(Singapore, 20.05.2025) The region’s largest and most influential semiconductor exhibition, SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, officially opened today at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Organised by the global industry association SEMI, the three-day event signals Southeast Asia’s growing significance in the global semiconductor value chain amid evolving supply chain strategies and intensifying geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
According to the BCG-SIA report, the global semiconductor industry recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% between 1990 and 2020—well above the global GDP growth of 5% in the same period. In 2023, Southeast Asia accounted for one-fifth of the world’s chip exports and continues to solidify its niche in backend manufacturing, especially in assembly and testing, with a steady move up the value chain. (Source: EAC)
At the opening ceremony, Guest-of-Honour Dr. Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, underscored Singapore’s pivotal role in the global semiconductor landscape— Singapore account for 1 in 10 chips and 1 in 5 chip-making equipment globally.
However, he cautioned that the economic rationale on which the global semiconductor supply chain had been founded on, has been overridden by geopolitical realities, placing the semiconductor industry n the eye of a global trade storm. “This is a sector that has shown remarkable resilience through multiple cycles,” said Dr. Tan. He noted that demand for high-performance chips will continue to be driven by generative AI, industrial automation, electric vehicles, and 5G communications, with the ASEAN semiconductor market expected to nearly double by 2032.
In terms of innovation, Dr. Tan announced several new initiatives led by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), including the world’s first 200mm silicon carbide open R&D line and the second phase of the piezoMEMS (piezoelectric micro-electromechanical systems) project in collaboration with STMicroelectronics, ULVAC, and the National University of Singapore.
Outlining a future growth strategy, Dr. Tan emphasized the need for deeper integration with like-minded economies and stronger industry collaboration in talent development and innovation. “In a fragmented global economy, trust-based and mutually beneficial partnerships are essential to sustaining the semiconductor industry’s momentum,” he said. “Together, we thrive.”
SEMICON CEO Summit: “Stronger Together, Smarter Forward”
The highlight of the opening day was the CEO Summit, held under the theme “Stronger Together, Smarter Forward.” The summit brought together senior executives to address pressing global challenges including economic volatility, supply chain disruptions, and technological transformation. Featured speakers included Dr. Prabu Raja, President of Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials; Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries; Rutger Wijburg, COO of Infineon; David Goeckeler, CEO of SanDisk; Pierre Barnabé, CEO of Soitec; and Dr. Tien Wu, CEO of ASE Group.
They shared strategic perspectives on AI applications, advanced packaging, workforce development, and sustainability—highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in driving long-term industry progress.
During the summit, SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha announced the establishment of SEMI’s second global headquarters in Singapore this May, reinforcing the city-state’s growing stature as a strategic hub within the global semiconductor ecosystem. SEMI, founded in 1970 and headquartered in the United States, represents over 3,000 semiconductor companies worldwide.
Celebrating 30 Years of SEMICON SEA
This year marks the 30th edition of SEMICON Southeast Asia. The 2025 event features over 700 participating companies from 23 countries and regions and is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees. Running from May 20 to 22, the exhibition includes technical forums, talent development initiatives, and green manufacturing workshops—showcasing the region’s latest innovations and commitment to sustainable semiconductor growth.
