State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah (centre) launching the train-the-trainer programme in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak aims to become a hub for the semiconductor industry within South-East Asia by developing skilled local talent, says state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah.
Towards this end, state-owned company SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd has launched its train-the-trainer programme in analog chip design to produce integrated circuit (IC) designers and semiconductor professionals.
"Our target is to produce 500 chip designers. We hope to train more locals in IC design through this programme," Sagah told reporters after launching the programme here on Tuesday (Nov 14).
He said the programme would involve professionals, academic researchers and lecturers with relevant experience in the electronics and microelectronics sector.
Training modules covering analogue IC design, analogue IC layout and IC testing were developed in collaboration with SMD's industry partners Melexis, from Belgium, and Silicon Valley company Synopsys.
The four-week training programme would start in January at SMD's premises, with subsequent training sessions to be led by the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) and Sarawak Skills Development Centre.
Sagah called on the relevant lecturers from higher learning institutions in the state to participate in the programme and be trained to mentor graduates to become IC designers and test engineers.
"The training programme will help shape the next generation of professionals in analog IC design at their institutions and enable them to excel in this specialised field of semiconductors," he said.
Sagah also said Sarawak's goal was to become a top choice for semiconductor investments and a leading global technology solutions provider.
"The training programme represents our strong dedication to a future where Sarawak stands out in technology and innovation," he said.
