The timely return of SEMICON Southeast Asia. Source: Shutterstock

The timely return of SEMICON Southeast Asia

By Dashveenjit Kaur | 15 June, 2022

The pandemic has no doubt halted countless annual industry-related events around the world — while most turn virtual, some just decided to wait out before hosting another physical event once again. Among those is SEMICON Southeast Asia, the region’s premier gathering of the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, SEMICON Southeast Asia will return to Penang this year between June 21-23.

As it is, the semiconductor industry has been under a rather unaccustomed spotlight since 2021 when chip shortages first shut down automotive production lines. Today, the global semiconductor chip shortage is still plaguing various industries. While it is normal for capacity within the industry to have its ups and downs, the severity of the shortage has not been taken lightly by industry players and governments around the world.

Therefore, the SEMICON SEA couldn’t be more timely with its event, and as Semiconductor Equipment & Materials International (SEMI) said in a statement in March this year, the three-day fathering will take place at the Setia SPICE Convention Center & Arena. Even SEMI Southeast Asia president Linda Tan admitted how “As the backbone of the connected world, the semiconductor industry must maintain a sustainable balance of demand and supply to ensure the resiliency and flexibility of its supply chain.”

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She reckons that insights into integrated supply chain networks are critical in enabling the industry to identify and manage any disruptions. This year’s event, “Forward as One — Building a Resilient and Sustainable Electronics Supply Chain in Southeast Asia”, will gather industry experts for the latest developments, innovations and trends across the semiconductor supply chain.

“SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 will delve into this and much more as we continue our work to support industry players in Malaysia and around the region,” Tan added. Coincidentally, this year’s event will also commemorate Malaysia’s 50th year of manufacturing excellence and celebrate Penang’s reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East.

Additionally, driven by its position as the country’s leading electrical and electronics (E&E) hub, Penang has accounted for over 40% and 50% of the country’s annual trade surplus and electrical and electronics (E&E) exports respectively since 2018,” according to The Edge, quoting Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang Lee Kah Choon.

According to SEMI, this year’s event will feature more than 250 companies with approximately 400 booths, and is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees. A robust lineup of experts and thought leaders from semiconductor organizations around the world will be present as well.

Among the most anticipated lineup includes Smart Manufacturing Pavilion that will focus on technologies that can increase manufacturing efficiency as well as sustainable practices to minimize impact on the environment. Then there will also be a Smart Mobility Pavilion that will showcase technologies and innovations that are driving urban mobility.

As for the IoT Pavilion, SEMI said it will highlight existing and emerging technologies and applications enabled by semiconductor innovation. During the three-day event, technical Forums will also take place, offering insights on industry trends whilst providing networking and other information-sharing opportunities. SEMI has also scheduled CxO Summit sessions that will feature industry opinion leaders.

Visitors have also the option to participate in the Business Matching Programs that will connect industry players to explore business and technology partnerships and opportunities. As for talent, there will be a Workforce Development Pavilion that will feature a career fair and talks by industry experts to help the industry build its talent pipeline. In general, Career Fair and SEMICON University Program will support workforce development in Malaysia.

Tech Wire Asia is a media partner for SEMIcon SEA 2022.