SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 Mega Show Opens in Singapore with Top Global C-suite Executives at Inaugural CEO Summit to Address Global Challenges and Strengthen Industry Resilience

Celebrating its 30th milestone edition, the region’s flagship semiconductor event features three days of innovation showcases, talent programmes, and strategic partnerships shaping the future of microelectronics

Opening Address by GOH Dr. TAN See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry

SEMICON Southeast Asia (SEA) 2025, the region’s flagship global electronics manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain event, officially opened on 20 May 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Marking a historic anniversary, the three-day event returned to Singapore, where the inaugural event  had made its debut 30 years ago, under the theme ‘Stronger Together – Collaborating to Navigate Uncertainties and Fostering Resilience’.

The official opening ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Dr. Tan See Leng, Second Minister for Trade, and Industry and Minister for Manpower. The event also celebrated Southeast Asia’s strategic ascent in the global chip race and spotlighted the region’s united drive toward innovation, sustainability, and workforce development.

CEO Summit: A Strategic Gathering of Global Semiconductor Leaders

The much-anticipated CEO Summit, held on 20 May, was the crown jewel of the SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 show. It brought together some of the world’s most influential semiconductor leaders to address rising economic volatility, supply chain disruption, regulatory headwinds, and rapid technological change.

The Summit was also a strategic platform where C-suite executives and thought leaders engaged in cross-cutting discussions around innovation, investment, and sustainable growth. As Southeast Asia continues to rise as a key global semiconductor hub, the 2025 edition highlighted the region’s strategic importance on the global stage.

Headlining the CEO Summit at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 were:

1. Dr. Prabu Raja, President, Semiconductor Products Group, Applied Materials

2. Mr. Tim Breen, CEO, GlobalFoundries

3. Dr. Rutger Wijburg, COO, Infineon Technologies

4. Mr. David Goeckeler, CEO, Sandisk

5. Mr. Pierre Barnabé, CEO, Soitec

These prominent C-suite leaders brought deep expertise and firsthand perspectives on issues such as navigating complex supply chains, scaling for AI and advanced computing, talent development, and building a resilient and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem. With their companies collectively driving multi-billion-dollar innovations globally, their insights contribute towards shaping the industry's strategic direction for years to come.

Powering the Future: Programmes and Activities at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 presents a dynamic three-day agenda featuring high-impact programmes across workforce development, sustainability, strategic networking, and cutting-edge technology showcases - cementing its role as the region’s leading platform for the global semiconductor industry.

Anticipating over 20,000 attendees, the event hosts more than 1,400 booths from 700 local and international exhibitors. From keynote addresses and technical forums to talent initiatives, sustainability programs, and business matchmaking sessions, SEMICON SEA 2025 offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and industry advancement.

1. Workforce Development Initiatives

Nurturing the next generation of semiconductor professionals is a key pillar of SEMICON SEA 2025. A suite of targeted initiatives aims to bridge the talent gap and build a resilient workforce pipeline for the future:

• Semiconductor Regional HR Forum (Day 1: 20 May)

Explores how AI is transforming HR practices in the semiconductor industry and highlights strategic collaborations to drive innovation and outcomes in the workplace of 2030.

• TalentCONNECT (Day 3: 22 May)

A dynamic engagement platform designed to inspire tertiary students to pursue semiconductor careers through talks, career tips, and a fireside chat with Emerging Young Leader awardees.

• SEMI TECH Zoomer University Bootcamp (18 - 22 May)

A five-day immersive programme for Year 2 & 3 engineering students featuring workshops, panel discussions, and industry visits.

• Career Exploration Fair (20 - 22 May)

An open platform for students and young professionals to explore job opportunities, attend talks, and connect with leading employers in the semiconductor ecosystem.

2. Sustainability Initiatives

• Global Climate Summit (GCS) Workshop (15 -16 & 19 - 20 May)

Co-hosted by SEMI, the Semiconductor Climate Consortium, Google, and others, the GCS Workshops drive sustainability progress by sharing actionable insights, emissions-reduction strategies, and real-world implementation tools.

3. Strategic High-Value Networking

• Star Buyers Program (20 - 22 May)

A curated business-matching programme offering exclusive access to top industry buyers from companies such as GlobalFoundries, Micron Technology, STATS ChipPAC, and STMicroelectronics. Exhibitors can showcase solutions, expand their customer base, and cultivate strategic partnerships through timed face-to-face meetings.

4. Exhibition Booths and Global Pavilions

Held across multiple floors at Marina Bay Sands - B2, L1, and L3 - the exhibition spans the latest in production, automation, and IC design.

• IC Design Pavilion takes centre stage, spotlighting next-gen advancements in integrated circuit development and showcasing key contributors to the global semiconductor innovation pipeline.

5. handshake@SEMICON

A unique networking experience hosted by international trade representatives, including embassies and agencies from the European Union, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sweden.

• The 1 to 2-hour country-themed sessions provide valuable access to global collaboration opportunities, insight into international market landscapes, and connections with industry leaders.

“As the semiconductor industry stands at the crossroads of unprecedented global developments and mounting uncertainty, SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 serves as a strategic platform to forge stronger global alliances,” said Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI. “This 30th milestone edition reflects not only the region’s rise as a key hub for innovation, talent, and manufacturing, but also the industry’s shared commitment to build a more sustainable, secure, and resilient future.”

Linda Tan, President of SEMI Southeast Asia, said, “We are proud to host this landmark edition in Singapore, bringing together global semiconductor leaders, visionary thinkers, and the next generation of talent. From the CEO Summit to workforce programmes and sustainability workshops, SEMICON SEA 2025 amplifies Southeast Asia’s vital role in shaping the semiconductor industry’s transformation on the world stage.”

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 takes place from 20-22 May 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. Register here.