Sarawak: Sarawak will send local students to pursue Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, as a strategic move to cultivate homegrown expertise in the semiconductor sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is being carried out through a collaboration between Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor, the University of Bristol, and the Sarawak Foundation. These entities formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at an event held at the Satria Pertiwi Complex.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the collaboration aims to train local students in PhD programmes and support research activities in the semiconductor industry. The ultimate goal is to develop a semiconductor industry in Sarawak that not only utilizes existing technologies but also creates its own technologies through the expertise of local talent.

'In the initial phase, we will send three students to pursue PhDs at the University of Bristol - they may be experienced candidates or holders of a master's degree,' said the Premier. He also mentioned that those selected will serve the Sarawak government upon completing their studies, with plans to increase the number of participants in the future.