DTI, BOI, and DOST Hosts Roundtable Discussion to Boost the Philippines’ Semiconductor Industry
The IC DESIGN WORKFORCE MEDIA ROUNDTABLE was held recently to discuss the country’s potential in the semiconductor industry. The collaborative effort involved officials from government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and the Center for Integrated Circuits and Devices Research (CIDR). The event is also joined by industry associations, the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) and the Electronics Industries Association of the Philippines Inc. (EIAPI), along with key academic and industry
stakeholders.
Integrated circuits (ICs), microchips, or chips are millions, or even billions, of microscopic semiconductor devices crammed very densely into a single package. The often-overlooked diminutive integrated circuit is the cornerstone of all our modern electronic devices and is continuously enabling advancements in computing, telecommunications, automotive, power, and other industries.
DOST Investment for IC Semiconductor Designers
The DOST has invested Php 894,000,000 to 29 projects from 2011 to 2022. This involves a Human Resource Development Program which aims to develop and enhance Filipino Research and Development (R&D) capabilities of academic/research institutions and Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) agencies through degree programs, the conduct of research activities, and expert mobility in the industry, energy and emerging technology sectors to meet the present and future human resource requirements.
While there are ongoing R&D Programs and Initiatives to produce and maintain a critical mass of graduate-level IC designers, the reality is the Philippines still lack IC designers. According to SEIPI Foundation, Inc. President Danilo C. Lachica, the Philippines produces 800,000 graduates per year, yet only 10 percent are engineers.
Mr. Louis P. Alarcon of the UP Microelectronics Laboratory showed in his presentation that our severe lack of graduate-level manpower is limiting our ability to attract investments in advanced technology areas. There were news about Microsoft’s US$2.2 Billion investment to fuel Malaysia’s cloud and AI transformation. NVIDIA on the other plans to build a $200 Million AI Center in Indonesia, while Apple announced their investment in Vietnam during Apple CEO Tim Cook’s visit.
ALSO READ: Xinyx Unlocked: Ensuring the Future of Engineering
The PATHS roadmap (Products, and Technology Holistic Strategy) was developed to enhance the
country’s industrial competitiveness and ensure sustainable economic growth. It embodies DOST’s commitment to establishing the Philippines as a key player in the global electronics market, promoting the “Made in the Philippines” brand to attract end- product manufacturers and end-users. Through our diverse strategies and R&D solutions, both now and in the future, we demonstrate our unwavering support for the sector’s advocacy towards its 2030 vision.
Moving forward, there are three ways to uplift the electronics sector, 1) More Collaboration with Industry, 2) additional funds for R&D, and 3) Development of Programs for Filipino Innovators. Industry adoption is a two-way effort between the researcher/scientist and the industry. Strengthening partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and private companies will foster innovation, improve knowledge transfer, and facilitate the commercialization of new technologies.
Moreso, there needs to be more funds allocated for R&D for electronics as their continuous innovation enables us to swiftly adjust to digital transformation. And lastly, it is essential to establishing initiatives and training programs specifically for Filipino innovators that will empower them to create competitive, high-quality electronics products.
