Sarawak's SMD Semiconductor unveiled keteq.GaN, a locally designed gallium nitride power semiconductor chip, at IDECS in Kuching on October 5. The launch was held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, DayakDaily reported. Its focus is power conversion and management rather than simply processing data. SMD identifies AI infrastructure, renewable energy, battery energy storage, smart grids and future solid-state transformers as the applications it is targeting. The company was established in 2022. Its chairman said the next step is to take the technology beyond design and into practical applications — an important distinction for a state developing both energy and semiconductor industries. The launch establishes a named local technology, but it is not a timetable for deployment. The reports give no customer rollout dates, production volumes or independently measured efficiency figures. Those would show how the design translates into operating power systems.

Sarawak is exploring Hong Kong partnerships to bring more investment and commercial opportunities into its semiconductor and deep-tech ambitions. The discussion took place in Kuching on Tuesday during a meeting involving Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg, SMD Semiconductor and venture-capital firm Gobi Partners. The areas under consideration include institutional and strategic investment, co-investment opportunities, and the commercialisation of emerging technology. The proposal links two different strengths: Hong Kong’s finance and innovation networks, and Sarawak’s developing semiconductor, digital-infrastructure and technology base. It is still at the exploration stage, with the next task being to identify specific projects where the partners can work together. For Sarawak, the significance is less about an immediate new factory than about building routes to capital, talent and technology partners as the state tries to move from semiconductor manufacturing support into locally developed products.

Sarawak says it is moving closer to producing a new semiconductor chip that can split light without generating heat. [image: 1783850638039-sarawak-chip.jpg] Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the chip is part of Sarawak's push into the new economy and advanced semiconductor work. He said Sarawak is developing a gallium nitride-based chip, a material he described as better than silicon for this purpose. The design work, he added, is being handled by Sarawakian talent. Abang Johari also said Sarawak is working on the world's first storage disk using a glass substrate instead of silicon. Why it matters This is not just another factory announcement. If the plan moves as described, Sarawak wants to be known for designing high-value tech products, not only hosting industrial projects. Location: Kuching / Sarawak Details: Abang Johari spoke at the Tanjong Lobang College Alumni Association Charity Dinner in Kuching on July 11. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?