semiconductor industry

As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, successful workforce development initiatives are becoming increasingly essential. In Malaysia, around 60,000 new engineers are needed to support the country’s plans for industry growth. However, despite the rising need for new engineering talent, student interest for STEM in Malaysia is declining. Women in particular, are even less likely to consider careers in engineering fields than their male counterparts, and this holds true worldwide. One reason is due to gender biases that form around STEM in early childhood. The Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that boys are more likely to consider themselves “good” at STEM, and this stereotype is later reinforced by male dominance within STEM classes. To mitigate the talent shortage, and to encourage more young women to consider STEM careers, STMicroelectronics created its "STEM your way" initiative. This program supports STEM education throughout Malaysia, as well as all other countries that STMicroelectronics operates in. Through STEM your way, STMicroelectronics shares its passion for science and electronics with today’s primary and high school students. Over the last three years, STEM your way has reached nearly 70,000 students globally. To address the STEM gender disparity in Malaysia, SEMI Southeast Asia (SEA) has been proudly collaborating with STMicroelectronics since 2023 on its ST Maur GEMS program, as part of STEM your way. The girls in engineering, mathematics, and science (GEMS) program is foundational for developing future engineering talent and sparking STEM interest among female students. One of SEMI SEA’s first GEMS program initiatives was a “train-the-trainers” session, where SEMI SEA representatives shared creative approaches for teaching STEM-focused course material. This involved the use of Circuit Scribe and Micro:bit Smart Science IoT kits to make lessons tactile, engaging, and memorable. These interactive teaching aids form the basis of a “STEM kit,” and as of today, SEMI SEA and STMicroelectronics have sponsored roughly 200 kits. These efforts culminated in December 2024 during the GEMS IoT Challenge at Universiti Technikal Malaysia Melaka, where 68 students from 17 primary schools showcased their innovative projects. Students demonstrated their technical knowledge and creativity by coupling Micro:bit IoT kits with AI cameras, Wi-Fi modules, servomotors, and more, with the intention of solving day-to-day problems. Posters of students’ solutions at the IoT ChallengeWith the collaborative success of the ST Maur GEMS program, SEMI SEA is excited to help scale the challenge to include additional countries. To partner with SEMI SEA to bring STEM education opportunities to Southeast Asia, please contact Cecelia Fong at [email protected]. SEMI Southeast Asia ContactCecelia Fong, Technology Programs ManagerEmail: [email protected]

The semiconductor industry is important for a myriad of reasons. We are all familiar with how these tiny chips full of electricity and nanotechnology fuel innovation and global connectivity, impact our economy, and play a vital role in national security. We also acknowledge that, just as it took decades to achieve such technological success, it also required many innovators from different backgrounds who contributed an array of perspectives and specialized knowledge. The advancement of this industry is essential to our economic growth and national security, and its historical development is significant. In honor of Black History Month, we appreciate and celebrate the impact of Black innovators in STEM who helped lay the foundation for semiconductor technologies.Engineer and video game developer Jerry Lawson in his office, circa 1980. (Strong Museum of Play)Back in 1958, Fairchild Semiconductor in San Jose and Texas Instruments in Dallas both developed the integrated circuit (IC), setting the stage for future tech innovations. Fast forward to the early '70s when Gerald “Jerry” Lawson, an engineer at Fairchild, took that foundation and changed the gaming world forever. Lawson led the team that created the Fairchild Channel F, the first console to use ROM cartridges—making it possible to swap out games instead of being stuck with the ones built into the system. Before that, he even built a coin-operated game called Destruction Derby using Fairchild’s F8 microprocessor. Thanks to Lawson’s work, we went from basic arcade games to the expansive gaming experiences we have today. So, the next time you fire up your PlayStation or Xbox, give a nod to Jerry Lawson, the father of the game cartridge and a true pioneer in the industry.Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson as an employee at Bell Labs. (wowstem.org aip.org)Bell Labs made history in 1947 with the invention of the transistor, a game-changer for electronics. Years later, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT, carried that legacy forward with her groundbreaking research at Bell Labs. Her work on electronic switching and signal processing helped make modern telecommunications faster and more reliable. Thanks to her theoretical contributions and advancements in strained-layer semiconductors, the way data travels over long distances was completely transformed. So, the next time you’re streaming a video or making a call, you’ve got pioneers like Dr. Jackson to thank for the tech that keeps us all connected.Many more historical figures from the Black community have made significant contributions to STEM. Here’s just a small sample of those pioneers and their achievements:Dr. Mark Dean via @IBM on TwitterDr. Mark E. Dean co-developed the first gigahertz microprocessor, capable of performing a billion calculations per second, and holds three of the original nine patents for the IBM PC. Dr. Frank S. Green Jr. made key contributions including advancements in thin-film