KUCHING: Sarawak’s aspirations to become a leader in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries were reinforced when SMD Semiconductor Sdn. Bhd, a wholly-owned company of the Sarawak Government, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rebellions Inc. from South Korea at the office of the Sarawak Financial Secretary at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Monday.

The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by SMD Semiconductor Chairman, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning & Development), Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.

Earlier, the Rebellions Inc. delegation paid a courtesy call on the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex.

This visit followed the strategic meeting of the Sarawak delegation to the Rebellions headquarters in Seongnam City, South Korea on 1 October 2025 led by Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah.

The signing of the MoU strengthens the technological alliance between Sarawak and South Korea, which aims to compete with global dominance in the AI ​​chip market, which has been led by industry giants such as Nvidia Corporation.

Rebellions Inc., a company incorporated in the Republic of Korea and recognised as a global leader in AI technology, brings proven expertise in high-performance AI chip design that supports the use of next-generation AI, high speed data processing, and advanced computing applications.

Through this collaboration, both parties will develop AI hardware innovation platforms, strengthen semiconductor design capabilities, and commercialise new AI technologies, thus positioning Sarawak and Malaysia as significant new competitors globally.

The scope of the MoU also includes joint initiatives in data center power management, industrial-scale AI application development, and training programmes with local universities, in addition to exploring equity investment opportunities, paving the way for stronger technology collaboration between the two countries.

Also present were SMD Semiconductor Board Members, Datu John Wayne Chamberlain Sirau and Dato (Dr.) Salihin Abang, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datu Adana Jed, and SMD Semiconductor Chief Executive Officer, Shariman Jamil. -UKASnews