APRIL 2025
Sarawak Premier Launches Edge Ai Power Converter “Keteq Ai”
CARDIFF, Tues: Sarawak’s Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg today unveiled the prototype of an Edge AI power converter device developed in Sarawak as part of his working trip, here.
Billed as the first of such circuit-level devices in the world by the Premier, it had been a product resulting from the collaboration between SMD Semiconductor Sdn. Bhd. of Sarawak and CSA Catapult of the UK.
“Today, I am proud to share that the Edge AI Power Converter is a technological breakthrough and a world first. This pioneering device is designed to detect, predict, and autonomously correct (power) system anomalies in real-time, all within less than one-tenth of a millisecond.
“It represents a major leap forward in the field of power electronics and control system optimisation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” the Premier said in his launching speech during a ceremony held at CSA Catapult facility in Newport near here.
In addition to formulating strategic policies and beyond the impressive numbers and milestones achieved, one of Sarawak's most transformative accomplishments, a true game changer, was the ongoing development of our Edge AI Power Converter, he said.
“This journey began exactly one year ago, on April 23, 2024, when I stood before many of you at the House of Commons in the UK Parliament to witness the historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult. That moment set in motion an extraordinary chapter for Sarawak's innovation journey,” he told the audience consisting of British government and CSA Catapult officials, semiconductor industry players in the UK and senior government officials from Sarawak.
“With wide-ranging applications across smart grids, electric vehicles, autonomous systems, industrial IoT, predictive maintenance, and mission-critical control systems, the AI Power Converter is being designed for scalability, energy efficiency, and ultra-fast responsiveness, addressing some of the most critical needs of the industries of the future,” he pointed out.
“As you have just heard from Mr. Shariman Jamil’s (SMD Semiconductor CEO) demonstration on the development of this groundbreaking prototype, a milestone that marks a significant leap in Sarawak’s innovation journey, it is now my great pleasure to unveil the much-anticipated, proudly Sarawak-owned Edge AI Power Converter: KETEQ AI, ‘Innovation in just a Snap!’,” he said to launch the device.
Later, SMD exchanged agreement documents with CSA Catapult to further strengthen the collaboration, and also exchanged similar documents with Silicon Catalyst and 5G3i Ltd. to pave the way for more partnership opportunities with UK semiconductor industry players.
Earlier, SMD Semiconductor, Dato Sri Dr Wanlizozman Haji Wan Omar, who is also Sarawak State Financial Secretary spoke to present Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030.
Among those present at the ceremony were Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, State Secretary, Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Hardin Hollis, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and senior government officers.