transistors, integrated circuits, and semiconductor materials, shaping modern microelectronics and solid-state devices while at Bell Labs. Dr. Patricia Bath (prnewswire.com)Patricia Bath developed laser technology for cataract treatment powered by diode (semiconductor) lasers. Dr. James E. West was a co-inventor of the foil-type electret technology that influenced MEMS microphones, which use semiconductor microfabrication techniques to create highly sensitive, miniaturized audio sensors. Left, a portion of the patent plan designed by Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband Albert, right. (Marie Van Brittan Brown and Albert L. Brown, courtesy U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; New York Times / Redux)Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system, a precursor to modern surveillance technology, demonstrating how semiconductors transformed security systems and paved the way for the advanced digital surveillance systems we use today. Valerie L. Thomas was a physicist, inventor and NASA analyst who patented illusion transmitter technology that projected the appearance of a 3D image. This virtual reality-like technology is still used by NASA today.For many young people, a lack of role models in STEM can discourage them from considering these fields. When students don’t see individuals who share their backgrounds or experiences represented in these industries, STEM careers can feel out of reach or unwelcoming. Seeing people who have similar stories helps break down those barriers and shows students that these paths are open to them.There’s a deep sense of pride and fulfillment in supporting workforce development and opening doors for the next generation. By bringing attention to the often-overlooked contributions of Black inventors, scientists, and engineers—especially in the semiconductor industry—we hope to inspire a wider range of young people to explore these opportunities. Sharing these stories not only honors those who have shaped the industry but also encourages students to imagine themselves as future leaders in the field.As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to build a strong talent pipeline that is welcoming to all. Even from non-technical roles, we play a vital part in shaping that future by raising awareness, sparking curiosity, and helping young people discover the vast possibilities within this exciting industry.Jeana Harper-Kirkland is the SCAN Michigan Program Navigator at the SEMI Foundation, focusing on K-16 educator resource management, Educational Research and Dissemination, and supporting Workforce Development training programs.Richard Walker is the Senior Program Manager of Industry Awareness at the SEMI FoundationReferences Biography.com Editors, “Mark Dean” https://www.biography.com/inventors/mark-dean Britannica “integrated circuit” https://www.britannica.com/technology/integrated-circuit Britannica “Shirley Ann Jackson American scientist and educator” https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shirley-Ann-JacksonCherry, Ronnia “7 Black Innovators Who Shaped the Tech Industry“ https://www.newegg.com/insider/7-black-innovators-who-shaped-the-tech-industry/ Harvard (The Center for Hellenic Studies) “Africa: Greek and Roman Perspectives from Homer to Apuleius” https://chs.harvard.edu/chapter/introduction-7/#:~:text=This%20book%20considers%20the%20contact%20between%20Greco-Roman%20civilization,understand%20Africa%20appeal%20to%20the%20realm%20of%20myth. Hilgers, Laura (Smithsonian Magazine) “Marie Van Brittan Brown” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/history-home-security-alarm-180977002/ March 2021How Stuff Works, “Did the ancient Greeks get their ideas from the Africans?” https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/greek-philosophers-african-tribes.htmJohns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering “Dr. James E. West”https://engineering.jhu.edu/faculty/james-west/Nokia Blog “The transistor: 75 years since the famed Nokia Bell Labs invention changed the world” https://www.nokia.com/blog/the-transistor-75-years-since-the-famed-nokia-bell-labs-invention-changed-the-world/Purdue University College of Engineering, “Frank S. Greene Jr” https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards/Institutional/DEA/DEA_2002/greene Rocchio, Laura E.P. “Valerie L. Thomas”https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/stem-career-connections/meet-dr-valerie-l-thomas-landsat-image-processing-specialist UCLA Health, "Patricia Bath” https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/in-memoriam-dr-patricia-bath-76-physician-and-inventor-who-helped-restore-or-improve-vision-for-millionsYarlagadda, Tara "Jerry Lawson Forever Changed the Video Game Industry" 1 January 1970. HowStuffWorks.com. https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/big-thinkers/jerry-lawson.htm

Gone are the days when companies were said to go “beyond compliance” if they had sustainability ambitions and operated in a largely voluntary space.Corporate sustainability now sits in a tangle of business priorities, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory obligations. New landmark legislation and policies have changed the game in many markets where semiconductor value chain companies do business. Today, accuracy of information, threshold-setting, evaluation criteria, and due diligence are subject to scrutiny, fines, and litigation.A myriad of compliance risks are now linked to business actions that were historically voluntary in a sustainability context. Fueling the shift are regulations such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).Across the semiconductor value chain, it is crucial for companies to have a solid regulatory strategy for their sustainability activities. They must take into account, for example, mandatory rules that drive up risks from selectively taking action