Chan Chun Sing, the Minister for Trade and Industry, mentioned that the semiconductor industry has been growing steadily and has great potential in the future.
It’s one of the promising sectors in Singapore, especially during the global job market slowdown caused by the pandemic. Another sector, the precision industry, has also shown positive growth despite the pandemic.
Over the years, the semiconductor industry has made significant progress, and its contribution to Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased from less than 1% in 1990 to 6.9% in 2019.
Given this situation, professionals considering a career change might find it beneficial to transition into the semiconductor industry.
Why should you think of transitioning into semiconductor industry?
The way things stand today, semiconductor jobs can be termed as a safe choice. Not only because semiconductors are critical technology enablers powering many of the cutting-edge digital devices such as smartphones but also due to emergence of highly sophisticated technologies such as Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G, and our growing dependence on these technologies.
Moreover, Singapore’s electronics sector recorded over $5.7 billion of investment in the first nine months of 2020. This investment is expected to create thousands of job opportunities in the coming years.
How do you know, if you are in the right role or similar domain to make a switch into semiconductor industry?
Even before thinking of transition, its important to know the nature of an industry.
Semiconductor for that matter is highly technical and demands professionals with strong backgrounds in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
So, professionals from industries such as aircraft and automotive maintenance, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), biomedical technology engineering, and construction could be the ones that can plan a transition to semiconductor industry.
Apart from understanding the nature of the industry, it is also required to take a stock of your transferable skills. The knowledge or expertise you already have and which can be applied to the industry or job role you are aspiring for.
Three transferable skills that can help in transition include:
- Mechanical aptitude
- Technical aptitude
- Effective communication
Popular Job Roles in the semiconductor industry
| Job | Educational Qualification | Skills |
| Equipment Engineer | Bachelor of Electrical/ Electronics/ Mechanical/ Mechatronic Engineering | PLC, Electro-mechanical Pneumatics Applications, Vacuum and Plasma Technologies |
| Module Equipment Technician | Diploma in Engineering | Drawing, Instrumentation, Analytical Thinking, Production Scheduling, |
| Associate Test Engineer | Diploma or Degree in Engineering | Equipment, Testing, Calibration, Inspection, Troubleshooting, Surfscan Tool, Hazechip Bonding |
| Production Operator | Primary/Secondary School/O Level, Professional Certificate/NiTEC | Soldering, Wafer Sorting, Assembly |
| Mechanical Design Engineer | Degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering | Design of Automation, Semiconductor Equipment, 3D CAD, Mechanical Drawings, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing |
The best way to assess your suitability for a transition into semiconductor industry is to go through the job roles and what’s required. You then match your skills to the role. Identify the common skills and work on the areas that need upskilling.
Semiconductor Courses in Singapore
The Singapore government is helping its workforce in upskilling with its various initiatives such as MySkillsFuture Singapore under SGUnited Skills program.
Professionals who want to make a switch or grow within their own industry can identify relevant training programmes to upgrade their skills and prepare for the job roles they are seeking.
Here are some of the courses that can help:
- Post-Diploma Certificate in IC Manufacturing
- Post-Diploma Certificate in Wafer Processing Technology
- Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuits
- Advanced Topics in Semiconductor Devices
- Basic Semiconductor Devices Course
- Diploma in Microelectronics
- Cleanroom and Vacuum Technology
Top Companies in Singapore to apply for a Semiconductor Job
Some of the well-known semiconductor companies in Singapore include:
- ROHM Semiconductor Singapore Pte Ltd
- Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte Ltd
- SSMC
- Semiconductor Technologies & Instruments Pte Ltd
- ASE Singapore Pte Ltd
- Semiconductor Components Industries Singapore Pte Ltd
- NEC Semiconductors
- ASM Pacific Technology
- Siltronic
Singapores semiconductor industry is over 50-year old and in the past few years it has shown positive growth despite the economic downturn. The growth is driven largely by demand from electronics such as smartphones and the explosion of applications including the Internet of Things, 5G and cloud computing.
A transition into the semiconductor industry for sure looks a right move.
FAQ on Career Options in the Semiconductor Industry
Q:1 What is the semiconductor industry, and what career options does it offer?
A: The semiconductor industry creates electronic components. It offers diverse career paths like chip design, manufacturing, testing, and research.
Q:2 What qualifications do I need for a career in the semiconductor field?
A: Most roles require a degree in engineering or related fields like electrical, electronics, or computer engineering. Specialized certifications can also be beneficial.
Q:3 What are some popular job roles in the semiconductor industry?
A: Job roles include semiconductor engineer, process engineer, design engineer, test engineer, product manager, and research scientist, among others.
Q:4 Is the semiconductor industry a growing field for career opportunities?
A: Yes, the semiconductor industry is continuously evolving with technological advancements, offering promising career growth and opportunities.
Q:5 How can I start a career in the semiconductor industry?
A: Begin by pursuing relevant education and internships to gain practical experience. Networking, attending industry events, and staying updated on trends can also help.
