THE Philippines is strategically positioning itself to become a dominant force in the global semiconductor industry within the next five years, the president of integrated circuit (IC) design firm Xinyx Design said on Tuesday.
Members of the Semiconductor and Electronics sub-working group (SubWG) discussed this ambitious goal in a recent assembly at the Board of Investments building in Makati City, where industry leaders and government representatives mapped out a comprehensive strategy for the advancement of Philippine semiconductors.
The tech sector has also drawn the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Charade Avondo, the Xinyx Design president and driving force behind the SubWG for Promotion and Events, underscored the nation’s progress in climbing the semiconductor value chain. She has been pushing for the empowerment of women, supporting causes to improve the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand for girls.
“The Philippines is already recognized for its robust manufacturing capabilities within the semiconductor domain,” Avondo asserted, emphasizing the need to further elevate the country’s standing.
“We must showcase the exceptional talent of our Filipino engineers in integrated circuit design, thereby solidifying the Philippines as a comprehensive, end-to-end powerhouse for semiconductors,” Avondo said.
A pivotal element of their strategic plan involves securing a prominent presence at the Semicon Europa in Munich, Germany, slated for November 2025. The event, a cornerstone of the European semiconductor and electronics industry, presents a unique opportunity for the Philippines to directly access the expansive European market.
Avondo said participating in the high-profile international event will be a crucial step in projecting the Philippines’ capabilities and attracting potential investors and partners.
Recognizing the critical importance of a skilled workforce, the SubWG emphasized talent development.
Xinyx Design said it has been proactively addressing the talent deficit through a series of initiatives, including Xinyx Unlocked, a nationwide competition designed to foster innovation and skills among university students, and the ongoing Campus Connect program. The latter brings industry insights directly to academic institutions.
The imminent signing of an agreement between Xinyx Design and the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Manila, will further strengthen collaboration by promoting specialized microelectronics courses.
Avondo also unveiled the launch of LABS by Xinyx, an innovative training platform targeting K-12 students, to cultivate early interest in microelectronics and integrated circuit design. This initiative directly supports the government’s ambitious objective of producing 128,000 engineers by 2032. The program seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
Collaborative efforts are also underway to encourage the Commission on Higher Education to introduce specialized majors in microelectronics, ensuring that the academic curriculum aligns with the industry’s evolving needs, Avondo said.
By fostering a synergistic partnership between government, academia and industry, the Philippines is poised to solidify its position as a formidable contender in the global semiconductor arena, she added.