on some sustainability issues while demoting others.Semiconductor manufacturing and design firms, together with their business partners, face heightened pressure to navigate business and sustainability priorities around the climate transition, human capital management, supply chain management, and a host of other environmental, social, and governance issues that are high on regulatory agendas.The SEMI Sustainability Initiative hosts several working groups that bring to light common concerns and provide a forum for sharing response strategies. To sharpen the guidance that SEMI offers, the Sustainability Initiative is launching the webinar series, Global State of Play: Sustainability Regulations, Reporting, Incentives. This series offers semiconductor industry professionals the chance to learn from top-tier experts on the most pressing challenges in compliance, disclosure, and strategy for sustainable business.The first webinar, Developing a Regulatory Strategy for Sustainability: How to Navigate Key Sustainability Decisions, will feature Ashley Walter, Partner and Chief Sustainability Officer at Orrick Herrington Sutcliffe LLP.As the global business association for the electronics design and manufacturing value chain, SEMI is pleased to convene experts to address improving sustainability strategies for our industry. The SEMI Sustainability Initiative invites industry stakeholders to see the importance of building a regulatory strategy that coordinates across functions, from engineering to the boardroom.Learn more and register.Jordan Famularo, PhD, is Programs Manager, Sustainability at SEMI.

SEMI High Tech U is making waves around the world, introducing students and educators to the fascinating world of microelectronics through hands-on, experiential STEM learning kits. The SEMI Foundation started the program in the U.S., aiming to spark interest in semiconductors and technology, and High Tech U has expanded across borders to reach students in Europe and Southeast Asia. Recently, young learners in Germany and Malaysia participated in the SEMI program, diving into circuits, coding, and connecting their learning to the ever-evolving semiconductor industry.One of the core goals of High Tech U is to empower educators and students with tools that make microelectronics accessible and engaging. Since 2022, thanks to support from sponsors like KLA, Nordson, Western Digital, STMicroelectronics, Applied Materials, Broadcom, Infineon, and Qorvo, the program has reached over 5,500 students across multiple states and countries.MichiganStudents in Ypsilanti creating circuits with various materials.In the summer of 2024, SEMI Foundation partnered with Toyota and Washtenaw Community College to provide a free three-day summer program at Parkridge Community Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Dozens of Ypsilanti middle school and elementary school students engaged in active, hands-on learning about circuits using everyday materials such as playdough, copper tape, and batteries. The students built basic circuits on paper, created light-up greeting cards, and sculpted figures illuminated with tiny LED bulbs. This learning opportunity taught students and their counselors how circuits and semiconductors are an integral part of everyday life.MalaysiaStudents, staff, and teachers from ST Muar GEMS program.In 2023, STMicroelectronics Muar sponsored High Tech U kits for local schools as part of their Girls in Engineering, Mathematics Science (GEMS) STEM Lab program. SEMI Foundation staff collaborated with the GEMS program and provided a live international train-the-trainer session where teachers familiarized themselves with the High Tech U kits and accompanying curriculum. This session ensured that STMicroelectronics partners from the Muar Primary School were prepared to implement the program and make the connections between student learning and the work of the microelectronics industry.The STMicroelectronics Muar GEMS program has since educated many students in the local area on circuits, coding, and the basics of semiconductors. This partnership continues to blossom as STMicroelectronics aims to expand the implementation of the successful GEMS program. Moving forward in 2024 and beyond, GEMS students will apply their newfound skills in a friendly competition to solve real-world problems, showcasing how knowledge of circuits and coding can make a difference in creating a better world.GermanyStudents from SEMI Europe’s inaugural High Tech U program in Berlin.The SEMI Europe team has also recently launched their first High Tech U program in partnership with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. Through a series of hands-on STEM activities, SEMI introduced a 4th-grade class in Germany to the fascinating world of microelectronics. Students were able to explore the fundamentals of coding and electronics through building a codable guitar using cardboard, aluminum foil, and electrical clips.The program continues to grow in Europe, providing students opportunities for interactive projects like crafting dice, programming melodies, and building smart sensors. The students’ enthusiasm and curiosity has shown the possibilities of engaging young minds in the world of microelectronics.Expanding Opportunities for Industry InvolvementSEMI invites you to take part in attracting, developing, and retaining the microelectronics talent of the future. Join us in this critical work while strengthening your company’s impact on your local communities. Learn more about High Tech U and opportunities for companies to get involved around the globe by contacting Bia Hamed at [email protected]. Berton Mahardja is the Director of Global Education Initiatives at SEMI Foundation. Prior to joining SEMI, Berton served in various roles across K-12 education. He is passionate about programs that support equitable industry access for students and adults.

