ITE Forges Strategic MOU Alliances with Four Major Semiconductor Entities in Singapore to Nurture Talent Pipeline for the Semiconductor Industry

To enhance students’ training in microelectronics and develop talents for the semiconductor industry, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) will sign four separate Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with major semiconductor entities on 24 January 2024 at ITE College Central. The MOU signing ceremony will coincide with the ‘Electronics Industry Day 2024’ organised by Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) which is officiated by Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The distinguished parties entering into respective MOU with ITE are:

• GlobalFoundries Singapore Pte Ltd;

• A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME);

• Micron Technology; and

• STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd

Ms Low Khah Gek, Chief Executive Officer of ITE will represent ITE to sign the four MOU. The MOU signatories will be Mr Tan Yew Kong, Senior Vice President and General Manager, GlobalFoundries Singapore Pte Ltd; Mr Terence Gan, Executive Director, A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME); Mr Chen Kok Sing, Corporate Vice President & Singapore Country Manager, Micron Technology; and Mr Bertrand Stoltz, Executive Vice President - Finance, Global Shared Service and Systems & Asia Public Affairs, STMicroelectronics.

MOS Alvin Tan, Mr Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director, SSIA; and Mr Andrew Chong, Chairman, ITE Board of Governors will the standing witnesses at the MOU signing ceremony.

Each three-year MOU will unlock opportunities for student internships, staff attachments and joint projects, fostering a symbiotic relationship between ITE and these leading semiconductor entities. ITE’s collaborations with A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd respectively share a common focus on developing Virtual Reality (VR) training packages and simulations. The aim is to enhance students' comprehension of semiconductor equipment maintenance and manufacturing processes. Through individual partnerships with these two organisations, ITE is committed to utilise VR technology to enable immersive learning experiences for its students. Meanwhile, GlobalFoundries Singapore Pte Ltd, Micron Technology and STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd will continue to support ITE’s Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) programme by mentoring and preparing WSDip trainees to excel in the semiconductor industry. 

ITE's success in curriculum design and the launch of the WSDip programmes have been made possible through active industry partnerships. The strong backing from the semiconductor industry has been instrumental in the successful execution of the Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) in Microelectronics course since its inception in 2019. The WSDip in Microelectronics is offered at ITE College Central to graduates of ITE Nitec/Higher Nitec courses and in-service employees nominated by their existing employers. This unique apprenticeship-based programme allows ITE graduates to gain a head start in their career while pursuing a nationally-recognised diploma. It also serves as a valuable resource for in-service workers seeking skill upgrades.

Under the WSDip curriculum, 70 to 80 per cent of the training is conducted at the workplace while the remaining 20 to 30 per cent takes place on ITE campus. Trainees benefit from hands-on experience through on-the-job training with industry experts, complemented by insights from ITE lecturers, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Notably, 90 per cent of ITE WSDip graduates continued their careers in the industry they were trained for, underscoring the programme's success in aligning skills with industry needs. This remarkable achievement is testament to the collaborative efforts of forward-thinking companies embracing a synergistic approach to nurturing a skilled talent pool through the WSDip programme. 

Organised by SSIA, the ‘Electronics Industry Day’ is the largest student outreach platform for the semiconductor industry in Singapore, garnering support from nearly every major semiconductor company. This year’s theme, “Nurturing Brilliance in the Semiconductor Universe” shines a spotlight on the industry’s most valuable asset: its people. This theme underscores the pivotal role of people in every circuit, every breakthrough, and every stride towards a future defined by technological excellence and global impact. Thirty-two semiconductor companies will set up exhibitions and booths to showcase the future of technology and share the abundant career prospects available in this industry. Some 2000 participants, including students from Institute of Higher Learning (IHLs), secondary schools and industry professionals, are expected to attend this event. More information can be found at SSIA Electronics Industry Day - SSIA

Details on the programme can be found in Annex A.

Annex A

Electronics Industry Day 2024

Date:    Wednesday, 24 January 2024
Time:    9 am – 5pm
Venue:  illuminITE Theatre at Block A, Level 2 and Tay Eng Soon Convention Centre at Block A, Level 4, ITE
Address: 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive, Singapore 567720

Programme

*The Semiconductor Active Youth (SAY) Programme facilitates mentoring sessions between representatives from major companies and selected youth ambassadors. The aim is for youth ambassadors to encourage more of their peers to join the semiconductor sector upon graduation.