SEMICON Singapore will focus on the advanced technology developments to enable mobility for the Internet of Things (IoT).  SEMICON Singapore 2014 (www.semiconsingapore.org) runs 23-25 April, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center.

At SEMICON Singapore 2014, the exhibits, programs and workshops will examine how emerging technologies impact the manufacturing landscapes and how device makers will position themselves for the upward trends of mobility and IoT.  The three-day event will feature exhibitors showcasing the latest processes, materials, tools, and technologies used in the manufacture of today’s most advanced electronic products.  For the first time, the event features the enabling technologies that translate the advancements in semiconductor technology towards IoT applications. From driverless cars to smart home automation to wireless charging and touch displays, the microelectronics ecosystem is an enabler of the “magic behind the gadgets.”

SEMICON Singapore will feature programs and forums to highlight the industry’s major technology trends, and investment and expansion opportunities in manufacturing, including:

• Market Trend Forum will feature leading executives Yole Développement, UBS, GfK Southeast Asia, Merrill Lynch, SurplusGlobal, and SEMI, who will provide their insights to the key trends driving microelectronics growth worldwide and the challenges ahead for the Southeast Asia supply chain

• Fabless/IDM Technology Challenges Track will feature perspectives from Broadcom, Intel, Silicon Laboratories and Xilinx on the emerging industry dynamics paving way for growth in the mobility and IoT space with emphasis on Singapore’s semiconductor landscape.

• Additional forums and programmes include:  Advanced Packaging Technology; 2.5D/3D IC; LED; MEMS; Product Test; and Emerging Growth Company Enterprise Summit.

• The SEMI International Standards Program will also present a workshop on “Packaging & Test SEMI Standards (WLP/3D IC).”

The SEMICON Singapore agenda will also address the significant issues of workforce development and will provide programs to nurture Southeast Asia’s skilled workforce to drive the future growth of the industry.

“SEMI Southeast Asia works closely with local government agencies and the tertiary institutions to embrace the development of young talent and working professionals into future leaders of the industry,” said Kai Fai, Ng, president of SEMI Southeast Asia.  “I am particularly pleased that this year at SEMICON Singapore, we are continuing our commitment to cultivate the best talent in Southeast Asia for our member companies and industry by presenting SEMICON University and the Job Fair for the second consecutive year — plus new this year, an online job portal will help companies connect with the best talent available.”

The development of a highly skilled workforce is one of the greatest challenges to advancing growth of high-technology industries, in particular semiconductors and related microelectronics. Worldwide, these advanced products require thousands of engineers and technologists capable of designing intricate microelectronics as well as the complex manufacturing equipment, new materials, and precise processes needed to manufacture them.

Singapore’s semiconductor industry has grown remarkably over the last forty years to become one of the most advanced hubs in the region.  Today the semiconductor industry constitutes much of Singapore’s economic growth, contributing over 5 percent of the city-state’s GDP and 37 percent of all R&D spending by the manufacturing industry. The industry employs approximately 42,000 people.