The semiconductor industry, once a hidden force in technology, is now recognized as a pivotal driver of the modern economy. As the engine behind everything from smartphones to smart cities, semiconductors fuel innovation and shape how students learn, play, and engage with the world, making chips a crucial factor in shaping our collective future as the climate changes.In line with SEMI Sustainability Initiative participation at Climate Week NYC, we are preparing a groundbreaking pilot program at the intersection of youth empowerment, workforce development, and climate action. To help the semiconductor industry develop a climate-literate workforce, the SEMI Climate Equity Social Impact Working Group and the SEMI Foundation have partnered to develop a global K-12 program open to all SEMI members for participation and sponsorship. The program will share best practices and resources such as those that follow in this article.SEMI will announce the program at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024. SEMI members are encouraged to become partners and help shape the program ahead of COP29. Contact us to learn more and participate in the announcement.The Opportunity for Semiconductor Industry Climate Leadership It’s not enough for students to simply be aware of climate change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Awareness alone won’t protect communities or help solve the problems we may all face in the future. We must prepare the next generation to be climate-literate — providing them with the knowledge, tools, and skills to understand complex issues, work collaboratively across the globe, and develop practical, real-world solutions. With this foundation in place, young people become proactive global citizens with the skills to solve problems.The semiconductor industry doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel or build new networks to drive partnership at the intersection of sustainability and workforce development. Companies in our value chain are already well positioned to scale equitable opportunities, promote STEM and AI skills, and empower students to tackle real-world climate challenges as we help prepare them for future careers. Global networks of sustainable schools focused on climate action are well-established in key semiconductor regions. In Taiwan alone, over 330,000 students will participate this year.Sustainable schools networks engage teachers and students with programs that are fun, motivating, and spark curiosity by providing ownership over solving real-world challenges. These mostly free programs can also help drive gender and racial equity into the tech, science and engineering fields for communities and schools that might otherwise be left behind.Examples of programs with youth-designed climate actions are all around us. Students in one New Taipei City, Taiwan school conducted their own energy audits to reduce energy consumption in their medium-income community. Students in a North Pennsylvania, U.S. school of limited resources created a community garden that sparked interest in biodiversity and STEM.Our industry has a unique opportunity to tap into existing sustainable schools networks and help them grow, while amplifying youth-led climate action. These efforts will empower the next generation to drive meaningful change in their communities and inspire young people of every demographic to see the semiconductor industry as a place where they can build impactful careers.Leading the Way: Why the Semiconductor Industry is PivotalGiven the essential role of semiconductor companies in the global electronics design and manufacturing value chain, industry leaders have a unique opportunity to lead the way in cultivating a climate-literate generation of students for the future workforce. Early education on sustainability and technology integration is crucial, positioning leading companies and their partners to shape the emerging global workforce. The long-term semiconductor workforce development effort must cultivate global citizens who understand how to apply their skills in solving challenges. Opportunities for All Schools: Making Climate Education InclusiveWhile some high-resource schools may be able to integrate advanced environmental science and technology projects, it’s important to ensure that all students have access to meaningful climate learning opportunities. For example, students at schools with fewer resources can engage in projects like programming inexpensive micro:bit sensors to measure local water quality or sample moisture levels in their community gardens. Projects such as these are affordable, scalable, and can be implemented in any school, providing students with hands-on experience in environmental science and technology.More importantly, they build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that empower students to take ownership of climate issues affecting their communities.Additional powerful examples already in existence that provide a basis for scalable teaching, learning and partnership for schools globally include:1. Global Climate Pathways (GCP) is a program where various middle schools around the world work together to solve climate problems. Schools that participate receive learning opportunities and tangible STEM learning tools, including STEM kits. These innovative tools provide learning opportunities in coding and circuits.2. EcoSchools U.S. is a global sustainability education program run by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). This transformative program is student-led, integrating green STEM through project-based learning. It provides opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning by addressing real-world challenges, drives student and teacher engagement, and creates tangible sustainability impacts across school communities. EcoSchools US fosters the development of transferable skills highly valued by employers, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.3. Global Classroom Project is an initiative by Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, USA, designed to enhance students' global awareness and cultural understanding. It typically involves integrating international perspectives and global issues into the curriculum, promoting cross-cultural exchanges, and connecting students with peers from around the world.New Jersey Institute of Technology President Teik C. Lim hosts an exchange of Taiwan educators during their visit to advance global collaboration for students.A Common Ground for All Stakeholders: Education with a PurposeA challenge in K-12 engagement is the differing perspectives on its purpose among stakeholders. Companies in the semiconductor value chain may view this student outreach as a way to develop technical talent, while green nonprofits often emphasize climate education and sustainability.Bridging these perspectives requires building a platform that any classroom or school can access if they choose. Adopting a public-private partnership approach brings together corporate, government, and