Muscat: In a major boost to the semiconductor sector of Oman, chips designed locally by Omani designers were sent over to a global firm in Taiwan for testing and verification ahead of mass production.
Chips named Oman-1 and Oman-2 are part of the National Programme for Digital Economy and it was undertaken with the support of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Labour.
It is a step forward towards the implementation of an agreement concluded in June 2022 by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Labour (on one side) and Taiwan’s Global Semiconductor Microelectronics Company.
The agreement was aimed at establishing the first investment project in the Sultanate of Oman to design and manufacture semiconductors and advanced electronic chips, besides training Omanis in this field.
The dispatch ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. It was attended by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and officials.
Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of the MoTCIT for Communications and Information Technology said the step assumes significance in Oman’s drive to make chips in the country and it demonstrates the capabilities and talents of young Omani engineers.
He added that the move paves the way for domestic and global investments in research, development and advanced chips manufacturing.
Al Shidhani pointed out that this step will promote the growth of industries related to chips in general, and build an integrated ecosystem that supports this industry in Oman.
Farhat Jahangir, CEO of GSME Oman, affirmed that the registration of the first locally designed set of chips (Oman-1 and Oman-2) reflects a commitment from the company to promote technological growth and innovation in Oman by investing in the development of domestic talent and expertise.
The overall objective is to lay strong grounds for the establishment of a trading centre for chip design and validation in Oman, Jahangir added.
Earlier, Oman Semiconductor and Electronics Company conducted a comprehensive chip design training programme that was attended by more than 90 engineers. The programme was aimed at furnishing a stimulating environment for international and local companies to make Oman a regional home for their operations and services.
The total global sales revenues of semiconductors in 2022 stood at about $601.7 billion worldwide, up by 1.1 per cent, compared to $595 billion in 2021. — ONA
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