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Kuching Selected as Hub for Global Semiconductor Exchange
Sarawak has successfully won the bid to host the 38th International Conference on Microelectronics (ICM) 2026. The event will take place from 7 to 10 December 2026, with the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching serving as the primary venue.
The conference is expected to draw over 300 international delegates, including engineers, researchers, academics, and industry leaders. This gathering aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and explore the technological breakthroughs defining the future of the microelectronics sector.
Strategic Alignment with PCDS 2030
Hosting ICM 2026 is a calculated move to advance Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. The event aligns with regional priorities focusing on:
- Digital transformation and innovation.
- Advanced manufacturing capabilities.
- Human capital development.
- The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for hardware evolution.
By bringing global experts to Kuching, Sarawak intends to bridge the gap between international innovation and local talent, accelerating the growth of its domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Comprehensive Technical and Industry Programming
The event will move beyond traditional academic presentations to offer a diverse technical itinerary. The program includes:
- Research & Education: Regular papers, special sessions, and tutorials.
- Hands-on Learning: An embedded workshop and live demonstrations.
- Industry Integration: Technical industry visits and the CAS Industry Forum.
- Strategic Collaboration: A Sino-Malaysia workshop and a CASS Standards workshop.
Research visibility is guaranteed through approval for publication via IEEE Xplore. Top-tier papers may also be invited for extended submissions to prestigious journals, including the Journal of Integrated Circuits and Systems, Neuroelectronics, and IEEE Transactions on VLSI Systems.
Economic Impact and Regional Ambitions
The conference is projected to generate an estimated RM2.5 million in total economic impact. However, officials emphasize that the long-term "legacy value"—strengthening the electronics sector through new networks and knowledge—outweighs the immediate financial gain.
The event is organized by the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (IEEE CASS) and supported by a wide array of institutional partners:
- Government & Bureaucracy: Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
- Academic & Research: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (Science & Technology Partner).
- Industry: Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor Sdn Bhd.
Event Summary
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 38th International Conference on Microelectronics (ICM) 2026 |
| Dates | 7 – 10 December 2026 |
| Location | Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia |
| Primary Venue | Borneo Cultures Museum |
| Expected Attendance | 300+ Delegates |
| Estimated Economic Impact | RM2.5 Million |
| Organizing Body | IEEE Circuits and Systems Society (IEEE CASS) |
Key Takeaways
- Historic Return: This marks the first time in over 30 years that the ICM has been hosted in Malaysia.
- AI Focus: A primary theme of the 2026 event is the development of energy-efficient and sustainable hardware to power the next generation of AI.
- Global Network: The event features technical co-sponsorship from IEEE CASS and participation from 13 global IEEE CASS chapters.
- Strategic Goal: The conference serves as a tool for Sarawak to transition toward a high-income, technology-driven economy.
FAQ
What is the primary goal of ICM 2026 in Sarawak? The conference aims to connect global microelectronics expertise with local talent to support Sarawak's transition toward a high-income economy driven by innovation and advanced manufacturing.
How will this event benefit the local economy? Beyond the RM2.5 million in direct economic impact, the event is designed to create long-term industry connections and knowledge transfers that will strengthen Sarawak's electronics sector.
Who can attend the conference? The event is designed for a diverse group of professionals, including scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and academics specializing in circuits and systems.