nonprofit stakeholders around a shared set of values. This collaborative effort aims to create opportunities and solutions for communities globally.By investing in early education, the semiconductor industry will not only prepare young people to tackle environmental and technical challenges but also ensure they are ready for future job opportunities and educational pathways. These efforts will help attract students to become part of an industry that values their contributions and future, shaping a workforce equipped to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving world.This is the moment for companies in the semiconductor value chain to lead by example, demonstrating their investment not just in technology but in the sustainability and health of our planet. By supporting K-12 education with a focus on climate literacy, international partnership, sustainability, and STEM, companies in our value chain can build a brighter, more sustainable future for us all—while ensuring that today’s students are prepared to address the challenges of tomorrow. Justin Harris is Senior Advisor for Climate Equity Social Impact at SEMI, Bia Hamed, Ph.D. is Program Manager, Global Education Initiatives at the SEMI Foundation, and Marley Hauser is senior coordinator for the Climate Equity Collaborative. Acknowledgements Partners We thank our first round of partners for the SEMI global K-12 climate engagement program for their contributions of time and thought leadership to this effort: SEMI members, Climate Equity Collaborative, National Wildlife Federation, ARCedTech, Fairfax County Public Schools, Kaohsiung City Education Bureau, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Taiwan Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Jersey for Schools, New Jersey Department of Education, Dr. Prabhakar Shrestha of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Dr. Tim Hsu of Global Environmental Enhancement (GEE) in Taiwan, New Jersey Audubon, and the students of NJIT and Readington Middle School in Whitehouse, New Jersey. Special thanks to Shari Liss, Vice President for Workforce Development at SEMI Foundation, and Dr. Mousumi Bhat, SEMI Vice President for Sustainability.

Jose Fernandez, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, sat down with Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas, for a fireside chat on the CEO Summit keynote stage at SEMICON West 2024. In the Securing Critical Supply Chains for the 21st Century discussion, Fernandez emphasized the need to form partnerships to address vulnerabilities as the key to creating stable supply chains. It’s important to band together, he said, to protect our standards, values, and democracy. Diversifying the Global Mineral Supply ChainBecause chip fabricators depend on minerals like germanium, gallium, arsenic, indium, and rare earth elements, he highlighted how imperative it is for the industry to access them sustainably. To accomplish this, he stressed the importance of protection against supply chain bottlenecks in the mineral market. “According to a number of experts, we’re going to need 42x the amount of lithium by 2050, 25x the amount of manganese, and 25x the amount of cobalt,” he said. “Those minerals are basically controlled by one country, and that's a vulnerability.”To address these concerns, he shared that the State Department is working to strengthen the upstream and downstream portions of the semiconductor value chain, with the goal of supporting economic security across the globe. Foreign export controls, he said, have led to supply chain disruptions of key minerals, and bans on rare earth elements, processing equipment, and other technologies. As evidence of the State Department’s efforts to diversify, he highlighted the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and its work to seek mineral alternatives. Led by the U.S., it currently includes 13 other countries plus the European Union. Partnership and Investment Opportunities To further secure the industry's supply chain, Fernandez discussed the State Department’s efforts to partner with mining countries with untapped semiconductor resources. These countries, he said, also want alternate options for securing critical minerals. Fernandez highlighted Latin America as a key nearshoring focus area, pointing to the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) as a solution for addressing obstacles to investment in the region. Obstacles, he said, include education levels, insecurity, and rule of law.To overcome such hurdles, he stressed the importance of fostering economic conditions that will attract investments, emphasizing the importance of workforce development initiatives and private sector involvement. “We don’t have enough trained workers in the U.S., and we certainly don’t have enough trained workers abroad,” he said. Fernandez shared that workforce development programs are being established through the U.S. Department of State International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, as well as private sector efforts and university partnerships. Currently, seven countries have been selected for ITSI funding, he said. “We’ve partnered with a number of universities to address the workforce gaps we see in our ITSI partners,” he said. “We’ve created workforce seminars, and we’re going to spend more time training the labor force.” These efforts supplement the work of the SEMI Foundation to develop a holistic workforce development program for the global semiconductor industry.Preventing Chips From Entering RussiaWith U.S. chips crossing into Russia through third parties, Stockunas asked Fernandez how the semiconductor industry could help address this. Despite existing sanctions against Russia, Fernandez shared that Russia still managed to import $1.7 billion worth of microchips from both the U.S. and Europe in 2023. To help slow this down, he highlighted additional due diligence for companies whose products often make their way into the country. The federal government, he said, speaks with these companies about complying beyond what the law requires.Fernandez shared that private sector cooperation with more stringent standards has been positive, noting that some companies have cut hundreds of distributors to further aid in prevention. In addition, he mentioned that sanctions have made a promising impact overall.“[Russia] has had to use outdated equipment, they’re engaging in counterfeiting, and they’re getting help from other countries,” he said. ​​Official SEMICON West Podcast In a podcast with Francoise von Trapp of 3D InCites recorded at SEMICON West, Fernandez discussed critical mineral partnerships, benefits and setbacks of regional supply chains, and chip sanctions against Russia. To learn more, check out the podcast interview with 3D InCites. SEMI Global AdvocacyDiscover how SEMI Global Advocacy Public Policy supports the microelectronics industry across trade, taxes, talent, and R D.John Cooney is Vice President of Global Advocacy and Public Policy at SEMI.

