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SMD Semiconductor opens R&D Innovation Hub at CSA Catapult in Newport

Date: 29.04.2025

Topics: AI, Data centres

Delegation at the Sarawak Premier R&D Innovation Hub opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. - CSA Catapult

A leading Malaysian semiconductor company has opened a new R&D Innovation Hub in Wales today and signalled its intent to work with UK companies on designing next-generation semiconductor chips. 

SMD Semiconductor, a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government, will be located at the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult’s Innovation Centre in Newport, Wales. 

The hub was officially opened by the Premier of Sarawak at a special ceremony attended by delegates from the Sarawak, UK and Welsh governments, as well as industry partners. 

During the ceremony, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult signed and exchanged a formal agreement to collaborate on developing new compound semiconductor chips for AI and edge devices. 

Edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, perform data processing at the location of the device instead of sending it to the cloud. This makes them quicker, more energy efficient, more secure, and will enable real-time data processing, which is critical for applications in defence, healthcare, surveillance and robotics. 

Two men smiling as The Rt Hon Premier of Sarawak signs a UK Innovation Hub plaque with CSA Catapult CEO Raj Gawera. - CSA Catapult

SMD Semiconductor is a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government and was established in September 2022 under State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.).  

It focuses on advanced technological research and development, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products.  

SMD Semiconductor is seeking to expand its capabilities into compound semiconductors and take advantage of the expertise of both CSA Catapult and UK industry. 

Established by Innovate UK in 2018, CSA Catapult is the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation.   

With labs and offices across the UK, CSA Catapult is a centre of excellence with state-of-the-art equipment that specialises in the measurement, characterisation, integration and validation of compound semiconductor technology across four areas: power electronics, advanced packaging, radio frequency (RF) and microwave communications, and photonics.  

In 2024, CSA Catapult and SMD Semiconductor signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that laid the initial foundation for collaboration in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of next-generation chips.   

“Advances in AI computing are already rapidly spreading from data centres to Edge devices. However, to unlock the full potential of Edge AI will require new and bold approaches to semiconductor devices. We’re delighted to have SMD Semiconductor locate with us at our Innovation Centre in Newport and to kickstart a programme of activity that will see us design, develop and innovate technology to enable the next generation of Edge AI devices. 

 “This formal partnership strengthens ties between the UK, Sarawak and Malaysian governments and is another example of how international partnerships are helping the UK grow its semiconductor industry and create strong, resilient supply chains for the future.”   

Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult

“Today marks a bold leap forward for Sarawak’s presence in the global semiconductor arena. Through our strategic partnerships with CSA Catapult, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Sarawak with some of the most advanced semiconductor innovators in the world.

“The agreement is more than symbolic as they are actionable commitments to co-create breakthrough technologies, accelerate R&D, and open new markets. With the opening of our R&D Innovation hub in UK, we are positioning ourselves on the world stage in driving future-ready chip design and innovation” 

Shariman Jamil, chief executive officer at SMD Semiconductor

Delegation at the Sarawak Premier R&D Innovation Hub opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. - CSA Catapult
Two men smiling as The Rt Hon Premier of Sarawak signs a UK Innovation Hub plaque with CSA Catapult CEO Raj Gawera. - CSA Catapult
Two people in conversation at a Sarawak professional event, with others networking in the background. - CSA Catapult
People converse before a screen showing
A group of businesspeople in suits walk together outside a modern glass building in Sarawak. - CSA Catapult
A group of men in business suits walk together outside in Sarawak, smiling and talking. - CSA Catapult
Three men in suits sit in a row, listening attentively at an indoor Sarawak event or meeting. - CSA Catapult
A group in business attire poses with folders at a Sarawak corporate agreement signing event. - CSA Catapult
A group of people in Sarawak observe a person demonstrating electronic equipment on a table at an event. - CSA Catapult
Four men in business attire stand smiling in front of purple and blue Catapult Sarawak promotional banners. - CSA Catapult
A man shows a silicon wafer to two others in suits during a Sarawak lab tour. - CSA Catapult
A group in business attire watch a man sign a plaque on a wall in Sarawak, all smiling for the camera. - CSA Catapult
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