THE demand for Filipino integrated circuit (IC) design engineers is poised to grow significantly in the next five years, with a projected need for approximately 20,000 professionals to address global technological advancements such as 5G, AI, IoT, and specialized applications in various fields.
This was emphasized by Charade Avondo, president of Xinyx Design, during a media briefing on Nov. 26, 2024, in Makati City. Joined by academic leaders Dr. Teresita Fortuna of Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) and Dr. Lean Tolentino of Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Manila. Avondo highlighted the skills gap and the urgency of academic-industry collaboration.
Challenges, opportunities
Avondo pointed out a paradox: While Filipino IC engineers are globally recognized as among the “best of the best,” the Philippines struggles to maintain a high-value status in the semiconductor industry. This challenge is exacerbated by the annual outflow of talent to overseas opportunities and the limited local pipeline of skilled graduates.
A study by the University of the Philippines underscores the need for 1,000 MS/PhD graduates annually over five years to reach a target of 5,000 advanced IC designers. At the undergraduate level, institutions must produce an additional 15,000 professionals with basic IC design skills to meet the projected demand. However, few institutions, including CDM and TUP Manila, have taken proactive steps to close this gap.
Microelectronics hub
CDM, under the leadership of Fortuna, is positioning itself as a leader in microelectronics education. The recent launch of its Microelectronics Research and Development Laboratory, equipped with industry-grade tools from Synopsys and supported by Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, marks a major milestone. This facility provides students hands-on experience, preparing them for industry demands.
Fortuna is exploring a dedicated Bachelor of Science in Microelectronics program to address the limitations of existing engineering curricula. She emphasized that such a program would allow for a deeper focus on semiconductor education, ensuring a steady flow of specialized talent.
“The current BS Electronics and Communications Engineering course is already so extensive that classes focused on IC design can only be offered as one or two electives,” Fortuna said. “A dedicated degree would allow us to delve deeper into microelectronics and produce graduates specifically for the semiconductor industry.”
Advanced education, research
At TUP Manila, efforts are concentrated on graduate-level education and research in microelectronics. The master’s program, complemented by international collaborations, focuses on IC design and advanced technologies like AI chip development.
TUP’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Nanoelectronics (CAIN) facilitates practical learning through workshops and competitions, encouraging innovation and preparing students for global industry challenges.
“Our master’s program is designed to produce highly competent professionals who can meet both local and international demands in IC design,” Tolentino said. “By providing advanced education and training, we hope to contribute significantly to the pool of skilled engineers that the industry urgently needs.”
TUP Manila’s success in competitions like the 2023 Unlocked initiative, spearheaded by Xinyx Design, reflects its commitment to cultivating top talent. These initiatives align with the goal of producing 5,000 advanced IC designers by 2029.
Road ahead
Both institutions recognize the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. CDM aims to produce industry-ready graduates equipped with practical skills, while TUP Manila is focused on enhancing qualifications through advanced education and research.
The collaboration between these schools and industry leaders like Xinyx Design signals a concerted effort to position the Philippines as a key player in the global semiconductor market.
“The Philippines has the potential to lead in IC design, but we must act swiftly to cultivate and retain talent,” said Avondo. “The success of initiatives like Unlocked and the establishment of facilities like CDM’s lab shows we are moving in the right direction, but much more remains to be done.”
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