As more than 400 speakers took the stages at SEMICON West 2024, sustainability and workforce development stood out as two major focus areas. The second day of this year’s CEO Summit keynote program, themed Seizing the Global Opportunities and Challenges Ahead, featured sessions on both topics. One of the first sessions of the day was the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) panel discussion, titled Bracing for the Evolving Global Risk for the Semiconductor Ecosystem, moderated by Vice President of SEMI Global Sustainability Programs, Dr. Mousumi Bhat. Later that morning, Shari Liss, Vice President of SEMI Global Workforce Development Programs and Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation, moderated a fireside chat, Advocating for Real Change: Why Inclusion and Belonging Need to be Everyone’s Concern, with Sandra Mahadwar from KLA Corporation. Bhat and Liss were later interviewed for a podcast by Francoise von Trapp of 3D InCites to share additional insights on sustainability and workforce development, respectively. Bhat was also joined by Paul Kelly, COO of the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES). Creating a More Sustainable Semiconductor Industry During their interview, both Bhat and Kelly emphasized that the industry will need to reduce its use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to sustainably innovate at today’s nanometer pace. For this reason, Kelly highlighted the importance of learning to balance current production demands with the health of climate.To achieve this balance, they discussed the efforts of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC). Much of the SCC’s efforts, they said, will focus on driving the industry toward net zero emissions. SEMI and NY CREATES announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at SEMICON West 2024 to promote sustainable practices within the industry, with a focus on PFAS reduction. Kelly pointed to the ability of SCC members to test new materials, gases, and chemicals at NY CREATES’ R D facilities in upstate New York to work toward replacing PFAS with more sustainable alternatives. Bhat also shared that this collaboration helps facilitate prototyping, experimentation, and tests and measurements for newer, more sustainable substances.Dr. Mousumi Bhat of SEMI and Dave Anderson of NY CREATES celebrate their organizations’ sustainability MOU at SEMICON West 2024.“The thought leadership comes from the Consortium, and the support on infrastructure comes from NY CREATES,” said Bhat. “This should become a blueprint to solve some of the challenging problems that we have in our industry.” When it comes to reducing emissions, Bhat mentioned two key objectives. The first, she said, is access to clean energy, and the second is the reduction of greenhouse gases. Bhat cited these as the issues that will take the longest for the industry to solve and pointed to the importance of industry collaboration and partnerships to support the needed experimentation. But while partnerships will bring the industry closer to net zero, both Bhat and Kelly cautioned that it won’t be reached overnight. “Much more needs to be done in the industry to reach that net zero goal,” said Kelly. “New chip technologies, new chemicals, and new processes are very much large leaps to achieving that. But right now, even some of the most advanced will only reduce [emissions] by 70%.” To help bridge this gap, Bhat encouraged others to join and participate in the SCC. “Rather than everybody doing a one-to-one experimentation in their own space and spending those resources, I would like to invite anyone that's not part of the climate consortium,” she said. “And [I invite] those that are part of the climate consortium to engage more actively, so that we are all accelerating the journey toward net zero.” Addressing the Talent Shortage This year’s SEMICON West also featured five keynote sessions dedicated to workforce development, as well as a Workforce Development Pavilion that included several talks around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). With the estimated one million jobs the industry will need to fill by 2030, Liss shared that every role is needed – from entry level all the way to Ph.D. researchers. “We need to try and bring in as many people as we can over the next few years,” said Liss. “The talent shortage is a global issue, not just a U.S. one.” Shari Liss of SEMI moderated the fireside chat at SEMICON West 2024 with Sandra Mahadwar from KLA Corporation.To begin to close the talent gap, Liss stressed the importance of educating children about the semiconductor industry. “We are just invisible to kids,” she said. “In every part of the globe, they carry chips in their hands all day every day, and they don’t know. So to me, breaking that barrier and making sure kids know about our work as an industry is going to be so critical to making this successful.” Liss also highlighted differences in workforce development programs across the world, noting that what works in one region may not translate to another. For example, apprenticeships are widely embraced in Europe, she said, but they’re a fairly new practice in the U.S. Conversely, she shared that veteran-focused programs wouldn’t work for some regions, but they’re a “powerful win” in the U.S. Each SEMICON show across the world, she shared, includes similar workforce development and DEIB programming, in addition to targeted sessions for students and HR professionals. Companies can interview for open positions at SEMICON shows as well. To learn more about SEMI’s workforce development initiatives and programming, visit semi foundation.org, or check out this overview of DEIB content at SEMICON West 2024. Samer Bahou is director of Marketing Communications at SEMI.

