Semiconductor Programme Powers Talent Growth In Southeast Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Netherlands–Southeast Asia (NL–SEA) Semiconductor Short Talent Programme kicked off here, Monday, bringing together 52 outstanding STEM students from six Southeast Asian countries for an intensive deep dive into the semiconductor industry.

The groundbreaking initiative, running until August 22 marks a significant step toward strengthening talent pipelines in the region's growing semiconductor ecosystem.

Students from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand will engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering the entire semiconductor value chain - from IC design and chip manufacturing to system engineering, emerging technologies, and international collaboration.

Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong said the programme served as a strategic platform to promote stronger collaboration between the Netherlands and Southeast Asia in knowledge sharing, R&D and business opportunities.

“Southeast Asia can learn from the Dutch experience in developing a strong semiconductor ecosystem that fits into the global value chain, and build a highly skilled semiconductor workforce in Southeast Asia along the way,” he said in his speech at the event.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ Deputy Ambassador to Malaysia Pieter Blusse said the programme, a collective effort from the Netherlands government, industry players, and academic institutions, aims to further strengthen cooperation between the Netherlands and Southeast Asia, support the regional capacity building in semiconductor talent development.

“It also encourages academic exchange and industry exposure with local knowledge institutions, facilitates access for Southeast Asian talent to the Dutch innovative ecosystem,” he said in his remarks at the event.

The Netherlands, home to a globally leading semiconductor ecosystem with companies such as ASML, NXP, ASM, and BESI, is committed to growing its talent pool through the national reinforcement strategy known as Project Beethoven.

At the same time, Southeast Asia, with its dynamic economies, young population, and innovation-driven environment, offers a strategic partnership to meet the industry’s growing global demands.

The Dutch semiconductor market plays a vital role in the EU, accounting for approximately 9 per cent of the global market share. With an annual turnover above €30 billion, it is expected to grow by 8.61 per cent from 2024 to 2029, driven by rising demand for AI, 5G, and high-performance chips in emerging tech.

The Netherlands’ semiconductor sector has surged recently, fuelled by cutting-edge R&D and strong collaborations between industry and academia. Strategic investments in research and a robust infrastructure have positioned it as a leader in technological advancement.

-- BERNAMA