KLA Corporation, a US-based semiconductor process control and process-enabling technology firm, has announced the opening of its new R&D and Innovation Hub in Chennai.The ₹300 crore facility, spread across 3,11,000-square-feet, has been designed to accommodate up to 1,300 employees, expanding the company’s regional AI and software development capabilities and driving increased collaboration and innovation across R&D, engineering and product support functions.Also readThe opening was attended by Amitesh Kuma ...

越通社12月8日报道，越南军队电信工业集团（Viettel）近日与河内国家大学所属自然科学大学合 作开办半导体芯片制造工程师培训项目，首期培训班为Viettel半导体中心芯片制造部门20名工程师。在 近300小时学时中，学员们不仅要掌握理论基础，还需熟练掌握使用半导体行业现代化设备。 Viettel集团副总裁阮武河表示，集团受国防部指派，实施半导体芯片制造工程师培训项目，以为越 南首个半导体芯片厂准备人才。建芯片厂不仅是一个技术项目，更是国家掌握战略技术的务实举措。该 厂将使越南缩短从实验室到现实的距离，助力科学家、初创企业和科技企业将研究成果和创意转化为产 品，推动构建越南半导体生态系统，为本土工程师提供培训和成长的机会。 （原标题：Viettel集团为越南首个半导体芯片厂准备人才） ...

Core Insights - Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with representatives from the global semiconductor association (SEMI) and member companies during the 2025 Vietnam International Semiconductor Exhibition, emphasizing Vietnam's commitment to developing its semiconductor industry [1][2] - Vietnam aims to establish its first semiconductor chip manufacturing plant by next year and has implemented a semiconductor industry development strategy, including a human resources development plan [1] - The government is focused on creating a conducive investment environment, enhancing administrative reforms, and developing infrastructure to support the semiconductor ecosystem [2] Group 1 - Vietnam has announced a semiconductor industry development strategy and plans to establish its first semiconductor chip manufacturing plant by next year [1] - The government is encouraging SEMI and global semiconductor companies to invest in Vietnam, aiming for comprehensive development in research, design, manufacturing, and production [1] - Vietnam is committed to training high-quality human resources and integrating local companies into the global semiconductor value chain [1] Group 2 - The government plans to improve regulatory frameworks and streamline administrative processes, including the establishment of a national investment one-stop portal [2] - There is a focus on developing infrastructure that is modern and efficient to meet the demands of the semiconductor industry [2] - Representatives from the semiconductor industry expressed their desire to continue investing in Vietnam and suggested the formation of a Vietnam Semiconductor Association to facilitate collaboration among government, businesses, and research institutions [2]

Core Insights - Infineon Technologies has finalized an agreement to transfer its backend manufacturing facility in Thailand to Malaysia Pacific Industries (MPI), along with a long-term supply agreement, enhancing collaboration on innovative packaging solutions [2][3] Group 1: Company Strategy - The transfer of the facility is part of Infineon's strategy to strengthen its presence in Thailand's growing semiconductor ecosystem, leveraging reliable suppliers and partners [3] - Infineon plans to launch a new advanced backend wafer fab in North Bangkok by January 2025, which will complement the partnership with MPI and optimize overall manufacturing layout [3][4] Group 2: Operational Impact - MPI will continue to develop its existing high-performance factory, which offers a wide range of standard packaging products for automotive, connectivity, and IoT solutions [3] - The new backend factory in North Bangkok is set to focus on frame power modules and wafer testing, with the first building expected to be operational by 2026 [4] Group 3: Long-term Value Creation - The acquisition is seen as a key step in MPI's strategic growth plan, aiming to enhance long-term value for all stakeholders involved [2][3] - Both companies express commitment to exploring synergies and developing solutions that will lead to mutually beneficial opportunities in the future [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The Indian government has approved semiconductor projects that will produce over 24 billion chips annually, with more projects in the pipeline [2][3] Group 1: Government Initiatives - The Indian government has approved six semiconductor projects, including a wafer manufacturing plant by Tata Electronics and five packaging plants [2] - Tata's wafer plant is expected to produce 50,000 wafers per month, while the five packaging plants will collectively produce 24 billion chips annually [2] - A total of 760 billion rupees (approximately 9.1 billion USD) has been allocated to support the development of India's semiconductor ecosystem [3] Group 2: Long-term Vision - India aims to be a long-term player in the semiconductor industry, emphasizing that semiconductor business is not a short-term endeavor [2] - The government assures that policies will remain consistent to support the entire ecosystem's development [2] Group 3: Collaboration and Research - The Indian government is seeking support from German semiconductor companies to enhance manufacturing activities in India [3] - There are opportunities for collaboration in high-tech research, particularly in materials research and the development of two-dimensional materials like graphene [3] - Two-dimensional materials have the potential to produce chips that are more than ten times smaller than current silicon-based chips [3] Group 4: Global Supply Chain Positioning - India positions itself as a reliable participant in the global supply chain, with transparent policies [3] - The Indian Prime Minister has expressed the intention for India to contribute positively to global development in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing [3]

