THE Philippine semiconductor industry will need approximately 128,000 new professionals by 2028, driven by the rapid expansion of global markets in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and automotive electronics. While this number represents the broader semiconductor workforce, which includes assembly, test and packaging (ATP) roles, there is a critical and distinct demand for highly specialized integrated circuit (IC) design engineers.
Companies like Xinyx Design, operating as a fabless design house, are particularly impacted by this demand and face a shortage of specialized IC designers capable of meeting the requirements of an increasingly diversified client base.
Xinyx Design has highlighted a shortfall of around 400 IC designers within their organization alone. This talent gap has led to missed client opportunities, as their existing engineering teams are continually engaged with complex semiconductor design projects that cover a broad spectrum of technologies. Unlike larger semiconductor companies with set product lines and controlled timelines, Xinyx’s engineers work across diverse design projects, gaining wide-ranging expertise but leaving little room for downtime or expansion without new hires.
The gap in IC design talent is further compounded by the lack of IC design courses in most Philippine engineering curricula. In the country, where the industry primarily focuses on ATP roles, few institutions provide IC design training due to limited expertise among faculty and a lack of curriculum integration. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to introduce industry-aligned curricula, particularly focused on IC design and microelectronics, to ensure graduates meet the requirements of companies like Xinyx.
In response to this challenge, Xinyx Design has taken proactive steps to cultivate local talent and raise awareness about career opportunities in IC design. This year, they hosted “Unlocked 2024,” a national competition that brought together the country’s top undergraduate engineering minds to tackle real-world problems through innovative IC design solutions.
The competition, themed “From Problems to Possibilities: Building Tomorrow’s Cities Today,” allowed students to showcase their skills and creativity while engaging with industry leaders and educators to address the sector’s talent shortage. By fostering such initiatives and advocating for industry-aligned education, Xinyx is helping to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the Philippine semiconductor industry.
While starting salaries for ECE graduates in the semiconductor sector generally range from P30,000 to P50,000, reaching these competitive rates requires additional skills beyond a basic electronics engineering degree.
As Xinyx points out, qualifications such as a strong background in microelectronics, a substantial IC design internship (preferably 600 hours), programming skills in languages like C or Python, and a mindset geared toward innovative design are crucial. Graduates with these qualifications not only command higher starting salaries but also have clearer paths to substantial salary growth, with annual increases tied to performance and skills development.
With industry demand expected to require at least 20,000 IC designers who specialize in AI, IoT, and automotive applications over the next five years, the academe, government and industry must work in tandem to fill this need. Meeting this demand will involve not only producing highly skilled undergraduate engineers but also focusing on developing advanced degrees in IC design to support both academic and industry needs.
To address the urgent demand for ECE professionals, educational institutions in the Philippines should consider offering fast-track ECE programs tailored to meet industry needs. A 12- to 18-month accelerated program could provide graduates from related fields, such as computer science or computer engineering, with the specialized skills required in the semiconductor sector, particularly in IC design. This model could be based on successful frameworks like the BS Real Estate Management program, which offers second-degree options for graduates of four-year courses.
By implementing a similar approach, the academy can produce industry-ready graduates more quickly, ensuring that companies like Xinyx Design and others have access to the skilled workforce they require. Accelerated programs would not only attract career shifters but also create a steady stream of specialized talent that can fill roles critical to the growth of the Philippine semiconductor industry.
As global competition intensifies, with countries like Vietnam and South Korea planning to expand their semiconductor engineering workforces by tens of thousands, the Philippines stands at a crossroads. By investing in specialized training, aligning educational programs with industry requirements, and fostering partnerships between companies and universities, the country has the potential to develop a skilled workforce that meets both local and international semiconductor demands. The path forward involves leveraging the unique strengths of institutions like Xinyx Design, which lead the way in nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for growth in this high-value sector.
For aspiring engineers, professionals considering a career shift and academic institutions, this is a crucial moment to capitalize on the semiconductor industry’s growth and the high demand for skilled IC design professionals. With the right focus on training and alignment with industry standards, the Philippines can position itself as a significant contributor to the global semiconductor workforce.
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