SEMI was honored to welcome U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, Dr. Laurie E. Locascio, to the CEO Summit keynote stage at SEMICON West 2024 on Tuesday, July 9. Locascio, who also serves as the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), delivered her morning CHIPS Act Update keynote address to a packed room of over 1,000 attendees at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.During her address, Locascio emphasized how far the U.S. chip industry has progressed since 2021. “Prior to 2022 and the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, the U.S. produced 0% of the world's leading edge chips,” she said. “But now, after these proposed investments, we've changed the global landscape.”Industry Shifts from the CHIPS and Science ActDue to long delays and price increases resulting from supply chain vulnerabilities, Locascio shared that Congress began developing the CHIPS and Science Act with two key goals in mind. The first, she said, was to protect economic security, and the second, was to lower costs for American taxpayers. As part of the CHIPS and Science Act, CHIPS for America was established to advance semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. CHIPS for America encompasses two offices: The CHIPS Research and Development Office, as well as the CHIPS Program Office - both of which are responsible for implementing CHIPS and Science Act law.CHIPS for America, said Locascio, couldn’t be another procurement program. Instead, it needed to be a purpose-driven approach to build domestic manufacturing capacity. Locascio highlighted that CHIPS for America galvanized several experts from the federal government, R D, and other core areas to work together to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry and increase capacity. To achieve this, Locascio pointed to CHIPS for America’s $30 billion in proposed direct funding and $25 billion in proposed direct loans.Locascio also noted diversity of technology as being essential for the American chip industry, citing how Intel, Micron, TSMC, and Samsung have recently expanded in the U.S., with SK Hynix planning to build a fab and R D facility in Indiana. No other economy in the world, she said, has more than two of these companies producing leading edge chips on its shores.“The total public and private investment from our four, leading-edge companies will equal roughly $300 billion between now and the end of the decade, far and away the most investment in new production in the history of the U.S. semiconductor industry,” said Locascio. Industry Investments on the HorizonTo further aid these efforts, Locascio mentioned CHIPS for America’s notice of intent to invest $1.6 billion in an open competition to accelerate advanced packaging domestically and encourage innovation. Funding will be directed toward five key R D areas, including equipment tools, power delivery, connector technology, chiplets, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA), she said. Additionally, Locascio shared that CHIPS for America recently announced its first preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to support the upstream supply chain, and shared plans to announce several more PMTs in the future. Lastly, Locascio revealed that CHIPS for America plans to release a model and process for bringing new facilities to life, in partnership with the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). NSTC members, she said, will gain access to partnership funds and state-of-the-art facilities to support the U.S. semiconductor industry. “Across all these efforts, from manufacturing incentives to research funding, to workforce development efforts, the U.S. must cultivate and build our competitive assets to protect and grow our technological leadership,” said Locascio.In a podcast with Francoise von Trapp of 3D InCites recorded at SEMICON West, Locascio discussed her career background, CHIPS Act investments and the path forward for the semiconductor industry in the U.S. To learn more, check out the podcast interview with 3D InCites. SEMI Global AdvocacyDiscover how SEMI Global Advocacy Public Policy supports the microelectronics industry across trade, taxes, talent, and R D.John Cooney is Vice President of Global Advocacy and Public Policy at SEMI.

