Semiconductor, electronics sector must stay agile to ride tech wave: Minister

Singapore's semiconductor and electronics industry must stay agile and innovative as it adapts to disruptions from artificial intelligence (AI) and the rising demand for more powerful chips for electric vehicles and advanced computing.

- Timothy Goh

This will help the Republic ride the wave of technological change instead of being swept along, and stay competitive as a safe, reliable and trusted node in the global value chain, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Sept 24.

"While the global semiconductor sector is experiencing a surge in demand, it is also grappling with rapid technological disruption - from the way AI has redefined chip design and digital fabrication to how quantum technologies have unlocked the next frontier of computing," he said.

"The industry is also undergoing significant transformation, with the rise of wide bandgap semiconductors that provide higher energy efficiency and greater power density."

Speaking at the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) Summit held at Resorts World Sentosa, Mr Chee said the industry must keep building capabilities and developing its workforce so it can meet these challenges.

"We must not forget the importance of developing our people, from the worker on the factory floor to the engineer developing the next chip design," the minister said.

"The semiconductor and electronics industry is one of the leading sectors in this area, offering meaningful careers and upskilling opportunities - it also gives mid career professionals the chance to reskill, grow and thrive in new roles."