Thailand's semiconductor industry: Poised for global growth

Thailand has the potential to become a significant player in the semiconductor industry through the relocation of production facilities and increased investments. The country’s strategic geographical location, coupled with its robust infrastructure and workforce, provides a competitive advantage for the semiconductor industry.

"Thailand’s chip industry has the potential for further advancement as a new global production supply chain takes shape, with several production facilities expected to relocate to Thailand,” said SEMI Southeast Asia President Linda Tan. 

“However, Thai players must embrace change and implement strategies such as establishing collaborations, seeking joint venture opportunities, strengthening production capabilities, and promoting workforce skills development to align with the future demands in the semiconductor industry,” Tan said.

“SEMI Southeast Asia believes that collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to drive sustainable growth in the electronics ecosystem,” Tan said. “By leveraging the expertise and resources available within the broader Southeast Asia region, Thai players can enhance their competitiveness and contribute to the collective advancement of the industry.”

To facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing, SEMI Southeast Asia invites semiconductor players in Thailand to participate in SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024, the industry’s premier global electronics manufacturing and supply chain event. 

Scheduled to take place in MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 28-30, the event will bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across Southeast Asia to discuss the latest trends, developments, and opportunities shaping the future of the semiconductor industry. 

Themed Boosting Agility and Resiliency of the Global Electronics Supply Chain, SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024 will delve into critical areas driving the semiconductor industry including sustainability, smart manufacturing, and workforce development. The event will feature more than 500 exhibiting companies and more than 1,000 booths, doubling participation from last year’s exhibition and conference. Registration is open.

William John Nelson, President & CEO of United Test and Assembly Centre and SEMI Board Member, said “Thailand has experienced remarkable growth in the electronics market, driven by its strategic location, skilled workforce, and proactive government support. Thailand offers unparalleled opportunities for semiconductor and electronics companies to thrive. With a growing demand for advanced electronics and increasing investments in semiconductor manufacturing, Thailand stands as a beacon of opportunity for players seeking expansion in the Southeast Asia region. I encourage my industry peers to participate in SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024 to come together, exchange ideas, and capitalize on the vast potential this dynamic market presents.”

Chanin Kaochan, Former Deputy Secretary General of Thailand Board of Investment and the Honorary Advisor of Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA), said “Thailand has made remarkable strides in the electronics industry, particularly in establishing itself as a prime destination for investment. Last year alone, Thailand welcomed significant investments from over 40 PCB maker companies, many of which are ranked among the world's top 100. Thailand also recorded a total investment of 800 billion baht in semiconductor production in 2023, signalling a strong growth trajectory in the sector. The expansion capacity of chip manufacturing companies further underscores Thailand's commitment to driving innovation and growth in the electronics sector. With such momentum, the coming year promises even greater opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on Thailand's thriving electronics industry. I urge industry players to attend SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024 to explore the potential of Thailand’s electronics ecosystem.”

“Thailand possesses all the historical determinants of success, which include scale and the ability to innovate rapidly,” Linda Tan said. “We believe that collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia. Through events like SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024, we aim to create a platform for industry players to come together, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful partnerships that will drive innovation, growth, and sustainability across the region.” 

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024 Highlights
 
•    Global pavilions from leading semiconductor regions such as China, Europe, Malaysia, Netherlands, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

•    Business and Innovation pavilions focused on Workforce Development, [email protected] and Sourcing Malaysia @ SEMICON SEA 2024

•    New programmes such as the Semiconductor Regional HR Forum, TechIDOL Competition, Chiplet and Heterogeneous Integration Summit. Two new roundtable discussions – Forging Forward: Strengthening Malaysia's Position in the Global E&E Value Chain and COLLABORATE@Southeast Asia

•    Diverse forums focusing on Market and Industry Trends, Sustainability, Chiplet and Heterogeneous Integration Summit, Advanced Product Testing Forum, and Smart Initiatives such as Smart MedTech, Smart Mobility, and Smart Enterprise 

•    CxO Summit-themed Boosting Agility and Resiliency of the Global Electronics Supply Chain

•    Workforce development featuring a career fair and expert presentations

•    Industry Gala Night for attendees to connect with industry leaders and experts and network to establish new connections 

•    Prestigious Industry Leader Award and Emerging Young Leader Award

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024 is made possible by strategic partnerships with the Invest Selangor, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)