Core Viewpoint - India is making bold moves to become a major player in the global semiconductor industry, driven by the desire for economic growth, technological independence, and enhanced national security [1]. Group 1: Need for a Strong Semiconductor Industry - India currently relies on imports for over 90% of its semiconductor needs, which poses risks such as vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and impacts on national security [2]. - The country aims to build a self-sufficient semiconductor ecosystem to mitigate these risks and meet the growing demand [2]. Group 2: Government Initiatives - The Indian government is implementing the "India Semiconductor Mission" (ISM), a $10 billion initiative aimed at creating a robust ecosystem for chip manufacturing and design [3]. - This initiative is supported by other programs like the "Production Linked Incentive" (PLI) and "Design Linked Incentive" (DLI) to encourage investment in India [3]. Group 3: Progress and Investments - Major companies are beginning to invest significantly in semiconductor manufacturing and packaging in India, such as Tata Group's collaboration with Taiwan's PSMC to build a chip factory worth ₹91,000 crore [4]. - Micron Technology is investing $2.75 billion to establish an assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) facility [5]. - Other companies like Adani Group, HCL-Foxconn, and global tech giants are also launching similar projects in India [6]. Group 4: Opportunities - Global trends are aiding India's semiconductor ambitions, including the establishment of chip manufacturing units, enhancement of design and packaging capabilities, and the creation of technology jobs [7]. - The need for supply chain diversification due to global tensions and U.S.-China tech competition positions India as a reliable partner with a large talent pool and a rapidly growing tech market [8]. Group 5: Challenges - India faces significant challenges, including a lack of advanced chip manufacturing facilities and a complete supply chain, particularly in wafer production and lithography [9]. - Infrastructure gaps, such as the need for ultra-pure water and stable electricity, hinder progress, along with the high costs of building fabs and a shortage of skilled professionals in microelectronics and materials science [9]. - Environmental concerns related to energy consumption and waste generation in chip manufacturing also pose challenges [9].

