SHANGHAI: Sarawak-developed semiconductor technology is moving towards global commercial applications through a strategic collaboration between SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd (SMD) and Jiangsu Linyang Energy Co Ltd (Linyang Energy).
The two companies signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the adoption and supply of SMD’s power semiconductor solutions, including Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, across Linyang Energy’s smart metering and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) platforms for global markets.
SMD in a statement said that under the agreement, both companies will identify, qualify and integrate SMD’s semiconductor technologies into selected Linyang Energy product platforms.
“The initial focus will include power semiconductor devices, GaN-based power solutions and related intelligent power technologies for applications in smart meters, power conversion systems, energy storage and other advanced energy infrastructure,” it said.
The MoA was signed during the Sarawak Investment Mission to Shanghai led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on Thursday (Aug 13).
Awang Tengah, who is the International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) Minister, said the collaboration strengthens the link between Sarawak’s semiconductor industry and its development as a clean energy hub.
“Partnerships such as this are important because the semiconductor industry is closely connected to the transformation of energy systems, from smart metering and power management to energy storage.
“By bringing together Sarawak’s semiconductor capabilities with Linyang Energy’s expertise in these areas, we are strengthening the link between two strategic sectors that will shape the future of industry.
“This is consistent with Sarawak’s approach of developing high-value industries around our strengths in technology, renewable energy and talent,” he said in the statement.
The collaboration also provides a pathway for SMD technologies to move from product development and qualification into commercial applications through Linyang Energy’s international customer network.
Joint technical teams will initially focus on technical evaluation, product matching, design-in, qualification and commercialisation, including identifying opportunities across Linyang Energy’s product portfolio.
The collaboration will target improvements in energy efficiency, power density, system miniaturisation, reliability and intelligent power management.
SMD chairman Datuk Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said the partnership supports the company’s ambition to position itself as a strategic technology platform for Sarawak while creating intellectual property, high-value industries and global commercial opportunities.
“This partnership demonstrates how Sarawak can participate meaningfully in the global semiconductor value chain — not only by building technology capabilities, but by connecting those capabilities directly to world-class industrial partners and international markets.
“The collaboration with Linyang Energy is an important milestone towards that ambition and supports Sarawak’s broader aspiration to develop a competitive, innovation-led semiconductor ecosystem,” he said.
SMD chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the agreement creates a pathway for technology developed in Sarawak to be incorporated into products deployed worldwide.
“Through Linyang’s global smart meter and energy storage platforms, we have the opportunity to take SMD’s power semiconductor and GaN technologies from design and qualification into high-volume commercial applications,” he said.
Meanwhile, Linyang Group president and Linyang Energy chairman Lu Yonghua said the company was committed to supporting Sarawak in achieving its new energy installation targets.
He said the collaboration would also support efforts to advance Sarawak as a green energy and semiconductor industrial hub in Southeast Asia.