating another milestone with the successful completion of its second cohort of the ‘SMD Semiconductor Mastery Programme for Analogue Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and IC Test Solution Development’.

This intensive training initiative, designed to equip aspiring semiconductor professionals with industry-relevant skills, has once again demonstrated its impact in nurturing local talents and strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem in Sarawak.

Building on the success of the first cohort, launched in February last year and successfully concluded in September in the same year, the second cohort continues to refine and expand its curriculum.

“This programme provided participants with in-depth training in IC design, layout, and testing.

“This was made possible through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Melexis NV, X-FAB Sarawak, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs),” said the company in a statement yesterday.

The collaboration provided the participants with valuable industry insights, hands-on training and mentorship, further enhancing the programme’s effectiveness in preparing skilled semiconductor professionals, it stressed.

State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, also SMD Semiconductor chairman, officiated at the ceremony to mark the completion of the second cohort’s programme.

In commending the participants for their dedication and also the programme’s role in developing a highly-skilled workforce, he remarked: “This programme’s success marks another significant step in equipping our young talents with the specialised skills required for the evolving demands of the industry.

“By investing in talent programme, we are fostering a strong ecosystem that supports innovation, economic growth and high-value job creation.”

Encouraged by the success of the first two cohorts, SMD Semiconductor had also announced the launch of the third cohort, tentatively this October.

According to SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil, the upcoming intake would introduce enhanced training modules, expanded industry partnerships and specialised courses in emerging semiconductor technologies.

“We will also introduce a new training course under ‘Semiconductor Mastery Programme: Digital IC Design’, which is anticipated to start in August this year.

“We remain committed to developing top-tier semiconductor talents, and the third cohort will take things even further.

“Building on the success of the first two cohorts, we are bringing in more industry expertise and hands-on learning to ensure our participants are fully equipped to thrive in this fast-evolving industry,” said Shariman.

SMD Semiconductor was incorporated in September 2022, and is a wholly-owned by the Sarawak government through the State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc).

SMD Semiconductor is Sarawak’s boutique fabless chip design house specialising in designing analogue and mixed-signal ICs or chips. Its mission is to design sustainable future-defining semiconductors and transform Sarawak into the silicon nerve centre of Asia.

Article originally posted here.