S'pore to bolster chip tie-ups, forge new links amid trade crisis: Minister

It will also work closely with sector to ramp up innovation and workforce development, he says

- Ovais Subhani

Singapore will continue to strengthen its existing partnerships and forge new alliances to allow its semiconductor industry to access new supply chains and end-markets in the face of a global trade crisis, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said on May 20.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Semicon South-east Asia 2025, a global conference and exhibition for the chip industry, Dr Tan said the Republic will also work closely with the industry to ramp up innovation and workforce development.

He said the stronger efforts are needed as the industry now faces a challenging operating environment due to trade and geopolitical tensions.

"The semiconductor industry is now in the eye of a global trade storm," he said, referring to the unilateral export restrictions on advanced chips and related manufacturing equipment, and the imminent possibility of tariffs on global semiconductor trade.

"This has caused anxiety among companies, which are uncertain about the implications on demand for their products, as well as potential disruptions to their supply chains. Some are already putting investment decisions on hold."

Dr Tan, who is also Second Minister for Trade and Industry, said Singapore will build on its relationship with countries that share its commitment to open and free trade, and continue to collaborate on areas across the semiconductor value chain, either bilaterally or through regional platforms.

"These efforts, complemented by similar initiatives at the industry level, will serve us well in delivering strong economic outcomes for the industry," he said.