To further the growth of the future workforce in the electronics and semiconductor sector, SEMI, the global semiconductor association signed the memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Republic Polytechnic (RP) during the VIP Dinnerheld at SEMICON Singapore 2012.

According to EDB, the electronics industry is a major contributor to Singapores GDP in 2011 reached 6.1% of GDP. The growth of electronics industry also presents the need for growing the pool of workforce. It is a win-win cooperation between SEMI and Republic Polytechnic that will not just benefit the students but also provide a young talent pool for the semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing industries, Terry Tsao, President of SEMI Southeast Asia.

Under the cooperation with Republic Polytechnic, students will be invited to participate in the SEMICON University program where they not only can learn the latest technology development of semiconductor industry but also can share the learning curve and experience from industry mentors. Moreover, SEMI will also help the Polytechnic to secure internship opportunities with local and global leading companies.

Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services), Republic Polytechnic, Singapore said, Our partnership with SEMI will provide RP students with industry-relevant and real-life training in the semiconductor industry. Together we prepare students for the future as they receive hands-on experience. This partnership marks our commitment to develop skilled personnel to meet industry needs.

SEMI works very closely with the industries, universities and government to connect the global and local electronics companies to the students. In past years, SEMI has reached thousands of students and teachers in the U.S., Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with its innovative workforce development program, SEMI High Tech U, which is an industry-driven mathematic and science-based career exploration program for high school-age students and teachers. Through all the collaboration, we hope can help the semiconductor industry in Singapore to develop more high-quality workforce to continue its advantage in the ever changing market, added Tsao.

About SEMI

SEMI is the global industry association serving the nano- and microelectronics manufacturing supply chains. SEMI member companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical products that improve our lives. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry challenges. SEMI maintains offices in Beijing, Bengaluru, Berlin, Brussels, Grenoble, Hsinchu, Moscow, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.semi.org

About SSIA

Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) is the voice of Singapores semiconductor industry. SSIA members today include companies and organizations throughout all parts of the complex and comprehensive value chain IC design companies, Manufacturers, Fabless companies, Equipment suppliers, Photovoltaic companies, EDA and materials suppliers, Training and services providers, IP companies, Research institutes and Academia, as well as individual members. The association started in 2005 under the name MIDAS and is operating with an extended charter under the new name SSIA since early 2010. For more information, visit www.ssia.org.sg

About SEMICON Singapore

Singapore is a world-class electronics manufacturing hub with end-to-end RD capabilities - which makes SEMICON Singapore becomes the most important exposition for the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia. The show connects the decision makers from the industry, demonstrates the most advanced products and brings in the most up-to-date market and technology trends, visit www.semiconsingapore.org