Core Viewpoint - Bangladesh aims to become a significant player in the global semiconductor ecosystem by developing a roadmap focusing on skill development, business environment, and policy support [3][4]. Group 1: Roadmap and Strategy - The semiconductor working group in Bangladesh has outlined a roadmap that includes training programs, virtual certification portals, and high-tech laboratories to build a skilled workforce in chip design and testing [3]. - The plan suggests financial incentives, streamlined customs processes, and dedicated zones in high-tech parks to attract investors and startups [3][6]. - The working group emphasizes the importance of international partnerships and joint ventures to leverage talent, technology, and markets [3][5]. Group 2: Opportunities and Challenges - There are significant opportunities in design services, chip testing, and packaging, which are seen as the fastest entry points into the semiconductor industry [5]. - The group anticipates that if their recommendations are implemented, Bangladesh could transition from a marginal player to a strong competitor in the global semiconductor value chain [5][9]. - However, challenges remain, including the need for substantial investment to establish semiconductor manufacturing facilities, which could require up to $12 billion [8]. Group 3: Talent Development - The goal is to train 4,000 to 5,000 engineers annually by 2030 to address the semiconductor talent gap [7]. - Short-term strategies include online learning, industry-led projects, and university collaborations to accelerate skills in chip design, validation, and testing [7]. - The working group highlights the importance of policy stability and ongoing commitment to ensure Bangladesh's position in a projected $1 trillion market by 2030 [7]. Group 4: Industry Support and Growth - Local companies are encouraged to expand operations with government support, including financial assistance like soft loans or grants [7][8]. - The CEO of a leading semiconductor design company in Bangladesh expressed readiness to grow their team from 500 to 1,000 engineers with appropriate support [8]. - The focus will be on consolidating Bangladesh's position in design services and less capital-intensive segments of the value chain [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Indian government is focusing on the Northeast region as a significant hub for semiconductor manufacturing and renewable energy, with plans to enhance infrastructure and attract investments in these sectors [1][2]. Group 1: Semiconductor Industry - Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will soon receive its first "Made in India" chip from a semiconductor plant in the Northeast region, highlighting its growing importance in the semiconductor ecosystem [1]. - Tata Group has initiated the construction of a semiconductor factory in Assam with a total investment of 270 billion rupees [1]. - The government is promoting investments in solar components, batteries, energy storage, and R&D, emphasizing the need for substantial funding in these future-oriented sectors [1]. Group 2: Infrastructure Development - Modi emphasized that robust infrastructure, including roads, power supply, and logistics networks, is essential for trade and industry growth, marking the beginning of an infrastructure revolution in the Northeast [2]. - Over the past decade, the Northeast has seen the construction of 11,000 kilometers of new highways and extensive railway development [2]. - The trade potential of the Northeast is expected to multiply in the next decade, with current trade with ASEAN nearing 1.25 billion USD, projected to exceed 200 billion USD in the coming years [2]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Gautam Adani announced an additional investment of 500 billion rupees in the Northeast over the next ten years, building on a previous commitment of the same amount for Assam [2]. - Mukesh Ambani stated that Reliance Industries has invested approximately 300 billion rupees in the region over the past 40 years, with plans to double this investment to 750 billion rupees in the next five years [2].

Core Viewpoint - The Indian government is preparing for the next phase of its semiconductor initiative, "Semiconductor 2.0," aiming to achieve a 5% share of global semiconductor chip production by the end of 2030, with a commitment of $10 billion in incentives for semiconductor manufacturing and related companies [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Challenges - India's semiconductor industry is growing but faces significant challenges, including an underdeveloped supply chain, a shortage of skilled manufacturing talent, global competition, and rapid technological advancements [1][2]. - Key raw materials necessary for chip manufacturing, such as silicon wafers, high-purity gases, specialty chemicals, and ultra-pure water, are in limited supply, posing a major challenge [1][3]. Group 2: Skills Development and Competition - Despite having nearly 20% of the global semiconductor design workforce, India still lacks the specialized skills required for semiconductor manufacturing and testing [2]. - The Indian government is prioritizing the development of a complete semiconductor supply chain, including chemicals, gases, and equipment, to reduce reliance on imports [2]. Group 3: Investment and Market Demand - The Indian government is taking measures to attract investment through substantial incentives, which is crucial for initiating semiconductor manufacturing projects [2][3]. - The success of India's semiconductor industry will depend on ensuring long-term domestic and export market demand for chips [2]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements is another significant challenge, as global semiconductor companies are continuously pushing the limits of chip miniaturization [3]. - Despite these challenges, India's semiconductor industry has growth potential, supported by government backing, industry collaboration, and research and development investments [3].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of advanced semiconductor design centers in India, focusing on 3nm chip design, marks a significant milestone in enhancing India's semiconductor innovation capabilities and positions the country as a leader in the global semiconductor landscape [1][3]. Group 1: Semiconductor Design Centers - The new design centers in Noida and Bangalore, inaugurated by Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, are dedicated to cutting-edge 3nm chip design, representing a new frontier in semiconductor technology [1]. - The Indian government is actively promoting the development of semiconductor design centers to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem [3]. Group 2: Education and Talent Development - A new semiconductor learning kit has been launched to enhance the hardware practical skills of engineering students, with over 270 academic institutions already receiving advanced EDA software tools [3]. - The integration of software and hardware learning is aimed at cultivating industry-ready engineers, emphasizing long-term talent development alongside infrastructure investment [3]. Group 3: Industry Growth and Demand - The semiconductor industry in India is poised for exponential growth due to increasing demand from various sectors, including smartphones, laptops, servers, medical devices, defense equipment, and automotive electronics [4]. - The CEO of Renesas Electronics highlighted India's strategic importance for the company, focusing on expanding end-to-end semiconductor capabilities and supporting over 250 academic institutions and startups through government-backed initiatives [4].