Singapore to Launch New Integrated Circuit Design Training Program in 2024
Singapore is set to launch a new training program for integrated circuit design in August 2024. The program, developed by the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), Nanyang Technological University, and the Economic Development Board (EDB), aims to train up to 150 individuals over the next five years. The initiative is part of Singapore’s efforts to provide more work-study training, immersion, and internship opportunities in the semiconductor industry.
Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong announced the training program at an event commemorating the 55th anniversary of Singapore’s semiconductor industry. The specific details of the program will be shared by the EDB and SSIA at a later date.
The demand for integrated circuit designers is high, with professionals in the field earning an average annual salary of $150,000 in the United States. Singapore aims to meet the growing need for skilled talent by doubling down on training research and development (R&D) personnel. The government plans to produce 1,000 PhDs in the next decade to support the semiconductor industry’s growth.
In addition to training and developing talent, Singapore will continue to offer scholarships and collaborate with companies to strengthen the postgraduate talent pool with critical R&D skills. The focus is on not only reskilling mid-career workers for new roles but also redeploying them into other good jobs within the sector.
Singapore’s highly skilled workforce, stable government, rule of law, and extensive connectivity position the country as an attractive destination for semiconductor investments. Despite intense global competition and subsidies offered by other major economies, Singapore remains optimistic. The country believes it can tap into and capitalize on growth opportunities due to the industry’s confidence in its capabilities.
The semiconductor sector holds a significant role in Singapore’s manufacturing value-add, accounting for over one-third. While currently experiencing a global slowdown, the semiconductor industry is expected to continue growing due to the increased demand for semiconductors driven by artificial intelligence, 5G, and the industrial Internet of Things.
Singapore also sees the transition to a low-carbon economy as an opportunity for companies in the sector. The government plans to assist semiconductor companies in adopting sustainable practices, such as efficient greenhouse-gas abatement and energy-efficient systems, to achieve their net-zero emissions goals. The country aims to import up to four gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035 to decarbonize the power sector further.
Singapore’s semiconductor industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 55 years, evolving from a labor-intensive assembly hub to an R&D base for cutting-edge technologies. The need for global collaboration and knowledge-sharing has become increasingly crucial in today’s world of economic uncertainties and frequent supply-chain disruptions. By fostering global collaborations, the semiconductor supply chain can boost its resilience and adapt to dynamic shifts in the global landscape.
In conclusion, Singapore’s launch of a new integrated circuit design training program demonstrates its commitment to nurturing talent and meeting the industry’s growing demands. The country’s favorable business environment, skilled workforce, and sustainability efforts position it well to capture growth opportunities in the semiconductor sector.
