MIMOS Bhd and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) are drafting a blueprint for the setting up of an industrial cluster to support the development of micro-electronic mechanical system (MEMS) technology in the country.
Sources told StarBiz that Mimos and Mida were recently advised by an overseas-based international technology consultant to pick MEMS technology as first choice from a prioritised list of suitable emerging technologies because of the country’s in-depth experience in semiconductor engineering.
According to the sources, Mimos and Mida are now conducting an “on-ground” audit of MEMS activities in Malaysia. MEMS is an off-shoot of semiconductor technology.
MEMS technology is widely used in micro-fluidic sensors, pressure sensors, and inertial sensors.
According to technology research house Frost and Sullivans, for the year 2003, global demand for micro-fluidic sensors would be 3 billion to 4.45 billion units; for inertial sensors, 700 million to 1.4 billion units; and for pressure sensors, 1.1 billion to 2.15 billion.
Mimos and Mida had identified MEMS Technology Bhd as the only company in the country presently carrying out MEMS activities. They had also requested feedback from the company for the industrial cluster development plan, the sources added.
AKN Capital Sdn Bhd owns 73.75% in MEMS Technology, Malaysia Venture Capital Bhd 16.25%, and ADVINTECH Pte Ltd 10%.
Mimos and Mida have also identified the Institute of Micro-Electronic and Nanotechnology and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) as the only centres in the country carrying out research and development work on MEMS technology.
When contacted, MEMS Technology chief technology officer K. Sooriakumar confirmed that the company had been approached by Mimos.
“We will do whatever is necessary to help in the strategic development of the industrial cluster, as it is in the country’s technological development interest,” he said.
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