CARDIFF: The Sarawak Government has marked another major milestone in the global technology arena by introducing KETEQ AI, the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-based power conversion device, developed entirely by local Sarawakian expertise.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said this achievement is among the key outcomes under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 and Beyond initiative which aims to position Sarawak as a high-tech hub in the region.
“The development of this Edge AI Power Converter is more than just the result of policy, it is a game-changing catalyst for Sarawak. This innovation signifies a transformational leap in our technological landscape,” he said.
He said this during a visit to the CSA Catapult facility in Cardiff, Wales, on Tuesday local time.
Also present at the historic event were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Sarawak Financial Secretary and Chairman of SMD Semiconductor, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Attorney General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CSA Catapult, Raj Gawera, and CEO of SMD Semiconductor, Shariman Jamil.
KETEQ AI is engineered with the capability to detect and correct system disturbances automatically within less than 0.1 milliseconds, making it one of the most responsive systems in the field of smart control and power electronics.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari further emphasised that the technology represents a significant advancement, showcasing Sarawak’s commitment to develop its own strategic technological capabilities.
He explained that the KETEQ AI project began on 23 April 2024 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult at the United Kingdom Parliament.
“This collaboration enables Sarawak to build a more sustainable innovation ecosystem that supports the growth of the local technology sector.
“This innovation not only promises high energy efficiency but is also designed to operate on a scalable basis with real-time response capabilities,” he added.
KETEQ AI has broad application potential, including in smart grids, electric vehicle systems, autonomous technologies, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), predictive maintenance systems, and critical control mechanisms.
Meanwhile, Shariman also conducted a live demonstration of the prototype, showcasing its ability to handle various complex operational scenarios.
With the slogan ‘Innovation in just a Snap’, KETEQ AI stands as proof of Sarawakian talent’s capability to create world-class technology, propelling Sarawak onto the global stage in AI and smart energy systems. -UKASnews
