KUCHING: SMD Semiconductor has successfully wrapped up the third and final chapter of its IC Design Make-A-Thon 2025 at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, marking the conclusion of a statewide initiative to nurture Sarawak’s next generation of integrated circuit (IC) design talent.

The Kuching event followed earlier editions at Curtin University Malaysia in Miri and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu.

Collectively, the three-part programme engaged more than 120 students from across Sarawak, equipping them with hands-on engineering skills and underscoring the pivotal role of IC design in today’s technology-driven economy.

The Kuching finale gathered 40 participants, comprising 20 secondary school students and 20 university students, drawn from institutions including Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Politeknik Kuching and several local secondary schools.

Formed into mixed teams, participants underwent intensive mentorship under SMD engineers, gaining fundamental knowledge in circuit design and prototyping while working with tools such as oscilloscopes, function generators and soldering kits.

Over three days, teams were tasked with designing and building a functioning heart rate monitor system. The challenge culminated in a presentation and judging session, where creativity, teamwork and technical execution were put to the test.

Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who officiated the closing event, lauded the initiative as a milestone in strengthening industry-academia collaboration.

“It is a celebration of progress – the kind that comes when industry and academia unite to inspire the next generation of Sarawakian technologists,” he said.

SMD Semiconductor Chief Executive Officer, Shariman Jamil, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of long-term investment in people as the foundation of Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions.

“At SMD, we often talk about the importance of local talent. But talent doesn’t just appear overnight – it must be discovered, nurtured and given room to grow, exactly as we’ve done here,” he said.

The competition’s winning teams were announced as follows:

Champion – ElePulse (RM5,000); Chairil Danial Bin Chairil Anwar (SMK Matang Hilir); Muhammad Faiszul Hafiz Bin Abdullah (SMK Matang Hilir); Andersen Chin Xuan (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak); and Shane Lim Xuan (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak).

1st Runner-up – 4lingo (RM3,000); Melvin Wong Baa Sheng (SMK Batu Lintang); Issac Then Quan You (SMK Batu Lintang); Phang Qi Xiang (Politeknik Kuching Sarawak); and Jonathan Jau (Politeknik Kuching Sarawak).

2nd Runner-up – Mighty Apes (RM1,500); Mohammad Muazzam Adinuddin Bin Yusuf (SMK Bandar Samariang); Rizqie Zurie Rayyan Bin Kusairie (SMK Bandar Samariang); Iris Lee Shu Jin (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak); and Yeo Yi Liang (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak).

People’s Choice Award – The Ohm Rangers (RM800); Gilbert Liew Shen Hong (Chung Hua Middle School No. 1); Bong Yong Qi (Chung Hua Middle School No. 1); Aztrina Anak Baie (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak); and Daniel Efesus Anak Jaen (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak).

With its inaugural series spanning Miri, Sibu and Kuching, the IC Design Make-A-Thon has sparked early interest in deep-tech disciplines among Sarawak’s youth.

The initiative not only strengthens critical and creative thinking but also lays the groundwork for future programmes to develop world-class engineering talent in the state. -UKASnews