Phl semicon industry to benefit from US-funded program

The Philippines is among the countries selected for a $13.8-million program funded by the United States to expand and develop the workforce, as well as improve the regulatory environment to support the growth of the semiconductor industry.

In a press conference, US embassy deputy chief of mission Y. Robert Ewing said the Philippines was selected along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia and Vietnam for the program of the Arizona State University (ASU) to help enhance these countries' semiconductor chip assembly, testing and packaging (ATP) operations.

"1 "The program here has a goal of workforce development and reducing regulations that hinder ATP expansion,' Ewing said.

The funding program is part of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act.

According to Ewing, ASU was awarded $13.8 million to implement the program under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund worth $500 million provided under the CHIPS Act.