As the semiconductor industry works to attract talent to overcome its labor shortage, governments, educators, and the private sector must collaborate to make industry career opportunities more accessible for prospective employees. This concept provided the framework for a panel discussion during SEMI’s 35th annual Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference (ASMC) that took place in Albany, New York in mid-May.Despite extensive CHIPS and Science Act news coverage and escalating efforts to promote semiconductor career development initiatives, there’s still a tremendous amount of work to do, noted Fran Dillard, Vice President and Chief Diversity Inclusion Officer at Micron. “We're going to have to work to reduce barriers to this industry, and we have a chance to make a generational difference for American citizens,” she said. The panel, titled Talent Pipeline: Building a Sustainable and Diverse Semiconductor Workforce, featured Dillard and representatives from government and education who shared insights on growing the industry to fulfill unprecedented chip demand. Dillard was joined by Kylie Patterson, Chief Opportunity and Inclusion Officer at CHIPS for America; Kevin Younis, Chief Opportunity Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner at Empire State Development; and Hector M. Rodriguez, Ph.D., Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at Hudson Valley Community College. Shari Liss, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation, moderated the panel.Building the Future Together The need for extensive collaboration to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States fueled the discussion. Patterson explained that given current investments in the semiconductor industry, the U.S. must double its workforce and triple its graduates in technical and construction-related fields. Overall, she estimated the industry will need to train around 100,000 new technicians.To achieve these goals, Rodriguez said that representatives from GlobalFoundries, the New York State Department of Labor, State University of New York, Center for Economic Growth, and the National Institute for Innovation and Technology, meet monthly to discuss on-the-job training programs for high school graduates and General Educational Development (GED) holders. He explained that by frequently evaluating training programs, they can quickly adjust curriculums if results don’t meet expectations. Younis said that bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. creates a unique alignment of interests between the government and the private sector. He highlighted the opportunity to work together to build the country’s manufacturing capacity, citing Empire State Development and Micron’s Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund for Central New York as an example of public and private collaboration. Part of the fund, he explained, will go toward workforce development. “We can focus on succeeding, with everyone marching in the same direction,” he said. Tapping Underrepresented Populations To find the talent needed to sustain the pace of semiconductor innovation, the panel stressed the importance of attracting people from all backgrounds and exposing them to the industry earlier in life. Dillard pointed out that women account for just 10-15% of workers in technical roles, and that percentage is even lower for people of color. “If we’re going to resource the semiconductor industry over the next 10-20 years, we’ve got to bring everyone with us,” she said.Helping those from underrepresented communities overcome barriers like limited access to childcare and transportation is important, said Rodriguez. He noted that wraparound services can be essential for transitioning these individuals into industry careers. Younis also highlighted Empire State Development’s One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) program, which will help provide these services in Upstate New York. If we’re going to get the people the industry needs, we must look for every opportunity, Rodriguez said, as they need to see that a great job is on the other side of the fence. Patterson said schoolchildren should be exposed to the semiconductor industry at a younger age, particularly girls and those from underrepresented groups. She cited a study about LEGO blocks, explaining that when the toy is introduced in primary school, boys are often excited, but girls are generally uncomfortable. “This is an example of the role of exposure,” she said. “If you’re not exposed to something, you have a lack of comfort, and that lack of comfort means you also have a lack of persistence to arrive at a level of competence.” Retaining the WorkforceAs an example of how to retain employees, Dillard pointed to the success of Micron’s Employee Resource Groups, as evidenced by the company’s internal data. These groups offer space for Micron’s underrepresented populations to connect with peers from similar backgrounds. Currently, the company has 10 groups, including groups for veterans, women, disabled employees, racial groups, and others. Diversity within leadership was also noted as key for retaining employees. Rodriguez said that when employees see people from similar backgrounds to their own in leadership roles, those employees are more likely to stay with those companies. Leadership training around psychological safety and working cross-culturally was also mentioned, with Dillard highlighting the importance of developing leaders that value inclusion. The cyclical nature of the industry was addressed during the Q A as a reason people may not stay long-term. Part of the solution, Patterson said, is to be transparent about market challenges and the importance of having a few months’ worth of savings. When employees encounter market challenges, they may be forced to switch industries if they don’t have savings to cover them. “There’s a role for us to be playing when it comes to supporting the financial literacy of our employees,” she said. View the full 2024 panel discussion to learn more. Additional ASMC 2024 HiglightsASMC 2024 featured keynotes by thought leaders from IBM, Wolfspeed, and Semiconductor Advisors. ASMC is the leading international technical conference for discussing solutions that improve the collective manufacturing expertise of the semiconductor industry. Solving the challenges presented by semiconductor manufacturing is a combined effort by device makers, equipment and materials suppliers, and academics. ASMC provides a platform for semiconductor professionals to network and learn the latest in the practical application of advanced manufacturing strategies and methodologies. Technical presentations at ASMC highlight industry innovations with specific results and select ASMC manuscripts are published in the ASMC Special Section of IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing.Krish Raghunath is Sr. Specialist for Conferences Committees at SEMI Americas.

TSMC’s Kumamoto plant is a turning point. Players across the Taiwan semiconductor supply chain are sure to follow by establishing operations in Japan to develop new markets, partnerships and customers.