Covering Disruptive Technology Powering Business in The Digital Age

The Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with industry leaders and government agencies to build a sustainable and resilient supply chain in its hosting of annual SSIA Summit 2023.

Under the theme “Forging Resilience: Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions,” the semiconductor industry, foundational to the digital world, has faced considerable challenges recently due to supply chain disruptions. These disruptions, exacerbated by recent global events, have revealed the vulnerabilities within our current supply chain models. Hence, this year’s theme examines how we can strengthen and future-proof the semiconductor supply chains collectively.

From its humble beginning in 1968 when the first fabrication plant was established, the Singapore semiconductor industry has overcome numerous challenges with perseverance, innovation, and determination. Today, amidst macro headwinds, Singapore’s semiconductor output experienced a robust 5.8% year-on-year growth, contributing significantly to the country’s overall manufacturing output in July 2023. Forecasts predict that the global semiconductor industry is on track to double its revenues, reaching an impressive USD $1 trillion by 2030.

Three Core Pillars

Singapore’s semiconductor industry has evolved significantly over the last five decades guided by three core pillars: Growing & Developing Workforce, Strengthening and Growing the Local Ecosystem, and Towards Sustainability. Its semiconductor workforce has shifted from precision skills to adaptable expertise, emphasising upskilling and preparing for opportunities in the Industry 4.0 era.

The ecosystem has also expanded, attracting global players including Applied Materials, Analog Devices, ASM, GlobalFoundries, Soitec and amongst others, to establish their presence in Singapore, and solidifying the country’s position as a regional semiconductor hub. Furthermore, to achieve sustainability goals and align with international standards, manufacturing processes at fabs have transformed to reduce environmental impact while boosting productivity.

“Over the past 55 years, Singapore has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a labour-intensive assembly hub to a R&D base for cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Photonics, and MEMs. In today’s world of economic uncertainties and frequent supply chain disruptions, the need for countries to collaborate collectively has never been more pressing,” said Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director at SSIA.

Seng added: “Disruptions in one part of the world can have a domino effect, compromising productivity and prompting delays in several countries and industries. Therefore, it is in everyone’s interest to work together, share knowledge, and devise strategies that ensure the smooth running of this vital industry. Fostering global collaborations will fortify the semiconductor supply chain, boosting its resilience to adapt to the dynamic shifts in the global landscape for the future.”

Panel Discussion on Supply Chain Resiliency

Apart from keynote speaker sessions by a diverse group of industry leaders from consultancy to global semiconductor companies, the Summit also featured a panel discussion that delved into the realm of semiconductor supply chain resiliency, shedding light on the current challenges and exploring potential solutions within the industry.

One of the key highlights of the panel discussion was the exploration of how the semiconductor industry could draw inspiration from other sectors and leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance its supply chain resiliency. This discussion was led Michael Ciatto, Senior Vice President – Supply Chain Service Line CEO at Genpact; Peter Dressler, Vice President, Corporate Supply Chain Logistics, at Infineon Technologies; Khoo Kah Leng, Managing Director, Global Supply Chain at Applied Materials; and Siew Pai Oak, Head of Business Development at Siemens.

“In the wake of the pandemic and various disruptions, building robust supply chains has become the paramount task. At Applied Materials, we recognize the significance of a resilient supply chain in shaping our future,” said Khoo.

He added: “Through strategic investments on a global scale, deepening our collaboration with the local ecosystem, and nurturing future-ready talent, we are creating a sustainable, resilient and innovative network that supports the complexity of today’s and tomorrow’s semiconductor manufacturing. Our goal is to support the growth of the semiconductor industry on its path towards becoming a trillion-dollar industry by the end of the decade.”

“Digitalisation is integral to safeguarding supply chains from the effects of both predictable and unpredictable events. Data-driven intelligence provides a solid foundation for making timely and effective decisions that are not only more resilient, but also strong enough to address unexpected events with greater ease. Siemens Xcelerator business platform offers software, hardware and service solutions that help organizations of all sizes transform their businesses digitally,” commented Chong.

(0)(0)