In line with the goal of having 128,000 workers in the semiconductor industry,  the Philippines is partnering with the US Department of State and the Arizona University (ASU) on an initiative  that will train faculty members of local universities offering courses related to the sector.

ASU will identify universities that will be onboarded under the program. Six faculty members from each university will be trained through hybrid and face-to-face classes on the semiconductor assembly, test and packaging (ATP). 

There are about 10 institutions being considered,

These trainings will in turn benefit  6,000 students.

The program is sponsored by the International Technology Security & Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund), a key initiative of the CHIPS and Science Act which is designed to enhance semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience worldwide. The Philippines is one of six strategic countries selected for this initiative.

The CHIPS Act of 2022 established the ITSI Fund to strengthen semiconductor supply chains crucial for US industry.

Similar programs are being planned with Taiwan and Korea.