KUCHING, SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned company under the Sarawak government, has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korea’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker, Rebellions Inc, to accelerate AI chip design and semiconductor development in the region.
The collaboration is a key milestone in Sarawak’s ambition to position itself as a major player in the global semiconductor and AI technology landscape. It was announced during a courtesy visit by Rebellions’ leadership to the Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at his office here today.
SMD Semiconductor said in a statement that Rebellions’ visit followed a strategic engagement earlier this month, when a Sarawak delegation led by Deputy State Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel met with the company at its headquarters in Seongnam City, South Korea, on Oct 1.
The partnership will be formally sealed through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025 on Oct 22, to be witnessed by Abang Johari at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
During their visit, the Rebellions team presented updates on the company’s business outlook, its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), and proposed collaboration opportunities with Sarawak. The meeting also provided valuable insights ahead of Abang Johari’s participation as Malaysia’s keynote speaker at the upcoming ASEAN Conference on AI Adoption from Oct 26 to 28.
The delegation from Rebellions was led by its chief executive officer and co-founder, Sunghyun Park, accompanied by co-CEO of InterVest Co Ltd, Chung Hee Woo, and Director John Ha. Joining them were SMD Semiconductor chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, CEO Shariman Jamil, and Ilham Capital Ventures Sdn Bhd CEO Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar.
Rebellions Inc, recognised as a leader in AI accelerator and High Bandwidth Memory technologies, develops highly efficient, energy-saving processors optimised for AI performance. Its partnership with SMD Semiconductor — Sarawak’s fabless chip design firm specialising in analogue and mixed-signal integrated circuits — signifies a critical step in fostering cross-border innovation and advancing Sarawak’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Premier Abang Johari said the alliance reflects Sarawak’s long-term vision of building the Integrated Longhouse Silicon Valley, a world-class technology ecosystem.
“This collaboration represents our determination to elevate Sarawak’s standing in the global semiconductor value chain. It demonstrates our commitment to nurturing a knowledge-driven economy that competes on an international level,” he said.
SMD Semiconductor chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman described the partnership as a defining milestone in Sarawak’s journey to become Asia’s “silicon nerve centre” for high-tech chip design and innovation.
“By combining Sarawak’s growing capabilities with Rebellions’ proven AI expertise, we’re not just part of the global semiconductor growth — we’re driving it. This partnership will redefine innovation standards and solidify Sarawak’s position in the world technology arena,” he said.
SMD Semiconductor CEO Shariman Jamil said the collaboration marks a breakthrough for Sarawak’s semiconductor ambitions. “Innovation in AI is no longer confined to Silicon Valley. With Rebellions’ AI strength and SMD’s design expertise, we are creating a powerful technological alliance that sets new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and intelligence. This is how Sarawak makes its mark on the global semiconductor map,” he added.
