KUCHING: SMD Semiconductor Sdn. Bhd. has entered a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Rebellions Inc. to advance Malaysia’s position in the global AI chip industry, following the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025.

The partnership seeks to combine Korea’s cutting edge AI chip design expertise with Malaysia’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem to produce next generation technologies capable of competing with established global players such as Nvidia.

The MoU follows a recent engagement held in Seongnam City, South Korea, on 1 October 2025, where SMD Semiconductor joined a Sarawak delegation led by Deputy State Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.

Under the collaboration, both parties will explore joint projects in data centre power management, large scale AI applications, training programmes with local universities, and equity investment opportunities, paving the way for deeper technological integration between Malaysia and Korea.

SMD Semiconductor Chairman, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, described the MoU as a long term investment in human capital and innovation.

“This collaboration goes beyond technology, it is about people transformation. We are laying the foundation of an ecosystem that will empower our youth, strengthen our economy and drive sustainable innovation,” he said.

Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor Chief Executive Officer, Shariman Jamil, said the company aims to position Sarawak as a serious contender in the semiconductor arena.

“Together with Rebellions Inc, we are uniting Korea’s AI chip expertise with Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem to create a new player capable of standing alongside and competing with Nvidia,” he said.

This signing marks another milestone for SMD Semiconductor following its recent exchange with UK counterparts, signalling steady progress in Sarawak’s transformation into a technology producing state.

With Sarawak emerging as the engine room of Malaysia’s semiconductor future, this partnership is expected to catalyse new opportunities for innovation, research collaboration and global competitiveness in the AI driven economy. -UKASnews

Reporter:  Alezxandria Kapple
Photographer: Muhammad Rais Sanusi